Dragon Slayer 4
What is Dragon Slayer 4?
Dragon Slayer 4, known in Japan as Drasle Family, is an action RPG released for the MSX 1 by Nihon Falcom in 1987. It's part of the legendary Dragon Slayer series, though it takes a distinct direction from its predecessors. The MSX version is a Japanese exclusive, and it's a title that rewards patience and exploration.
Gameplay revolves around real-time combat in side-view dungeons. You control a character exploring interconnected rooms, battling monsters, and gathering keys and items to progress. The game emphasizes non-linear exploration and puzzle solving. Equipment upgrades like weapons and armor can be found or purchased. The world is compact but dense with secrets. It's a tough game that doesn't hold your hand.
What makes Dragon Slayer 4 worth revisiting is how it captures the experimental spirit of mid-80s action RPGs. Compared to later Falcom titles, it has a raw, unpolished charm. It's not the most famous entry in the series, but for fans of early dungeon crawlers, it's a fascinating piece of history. The MSX version runs smoothly and the music is surprisingly catchy for the hardware.
How to Play Dragon Slayer 4 Online
When you start Dragon Slayer 4, you'll see a title screen in Japanese. Press Enter to begin. The game uses standard action RPG controls. Use Arrow Keys to move your character around the dungeon. Press X to jump over gaps or onto platforms. Press S to swing your weapon or cancel selections. The goal is to explore each dungeon floor, defeat enemies, and collect keys to unlock doors leading to the next area. You'll also find treasure chests with items and equipment. Your health is displayed at the top of the screen. There's no save feature, so you'll want to complete the game in one sitting.
The dungeons are non-linear, so try different paths. Combat happens in real time - enemies respawn when you leave and re-enter rooms. Use the environment to your advantage, and don't be afraid to backtrack if you get stuck. Menus are entirely in Japanese, but navigating them is straightforward: use Arrow Keys to select options and X to confirm. If you see a prompt you don't understand, pressing B (S) usually cancels or backs out. Start with the basic weapon and focus on collecting coins to buy better gear from shops you'll find in certain rooms.
Dragon Slayer 4 Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
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