Panzer Dragoon

Infobox VG
title = Panzer Dragoon


developer = Team Andromeda
publisher = Sega
designer = Yukio Futatsugi (director)
artist = Manabu Kusunoki
composer = Yoshitaka Azuma
series = "Panzer Dragoon" (series)
released = vgrelease|Japan|JPN|March 10, 1995
vgrelease|United States of America|USA|May 11, 1995
vgrelease|PAL Region|PAL|August 30, 1995 ^{[http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/saturn/data/914514.html ]}
genre = Rail shooter
modes = Single player
platforms = Sega Saturn, Windows, Xbox (Unlockable bonus in Panzer Dragoon Orta), Playstation 2
ratings = ESRB: E (Everyone)
media = 1 CD

"Panzer Dragoon" is a rail shooter released on the Sega Saturn in 1995, and later released on PC, and as an extra in Panzer Dragoon Orta for Xbox. It follows the story of Keil Fluge, a member of a hunter party who encounters a fight between two dragons, colored black and blue. The rider of the blue dragon is mortally wounded in the battle and entrusts his mission, as well as his dragon, the Solo Wing, to Keil. Keil must stop the Dark Dragon from reactivating an ancient ruin.

This chapter would introduce the basic features of the traditional gameplay that the Panzer series would be known by, starting out as a rail shooter giving the player a choice of two main offenses: a lock-on laser weapon, and a rapid fire gun weapon, as well as the ability to swing the cameras around to shoot the enemies coming from all directions.

"Panzer Dragoon" was one of the few games available at the Sega Saturn's accelerated, surprise launch.

The game was later ported to Windows PC and in 2006 adapted slightly for Sega's Japanese PlayStation 2 "AGES 2500" series. A port of the PC version was also included as a bonus with "Panzer Dragoon Orta".

One of Panzer Dragoon's major artistical influences was Moebius' (Jean Giraud) Arzach, a comic book series created by the French artist. He even contributed in the creative process of Team Andromeda's game with original artwork.