Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Drakan: Order of the Flame delivers a dynamic blend of ground-based combat and dragon-riding aerial battles, offering two distinct playstyles that keep each hour feeling fresh. As Rynn, players engage in visceral swordplay, deft archery, and occasional magic spells, weaving through enemy hordes with responsive, if occasionally stiff, controls. When mounted on Arokh, the game shifts into three-dimensional dogfights among soaring peaks and fortress battlements, utilizing the dragon’s fiery breath and sharp talons to devastating effect.

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The seamless transition between indoor dungeons and sprawling outdoor landscapes is a standout feature of the game’s engine. Whether you’re trekking through dank caverns, scaling ancient towers, or gliding above verdant valleys, the world never pauses or loads—keeping immersion intact. Enemy variety—from agile Wartocks to venomous spiders and elusive scavengers—ensures each encounter feels unique, often requiring you to adapt tactics on the fly.

Puzzle elements and light platforming further enrich the experience. Lock-and-key doors, pressure plates, and environmental traps demand attention and reward exploration, while treasure caches and hidden scrolls encourage backtracking with Arokh in tow. Boss fights, particularly those against rival war mages or colossal beasts, cap off each major chapter with memorable, climactic showdowns.

Graphics

For its era, Drakan boasts impressive visuals that still hold a certain nostalgic charm. The outdoor vistas—from misty mountain ridges to sun-dappled forests—are rendered with lush textures and vibrant color palettes. Dynamic lighting and volumetric fog enhance atmospheric moments, lending grandeur to dawn patrols on Arokh’s back or moonlit infiltration missions.

Character and creature models are well-crafted, with detailed armor pieces, flowing fabrics, and realistic dragon scales. Arokh’s animations, in particular, shine when he unfurls his wings or unleashes a torrent of flame, complete with convincing smoke and particle effects. While some repetitive texture work can be spotted on corridor walls or ground tiles, these minor shortcomings never detract significantly from the overall visual spectacle.

Indoor arenas—ruined temples, labyrinthine catacombs, and Navros’s ominous strongholds—are richly designed, with crumbling pillars, arcane sigils, and flickering torchlight. The game’s ability to stream seamlessly between these enclosed spaces and expansive exteriors underscores the technical ambition of Surreal Software’s engine, even if occasional pop-in or frame dips appear on less powerful hardware.

Story

Drakan’s narrative is steeped in classic high-fantasy lore. Centuries ago, humanity and dragons clashed until the Order of the Flame forged an alliance, ushering in an age of peace and magical enlightenment. When the war mage Navros betrayed that fragile harmony and unleashed the Dark Union’s monstrosities, it took the selfless sacrifice of Arokh and his kin to push evil back into slumber. Rynn’s awakening to a village laid to waste and her brother’s kidnapping propels her into a destiny intertwined with the very dragon she once revered in legend.

Rynn and Arokh share a compelling bond that evolves naturally over the course of the quest. Early interactions are tentative, marked by cautious cooperation, but gradually give way to mutual trust and camaraderie. Character development shines through in evocative cutscenes and in-game dialogue, revealing Rynn’s resilient spirit and Arokh’s ancient wisdom. The game balances these personal moments with broader political intrigue as you uncover Navros’s dark schemes and rally allies to your cause.

While the primary storyline remains focused and linear, side missions and optional lore tablets expand the world-building in satisfying ways. Voice acting ranges from earnest to melodramatic—typical of the era—but the emotional beats land effectively. Overall, the narrative pacing complements the gameplay, offering both epic set pieces and quieter moments of reflection.

Overall Experience

Drakan: Order of the Flame stands out as an ambitious action-adventure that successfully marries swords-and-sorcery combat with exhilarating dragonflight. Despite its age, the combination of tight mechanics, memorable locales, and the Rynn–Arokh partnership delivers a sense of scale and wonder that remains engaging for modern audiences. The game’s seamless world streaming and varied enemy roster further bolster its enduring appeal.

Replayability is bolstered by hidden collectibles, secret areas only reachable by skilled dragon pilots, and optional difficulty modes that challenge veteran players. While the camera can sometimes struggle in tight corridors or rapid aerial maneuvers, and collision detection feels dated by today’s standards, these quirks are easily forgiven when weighed against the game’s high points.

For action-adventure fans who relish a strong heroine, mythical beasts, and sprawling environments to explore, Drakan offers a richly rewarding journey. Its fusion of ground combat, flight sequences, and engaging story make it a memorable title worth seeking out, whether you’re reliving a classic or discovering this hidden gem for the first time.

Retro Replay Score

8/10