Following in the footsteps of Panzer Dragoon '95, a milestone for Sega and perhaps the greatest 3-D shooter of 1995, Panzer Dragoon Zwei proves itself a worthy successor with much of the same frantic action and then some. Team Andromedia with Sega CS verify to all skeptics that the Saturn has no issue pulling off insane 3-D imagery with masterful animations, transparency effects, a thankful lack of pop-in, and the best 32-Bit backgrounds and landscapes yet seen on Saturn. It all begins with an eye-popping opening cinema with excellent computer graphics that effortlessly draws the player into the captivating, suspenseful world of PD. Your main character rides a dragon through the blazing skies as in the original, but now your sharp-toothed ally begins as a hatchling and steadily evolves into a mature, deadly beast capable of emitting a dazzling barrage shot.

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The overall nature of Zwei is not too unchanged from the first game - Shooter gameplay on guided pathways, assisted by a multi-directional camera and a rockin' targeting laser. Indeed, for better or worse the "rails" are back to prevent one flying off course. Operating the play mechanics are simple and easy to use for veterans and newbies alike, with a fair difficulty curve as you play on. One innovative improvement is the advanced radar, that not only identifies enemy positions, but indicates whether to guard from above or below. Flashing quadrants also serve to warn the player of any incoming hazards. The only possible drawback one can cite in Zwei is the brevity of its adventure. Made even more apparent with constant saves, its short, 1-to-2-hour length will leave one begging for more.

Printed in Issue #37, May 1996