It's been 8 years since the first Panzer Dragoon game. The industry has changed quite a bit since then too. In the years since, games have grown more complex. The simple shooters and platformers of the past have lost a lot of their flare. Recently, however, there has been a bit of a revival. With games like Contra Shattered Soldier and Toejam and Earl 3. But alas these games have not done well. The mainstreme public is not overly interested in relics of the past. Enter Panzer Dragoon Orta, or PDO. This, the third in the main series of shooters from Sega. This new PD game lives up to all of the hype and then some. This is truelly a masterpiece..

Gameplay:
This game is dead simple. It plays identicle to the other games in the series. You control Orta, and fire a sort of laser weapon from the back of a dragon. This dragon is what makes the series unique. Unlike in past installments, this game allows you to change dragon forms on the fly. There are three to choose from, each wit their own varying attributes. There is the Basic form, which is, well, basic. Then there is Glide, which is faster, but has less defense and cannot lock on to enemies. The third is Hard form, which is slower but tougher. The game plays out over 10 episodes, which are broken up into smaller sections, and in some cases contain mini bosses. The levels are tough, as they should be. Otherwise the game would be very short. The enemy design is very good with some pretty unique monsters to fight.

Graphics:
I give it this as it is above and beyond good. This game has the best visuals you will ever see. The water looks terrific and the particle effects are top notch. There is really no framerate issues that i can think of, and the animations on both you and your opponents are absolutley stunning. The levels are varied in graphical splender, from wide open skies to lush canyons to dark caverns. And everything looks fantastic.

Sound:
Orta continues the trend of using music which blends modern music with classical. It is very befitting for the game and really adds a great deal of atmosphere. The sound effects are great as well, with enemies making sounds that are totally reallistic and fit their respective forms.

Longevity:
This game is packed to the brim with extras that will really expand the already terrific replay value. Included is the full original Panzer Dragoon game, as well as a plethora of additional levels and artwork. Also, there is an encyclopedia which will enlighten you on the world and people of the game. Now how many shooters do you know of that do that much to tell a story?

Round Up:
You will most likely play this game again and again and it will take a long time to get bored with it. And even when you feel as though you'd like to take a break, within a month or so you'll come right back, as has always been a drawing point of the series. A terrific game indeed.