PlatinumGames Gives More Scalebound Details At Gamescom

Scalebound

At Gamescom 2016, PlatinumGames Showed us a bit more about their upcoming Xbox One and Windows 10 Game, Scalebound.  Specifically, how you’ll be able to customize Thuban (your Dragon) and what it means to work together with him in combat.

 

They introduced Dragon DNA, the system that covers all of the customization you can do in Scalebound: It is comprised of three different tools – morphing, parts and armor – that allow each player to build a truly unique partner in the world of Draconis.

The game features three core dragon types – the Rex, Tank and Wyvern – but the possibilities are much grander with morphing. These types are connected in an evolutionary circle and by using gems at a dragon shrine, players will be able to blend both their physical and visual attributes, whether it’s the strength of the Tank or the swiftness of the Wyvern.

Next up is dragon parts. These are permanent buffs (you are changing the dragon’s DNA, after all) that alter the physical appearance and boost the elemental characteristics of Thuban (you’ll see an example below). Appearing in Berserker Mode, which is like Dragon Form for Dragons (worst name ever™), you can imagine these parts as organic and animalistic extensions of Thuban’s body. These cover offensive buffs, while armor covers defensive.

Unlike morphing or parts, armor is made by human hands. Players will buy armor using currency that is earned by defeating enemies, completing quests or finding in game, mixing and matching to boost Thuban’s defenses. Armor can also be destroyed in battle, so it must be maintained during the game. One of our favorite armor sets is reflected in the upfront image.

Once you’ve set up Thuban to match your play style, how does this resonate in combat? That’s where Dragon Link comes in. Dragon Link is a way to directly control Thuban through Drew’s point of view, making your dragon a playable character. Using a button press, you’ll be able to switch in and out of the mode to exploit enemy weaknesses and create openings for Drew.

This collaboration with Thuban translates into the stylish-action that so many fans of PlatinumGames have come to know and love. High-level play really opens up when you take control of Thuban and use him to complement Drew; however, when Drew is using Dragon Link, he is defenseless, so you have to be really smart about where and when you use this critical technique. It also creates a fun metagame in multiplayer where you cover each other as you use your different dragon’s unique abilities in Dragon Link.

It’s best to think of Drew and Thuban as two keys in Scalebound. It’s all about deciding which one to use to open a single lock and progress through the journey.

Scalebound releases on both Xbox One and Windows 10 PC in 2017. We’ll share more details on the game as they become available. Also listen to our Gaming related Podcasts to get more details on our Gamescom coverage and more…

Qudduws Campbell

That messy hair bloke: Romantic, Food lover, Gamer, Sports Fan, Manga Reader, Tech Head, Podcaster... Pretty much do a bit of everything.