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Eragon: Dragon Riders on the Storm...

Company: VU Games

Stormfront Studios is no stranger when it comes to video game adaptations of best-selling novels turned movie. The team behind the successful The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers has been developing the game version of Eragon, the first book in the Inheritance trilogy and upcoming movie. While I only recently began reading the first book in the series, I was able to spend some hands-on time with the PC version of the game.

For those not familiar with the book, Eragon tells the story of a young boy named Eragon who comes into possession of a dragon. With the help of his tutor, Brom, he soon learns of his destiny and sets out to become a Dragon Rider and defeat an evil Emperor.


One look at Eragon and it is easy to see where Stormfront made its name. Eragon follows the same basic plan as Two Towers. Combat elements are very similar and feature both melee and ranged attacks. Though you are given a selection of upgrades to personalize your character’s style, most of the major skills are learned as the story progresses. You begin with a set of limited combos, but you won’t be able to just use one combo and button-mash your way to the end. Instead, you’ll have to learn new combos and learn which act as counters to others. You’ll also have to learn how to quickly switch between melee and ranged attacks. Some spells can even be woven into combos.

Eragon also has access to a number of spells, which are learned in the same way as combat skills. These include offensive spells, such as the ever-useful fireball and enchanted arrows, as well as spells that allow you to manipulate your environment. When and where you can use these spells is limited, though they do come in handy and should open up some neat puzzle solving elements later on in the game.


Over the course of his adventure, Eragon is always accompanied by either Brom or Murtagh. Considering how hectic some areas of the game can get, it is always good to have a second sword at your side. When playing as the second character, you’ll have to learn a new set of combos tailored around his skills.

Eragon’s allies aren’t limited to just humans, as he can also call upon his dragon Saphira for help. Most of the time you see Saphira is during on-rail shooter sequences, though she’ll also pop in from time to time to give Eragon a hand in combat.


If anything, Stormfront has proven that there is such a thing as a good movie tie-in game. Eragon is set to ship later this month, with the movie following shortly thereafter.


-Starscream, GameVortex Communications
AKA Ricky Tucker

Related Links:



Sony PlayStation 2 The Shield Microsoft Xbox Eragon

 
Game Vortex :: PSIllustrated