Panzer Dragoon: Remake (Nintendo Switch) Review

Panzer Dragoon is an on-rails shooter series which at the time of the SEGA Saturn looked and played amazingly, almost at the envy of every PlayStation and Super Nintendo owner. Utilising its 3D space in unique ways, the player is able to rotate their camera view in increments of 90 degrees to see to the front, to the left, right, and behind of the character - a novel, and underutilised gameplay mechanic that enables to shoot enemies coming from all directions. Nonetheless, Panzer Dragoon: Remake retains the 360 degrees turn-and-shoot playstyle but gives everything else a clean-up, including new backdrops, character and enemy models, and even a new soundtrack.

Unfortunately, the new visuals aren't anything to write home about. They are fine, but look like something that would have been somewhat average on the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3, or a tad better than the Xbox's Panzer Dragoon Orta. The excellent original soundtrack is still present, but an option for a newer soundtrack is available - this is a nice touch, but for those familiar with the original there is no real other option. Additionally, a new modernised control scheme has been added to help update input, however, once again, it is difficult to recommend the new over the original style, as it somewhat feels awkward, and takes some getting used to, if there is muscle memory related to the Saturn classic.

Performance in docked mode is smooth at most times maintaining a steady 30fps , but handheld can mostly feel just a bit off the pace in comparison. The visuals also take a bit of a hit, looking much muddier than they should do, especially given the difference in performance in docked mode. It can take a little while to load a level - although nothing to complain about, it is surprising that this has been one of the reminiscent things brought over from the Saturn original. It also has to be said that Panzer Dragoon is short, incredibly short, clocking in at around one hour, which considering there are no branching pathways or alternate routes, such as those in the Star Fox series, it can leave those who have purchased it relatively high price feel a bit aggrieved.