Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Gorasul: The Legacy of the Dragon delivers a classic isometric role-playing experience rooted in real-time-with-pause combat. Players guide Roszondas—newly reborn with the soul of a dragon’s protégé—through diverse environments teeming with undead and monstrous foes. Combat allows strategic pauses to issue commands to up to three AI companions, configure spell rotations, and manage consumables, giving veterans of Baldur’s Gate and its ilk a familiar yet distinct tactical rhythm.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

What sets Gorasul apart is its dragon-magic system and the living weapon mechanics. As Roszondas levels up, he gains access to elemental breath attacks, draconic shields, and mobility spells that can shift the tide of battle. Meanwhile, the sentient weapon you choose at character creation not only gains attributes but also develops an “Ego” meter. High ego can unlock devastating special attacks, though an overconfident blade may occasionally refuse orders or demand different tactics—injecting unpredictability into even routine encounters.

The quest structure balances mainstory objectives—such as reclaiming your tower from waves of zombies—with side journeys to aid NPCs or uncover hidden lore. While fetch quests appear occasionally, most missions tie into the world’s draconic history or Roszondas’s past life. Inventory management remains straightforward, yet the depth of character builds and equipment upgrades encourages multiple playthroughs and experimentation with hybrid melee/magic styles.

Graphics

Visually, Gorasul embraces early-2000s RPG aesthetics with pre-rendered backgrounds and detailed 2D sprites. Environments range from mossy dungeons and sunlit glades to the shadow-cloaked halls of your reclaimed tower. Though the resolution and animation frame rates reflect the era’s limitations, the game still conveys a strong sense of atmosphere, especially when dragon magic lights up the screen in vivid blues and fiery reds.

Character and creature designs showcase artistically distinct silhouettes: skeletal zombies shuffle with jerky menace, while larger beasts like dire wolves and elementals boast fluid attack animations. Spell and breath effects feature glowing particle bursts that, while simple by modern standards, remain visually satisfying within the game’s artistic palette. Occasional texture repetition can occur in larger maps, but the overall art direction keeps exploration engaging.

The user interface emphasizes clarity over flashiness. Action bars, character sheets, and inventory panels are laid out intuitively, allowing quick access to spells, potions, and companion commands. Although you cannot resize the UI, the text and icons remain legible even on higher-resolution displays. Minor graphical hiccups, such as infrequent clipping or pop-in of distant objects, do little to dampen the game’s nostalgic charm.

Story

At its core, Gorasul weaves a mythic tale of rebirth and vengeance. You begin as Roszondas—the reincarnation of a dragon-reared hero—awakening in your tower besieged by zombies. This personal stake immediately draws players into a quest for self-rediscovery, as you piece together fragments of your former life and the ancient draconic wisdom that once guided you.

NPC interactions offer glimpses into the world’s lore: villagers recount tales of a benevolent dragon who safeguarded the land, while war-weary mercenaries discuss the rising tide of darkness. Though dialogue can sometimes lean on genre tropes, key sequences—such as recalling memories of your dragon mentor or confronting corrupted kin—deliver genuine emotional weight. Side characters, from a snarky ranger to a remorseful necromancer, enrich the narrative tapestry and invite meaningful choices.

The pacing of the main plot balances moments of high-stakes action with quieter explorations of your tower and dragon heritage. While certain subplots wrap up predictably, the overarching theme of legacy—both human and draconic—remains compelling. A final confrontation that melds your martial prowess with ancient magic provides a satisfying payoff that honors the game’s title and the bond between hero and dragon.

Overall Experience

Gorasul: The Legacy of the Dragon stands as a heartfelt tribute to classic Western RPGs, blending solid mechanics with a distinctive dragon-influenced twist. Its depth of character customization and the unpredictable nature of the Ego-driven weapon system keep combat fresh, while an earnest storyline anchors your journey through dark ruins and enchanted forests.

Technical rough edges—such as dated graphics at times and occasional load-time pauses—are outweighed by the game’s strengths: strategic real-time-with-pause battles, a rich magic system, and memorable companions. Fans of party-based RPGs will appreciate the clear UI, customizable AI tactics, and the satisfying progression of both Roszondas and his legendary blade.

Whether you’re drawn by the promise of wielding draconic power or simply seeking a challenging isometric adventure, Gorasul delivers an engaging experience that rewards exploration and thoughtful play. Its blend of nostalgia and unique mechanics ensures that the legacy you forge will echo long after the final credits roll.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10