Corey (Monoxide) has posted a new preview for Severed Chains, an unofficial, reverse-engineered PC port of The Legend of Dragoon—the classic PlayStation RPG that was developed by (what was) Japan Studio and released for the original PlayStation in 1999. With this being a PlayStation game, some might wonder why PC gamers don’t just go down the emulation route, but Monoxide’s project appears to bring a long list of improvements to the game, including 4K native resolution, better performance, and more.
4K/60 FPS preview:
Setup guide:
- Go to the Releases page on Github and download the latest Recommended Build of Severed Chains. If you prefer to live on the edge, you can also download the Latest Development Build for up-to-the-minute code.
- Extract the zip archive. (note: this build is portable – you can run the platform, play, make save files, and then move the entire directory later with everything preserved.)
- Copy your digital disc images into the “isos” folder. The disk images can be ISOs, BINs, or anything else that uses the same format. If you haven’t made legal, digital backups of your game discs yet, now is the time to do so. Here’s a guide.
- Run “launch.bat” on Windows, or “launch” on all other platforms. It will download java and then launch Severed Chains. (note: the first launch will take a while as it has to unpack the game assets.)
- Enjoy profusely.
Features/improvements:
- Modding API
- Retail bug fixes
- Higher-quality audio
- More accurate controller input
- Full mouse support in menus
- Keyboard and controller input (1800+ controllers supported)
- Near-0 loading times, instant save
- Unlimited save slots
- Campaigns
- Separate saves for different playthroughs
- Different settings and mods per campaign
- Skip FMVs
- 1-9999 item slots
- Optional QOL changes:
- No Dart
- Solo/duo party
- Save anywhere
- Automatic additions
- Automatic D-attacks
- Quick text
- Automatic text advance
- Change combat menu colour
- Editable game files
- Dragoon XP (SP Tracker) in post-battle screen
- Debuggers:
- Map teleporting
- Start any battle at any time
- Choose what battle stage you want to fight on
Current issues:
- minor graphical bugs
- minor audio bugs
Game description:
Unveil a fantasy of magnificence, deception, magical combat, and retribution as you join swordsman Dart and his companions to harness the spiritual forces of Dragons and triumph over evil.
Using a unique and innovative tactical combat system, transform into Dragoons and unleash extraordinary powers. Control a wide variety of characters that wield unique weapons and Dragoon attacks powered by the elements in this unforgettable role-playing game.
Japan Studio’s credits include:
- Ape Escape
- PaRappa the Rapper
- Bloodborne
- Shadow of the Colossus
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Demon’s Souls