Scalebound has been one game that has had our attention since its first appearance at E3 in 2014. A short CG trailer captured everyone’s imaginations, because as we know, every story needs more dragons.
Today, Microsoft have revealed a few new screenshots showing off the brilliance of the dragon named Thuban, along with its armor and a village that is set within the game. As you can see from the images below the level of detail in these screenshots is extremely exciting.
To be released on Xbox One and Windows 10 in 2017, Scalebound has held its cards quite close to its chest over the past couple of years with only a little detail coming out here and there along with a gameplay demonstration at E3 earlier this year. Today more details have been provided about how the Dragon Link will work at a closed doors presentation held at Gamescom 2016.
Hideki Kamiya and J.P. Kellams of Platinum Games went on to explain that there are various types of dragons on hand, a ground focused two-legged Rex like creature, a four-legged tank style dragon, and the aerial attack dragon which is the Wyvern. As you choose one of these dragons you are in fact potentially choosing them all as they are linked in an evolutionary cycle which allows for you to select the parts from each you like the most, creating your own ultimate dragon which can be done by visiting the Dragon Shire and spending in-game currency which you earn as you progress through the game.
You don’t always have to be in control of your dragon when you fight either, if you so wish you can allow him to be controlled by AI or if you prefer you can take the reins yourself however the camera always remains focused on your point of view regardless of it you are fighting on your own or on the back of your dragon. Drew, the main protagonist and Thuban are joined together by a special energy which you can harness during the game to control your experience. This is what is called the ‘Dragon Link’ and allows you to change seamlessly between the two characters.
As you progress through the game there will be a variety of upgrades available including buffs for your dragon’s powers which in effect become a part of its DNA so will be with the dragon from there on in.
The combinations that you can come up with for your dragon and load-outs are extremely extensive meaning that you have the ability to customize the game the way you want to play it and end up with a dragon that compliments your game play style.
This kind of game style I find very exciting, not being constrained to one character is a major plus and the benefits of being able to instantly which from Drew to Thuban will allow for some pretty awesome game play, however there will be a degree of strategy needed to keep you both on your feet as once you switch to Thurban, Drew becomes motionless so you don’t want to leave him standing among enemies when you decide too active your Dragon Link.
Personally, I can’t wait to play Scalebound, I have been excited for it from the moment I saw the first CG trailer and the more I learn, the more my excitement grows.
