Dungeons and Dragons: Tower of Doom (Greg and James Beat 'Em Up!, ep. 79)
000:00 Beginning (Theme Song by James!)
03:44 Dungeons and Dragons: Tower of Doom (Arcade; 1993; Capcom)
We're dealing with a certified classic this week, as I've finally got my WiiU all hooked up so that we can play Capcom's Dungeons and Dragons: Tower of Doom!
What we find is a game that's a cut above Capcom's other fantasy/RPG-themed beat 'em ups on the CP arcade system. Here, the relatively simple character progression is based on performance, rather than being arbitrarily handed out at predetermined milestones. Instead of "basic attacks plus a health-draining power move," we get a set of basic attacks that are supplemented by selectable secondary moves, ranging from missile weapons to a range of authentic D&D spells.
The character designs are generic, but charming, and represent D&D archetypes effectively. The enemies are all right out of the D&D bestiary, and they provide an interesting and varied challenge. There are some minor branches in the quest path. The combat is fun and engaging. The graphics are great and the music holds up its end of the bargain. The game's also pretty substantial for an arcade game: we wind up spending the entire session on it!
This game lives up to its reputation and stands tall among the 1993 beat 'em ups. *VERDICT*: BOSS TIER!
Next time: we're heading to the Sega Genesis for the unlicensed Generals of the Yang family!
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Greg and James Beat 'Em Up is our ongoing exploration of the beat 'em up genre! Broadcast on any Tuesday evening where schedules and Greg's health allow at https://twitch.tv/58DreamStreet
In Phase One, we played 40 "notable or notable-adjacent" beat 'em ups released through the year 1993!
Now, in Phase Two, we're playing the NINETY-EIGHT other beat 'em ups released through the year 1993!
Theme Song composed by James, using Famitracker!