The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that has been entertaining gamers for decades. One of the most iconic games in the NES library is the action-adventure game "Dragon Warrior IV" or "Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen" in Japan, but it was released as "Dragon Warrior IV" in North America and Europe by Nintendo. However, there seems to be some confusion with another console that has a similar name.

The game that we will review today is actually called "Tagin' Dragon," not "Dragon Warrior IV." Tagin' Dragon is an action-adventure game developed by Saurus Co., Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the NES in 1989. It was released in North America as "Tagin' Dragon" under the name of Nintendo, but it was not directly published by Nintendo.

In this review, we will explore the game's story, gameplay, graphics, sound, and overall experience. We'll also provide information on its age rating and availability for modern audiences.

Story

The story of Tagin' Dragon takes place in a fantasy world where four dragons have been stolen from their homes by a villainous group known as the "Evil Four." The player assumes the role of a young warrior who sets out to retrieve the four dragons and defeat the Evil Four. Along the way, the player encounters various allies, including a wise old man and a beautiful princess.

Gameplay

Tagin' Dragon is an action-adventure game that features side-scrolling levels, platforming, and combat. The gameplay involves exploring the world, fighting enemies, collecting items, and solving puzzles to progress through the story. The player can choose from various abilities, such as running, jumping, and throwing objects, which can be used to solve puzzles or defeat enemies.

One of the unique features of Tagin' Dragon is its use of a "magic meter" system. The magic meter fills up as the player collects items and defeats enemies, allowing the player to perform special attacks and abilities. However, using too much magic can leave the player vulnerable to attack.

Graphics and Sound

The graphics in Tagin' Dragon are typical of the NES era, with pixelated characters and backgrounds. The game's palette is limited, but the artwork is colorful and charming. The sound effects and music are also well-done, with catchy melodies and realistic sound effects.

Overall, the game's presentation is engaging and enjoyable, making it a pleasure to play.

Age Rating

Tagin' Dragon has been rated by various organizations for its age content.

• The ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rates Tagin' Dragon as "T" for Teen, with suggestive violence and mild language.
• The PEGI (Pan European Game Information) rating is 7+ years old due to cartoon-style violence, moderate level of danger, mild language, and some scary scenes.

Availability

Tagin' Dragon is an older game that was released in the late 1980s. While it's no longer in print, it can still be found on various online marketplaces, such as eBay and Amazon.

Additionally, there are also various fan-made re-releases of Tagin' Dragon available, including a Japanese fan translation patch and a modified version with updated graphics.

Conclusion

Tagin' Dragon is an action-adventure game that offers a unique blend of exploration, platforming, and combat. While it's not as well-known as some other NES games, it has a dedicated following among retro gaming enthusiasts.

If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding experience, Tagin' Dragon may be worth checking out. However, keep in mind that the game is quite old and may not be suitable for all audiences due to its age content.

In summary, while there seems to be some confusion with another console and game, Tagin' Dragon is an enjoyable action-adventure game that is worth playing.