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{{Short description|2003 action role-playing video game}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Drakengard
| image = Drakengard US Cover art.png
| caption = North American PlayStation 2 box art
| developer = {{ubl|[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|[[Macrospace]] {{small|(Mobile)}}}}
| publisher = [[Square Enix]]{{vgrelease|PAL|[[Gathering of Developers]]}}
| director = [[Yoko Taro]]
| producer = {{ubl|Takamasa Shiba|Takuya Iwasaki}}
| designer = {{ubl|Akira Yasui|Hiroaki Kotake}}
| programmer = {{ubl|Toshiyuki Koike|Takeshi Katayama}}
| artist = Kimihiko Fujisaka
| writer = {{ubl|Yoko Taro|Sawako Natori}}
| composer = {{ubl|[[Nobuyoshi Sano]]|Takayuki Aihara}}
| series = ''[[Drakengard]]''
| platforms = [[PlayStation 2]], [[Mobile game|Mobile]]
| released = '''PlayStation 2'''{{vgrelease|JP|September 11, 2003|NA|March 2, 2004|PAL|May 21, 2004}}'''Mobile'''{{vgrelease|PAL|August 2004}}
| genre = [[Action role-playing]], [[hack and slash]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}

'''''Drakengard''''', known in Japan as {{nihongo foot|'''''Drag-On Dragoon''''',|ドラッグ オン ドラグーン|Doraggu On Doragūn|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2003 [[action role-playing video game]] developed by [[Cavia (company)|Cavia]] and published by [[Square Enix]] for the [[PlayStation 2]]. The game is the first installment of the [[Drakengard|''Drakengard'' series]] and features a mixture of ground-based hack-and-slash, aerial combat, and role-playing elements which have become a staple of the series. The story is set during a religious war between two factions—the Union and the Empire—with the war tipping in favor of the Empire. The player controls Caim, a deposed prince of the Union, in his quest for vengeance against the Empire. Wounded in battle while protecting his sister Furiae, he is forced to make a pact with a red dragon named Angelus as they journey together on a quest to prevent the Empire from destroying magical seals that keep the world in balance.

Takamasa Shiba and Takuya Iwasaki conceived the game as a hybrid between the popular ''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' series and Namco's aerial combat game ''[[Ace Combat]]''. It was Shiba's first project as a producer. The dark story was created by director [[Yoko Taro]] and Sawako Natori, who wrote the majority of the script. The music was written by [[Nobuyoshi Sano]] and Takayuki Aihara. A Europe-exclusive [[Mobile game|mobile]] adaptation was developed by [[Macrospace]] and published by Square Enix for [[Vodafone]] devices in August 2004.
''Drakengard'' sold well in Japan and received mixed to positive reviews in the west: reviewers praised the game's story and music, but were mixed about the graphics and criticized the gameplay for being repetitive.

==Gameplay==
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''Drakengard'' is an [[Action role-playing game|action role-playing]] [[video game]] featuring three types of gameplay: ground missions, aerial missions, and Free Expedition Mode.<ref name= "VGdg1"/> The gameplay modes are called Ground Mode, Strafe Mode, and Air Mode.<ref name= "DGgameplay">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/01/23/drakengard-progress-report|title=Drakengard Progress Report|author=Dunham, Jeremy|website=[[IGN]]|date=2004-01-22|access-date=2013-11-14}}</ref> In some [[Level (video gaming)|levels]], players can switch between ground-based and aerial combat.<ref name= "GSpreview"/> Ground-based gameplay primarily has the player controlling the main protagonist, Caim. He has access to three types of attack: a standard sword-slash, a magic attack and a dash attack that throws enemies to the ground.<ref name= "VGdg1"/> Additional weapons can be accessed and swapped via the menu. Weapons gain [[Experience point#Level-based progression|experience levels]] through use, dealing more damage as a result. Each has a [[level cap|four-level cap]]. The player can access up to eight weapons during a mission.<ref name= "DGgameplay"/><ref name= "GSdg1"/> Pressing the attack button repeatedly while in combat with enemy units triggers [[Combo (video gaming)|combos]], and pressing another button mid-combo will trigger a special attack which will temporarily incapacitate enemy units in the immediate area. The player can also temporarily switch between Caim and an assigned ally, who shares similar attacks but deals more damage.<ref name= "GSdg1"/> These allies are gained in optional levels and can only be summoned a limited number of times.<ref name= "RPGtips"/>

In aerial combat missions, players control Caim's dragon partner Angelus. During these moments, players are directed against multiple aerial targets that must be destroyed in order to win. As Angelus gains [[experience points]] through combat, she levels up and is able to do more damage – similar to the weapons used in ground-based combat. Boss battles are all located in these aerial stages.<ref name= "GSdg1"/> Angelus has access to two types of standard fire attacks: a free-aim blast that causes high damage, and homing bolts that can hit multiple targets but do less damage. Homing shots can be dodged or countered by some enemy types later in the game.<ref name= "RPGtips"/> Angelus can also perform a special area-affecting magical attack that damages or kills multiple enemy units. She can be used to quickly traverse battle areas during primarily ground-based missions.<ref name= "VGdg1"/> Players can summon Angelus during certain ground-based missions and play her in Strafe Mode. Controls are identical to ground-based combat. Pressing the select button causes Caim to dismount Angelus.<ref name= "DGgameplay"/> Caim and Angelus level up during combat in different ways: as Caim levels up, their shared health meter grows, while Angelus' leveling increases the damage her attacks do to enemy units.<ref name= "RPGtips"/>

Players can navigate the game world and select missions via a [[Overworld|world map]] accessed between levels. While playing, a mini-map allows the player to see enemy locations, and a full-screen map can be switched to that covers the entire area and shows mission objectives.<ref name= "GSdg1"/> ''Drakengard''{{'}}s levels are called verses, and the verses are grouped across thirteen chapters.<ref name= "GSpreview"/> Each level has a time limit of one hour for players to complete them.<ref name= "VGdg1"/> Normal levels are numbered, while additional levels are marked by Roman numerals. The game features five endings: the normal ending and four additional endings which are unlocked when certain conditions are met, such as completing optional chapters or obtaining powerful weapons.<ref name= "GSpreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/drakengard-preview/1100-6086793/|title=Drakengard Preview|author=Gamespot staff|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2004-01-21|access-date=2014-03-26}}</ref><ref name= "RPGtips">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgsite.net/feature/3255-hacking-and-slashing-through-drakengard-tips-for-new-pact-partners|title=Hacking and Slashing Through Drakengard: Tips for New Pact-Partners|author=Henges, Elizabeth|publisher=RPGSite|date=2014-01-26|access-date=2014-03-26}}</ref> {{Clear}}

==Synopsis==
===Setting and characters===
{{Main|Characters of the Drakengard series#Drakengard 2}}
''Drakengard'' takes place in a medieval [[dark fantasy]] world called Midgard. The world is protected from falling into chaos by the Seals, objects magically linked to a woman chosen as the Goddess of the Seal. If the seals and the Goddess were destroyed, malevolent beings known as the [[Watcher (angel)|Watchers]]{{efn|Watchers; {{nihongo|Angels|天使|Tenshi}} in the Japanese version.}} would enter the world to destroy humanity.<ref name="DODguide1">{{cite book|script-title=ja:ドラッグオンドラグーン 公式ガイドブック コンプリートエディション|trans-title=Drag-On Dragoon Official Guide Book - Complete Edition |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |isbn=4-7575-1031-4 |language=Japanese |date=2003-10-24}}</ref> A key element of the world is the ability for a human and a beast to form a pact,{{efn|Pact; {{nihongo|Contract|契約|Keiyaku}} in the Japanese version.}} a ritual that ties their souls together and grants great power. Their lives become bound by the pact, and the human pays a price for it in the form of some attribute (e.g. their voice, their eyesight or their ability to age). During the events of ''Drakengard'', the Union, which protects the Seals, is in the midst of a religious war with the Empire, a power led by a cult who believe that destroying the seals will bring them good fortune.<ref name="DODguide2">{{cite book|script-title=ja:ドラッグオンドラグーン 公式ガイドブック コンプリートエディション|trans-title=Drag-On Dragoon Official Guide Book - Complete Edition |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |isbn=4-7575-1031-4 |language=Japanese |date=2003-10-24|page=191}}</ref>

The main characters are {{nihongo|Caim|カイム|Kaimu}}, a deposed prince of the Union, and {{nihongo4|Angelus|アンヘル|Anheru|lit. "Angel"}}, a red dragon. Joining Caim and Angelus in optional sections of the story are {{nihongo|Leonard|レオナール|Reonāru}}, a hermit who loses his brothers in an attack by the Empire; {{nihongo|Arioch|アリオーシュ|Ariōshu}}, an elf woman driven mad by the murder of her family; and {{nihongo|Seere|セエレ|Sēre}}, a young boy from the Empire whose village was destroyed by the cult's devotees. Other prominent characters are {{nihongo|Furiae|フリアエ|Furiae}}, Caim's sister and the current Goddess of the Seal; {{nihongo|Inuart|イウヴァルト|Iuvaruto}}, Furiae's former fiancé; {{nihongo|Verdelet|ヴェルドレ|Verudore}}, a priest in charge of protecting the Goddess Seal; and {{nihongo|Manah|マナ|Mana}}, Seere's sister, leader of the enemy cult and the game's main antagonist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/615/615161/|script-title=ja:初代『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン』が秘めた狂気の深淵を暴く――10年前、プレイヤーに絶望と歓喜を与えた問題作の根源とは？|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-03-22|access-date=2016-03-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711140442/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/615/615161/|archive-date=2015-07-11|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Plot===
''Drakengard'' opens with Caim in the midst of a battle to protect his sister from the Empire. During the battle, Caim is mortally injured, but continues to fight his way into Furiae's castle, where he finds Angelus severely wounded from torture. Despite their mutual mistrust, Caim and Angelus agree to make a pact and save each other.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 3|level=Chapter 1|language=|quote='''Caim''': A dragon!&nbsp;... / '''Angelus''': Kill me if you desire. But you can never dirty my soul, wretched human. / '''Caim''': Tell me: do you still want to live, dragon? / '''Angelus''': What? / '''Caim''': A pact! There's no other way! / '''Angelus''': Hmph. What makes you worthy of a pact with ''me?'' / '''Caim''': Worthy or not, I wish to live. Despise me if you will, but I shall not die! Your answer! A pact, or&nbsp;... death?!}}</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 5|level=Chapter 1|language=|quote='''Caim''': ''[exhales]'' Your answer. / '''Angelus''': A pact, or death&nbsp;... We are united by our need to live. / '''Caim''': Well&nbsp;... ? / '''Angelus''': Yes&nbsp;... A pact.}}</ref> With the attack repelled, Caim is joined by Furiae and Inuart to find safety, encountering Verdelet on their travels. Inuart is captured, tortured and brainwashed by Manah, eventually kidnapping Furiae in the belief that he can save her from her fate as the Goddess and earn her love. Verdelet and Caim travel to each of the three Seals, but each time arrive too late to stop them being destroyed. Eventually, the Union and the Empire engage in battle, and the Union emerge victorious. After the battle, however, the Union's surviving troops are decimated by an unknown force from above, and the Empire's troops return to life.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 7|level=Chapter 5|language=|quote='''Text''': As the fire falls from the sky, Imperial soldiers rise one by one from the dead, like demons of the underworld.}}</ref> Caim and Angelus travel to an Imperial fortress that has appeared in the sky, where they find that Furiae has killed herself, breaking the final seal. Inuart, seeing her body, is released from his brainwashing and takes her away.

Optional missions allow Caim to find and recruit Leonard and Seere, and take along Arioch to protect others from her madness. Subsequent playthroughs and extra chapters reveal further details about the characters. Leonard's self-imposed seclusion is because he was trying to suppress his [[pedophilia]], and the guilt at his brothers' deaths stems from the fact that he gave in to his cravings and left them unprotected.<ref name="QUOTEleonard">{{cite video game|title=Drag-On Dragoon|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2003-10-11|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=|level=Leonard's Regret|language=Japanese|quote=}}</ref> Arioch's madness takes the form of [[Human cannibalism|cannibalism]] of children, in the belief that they would be safe from harm within her.<ref name="QUOTEarioch">{{cite video game|title=Drag-On Dragoon|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2003-10-11|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=|level=Arioch's Madness|language=Japanese|quote=}}</ref> Furiae is revealed to [[Incest|love Caim romantically]], which led to Inuart becoming jealous and vulnerable to Manah's influence. During the events leading to the third ending, Manah reveals Furiae's feelings for Caim, who shows revulsion at the revelation: due to this and the Watchers' influence, Furiae stabs herself.<ref name="QUOTEfuriae">{{cite video game|title=Drag-On Dragoon|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2003-10-11|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 2-3|level=Chapter 11|language=Japanese|quote=}}</ref> Manah was abused by her and Seere's mother, but Seere was never subjected to the abuse, leading him to feel guilty.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 3|level=Seere's Prayer|language=|quote='''Seere''': Mother used to hit my sister Manah a lot. But only Manah. Never me. Mother never hit me. She saved all her anger for Manah instead. / '''Leonard''': Seere, you must not blame yourself so harshly.}}</ref> The abuse Manah received and her longing for love eventually drove her insane, and she was chosen to become the Watchers' agent.<ref name="DODguide1"/>

There are five possible endings, four of which are unlocked after fulfilling certain conditions.<ref name= "RPGtips"/>
*In the first ending, Caim and Angelus confront Manah and defeat her. Manah asks them to kill her, but Angelus declares that she must live with her crimes.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 8|level=Chapter 8|language=|quote='''Manah''': Kill me, kill me. I don't mind! Kill me, please! / '''Angelus''': Caim shall never forgive you. You will not die so easily. You will be despised by every soul in this world. Unforgiven for all eternity.&nbsp;... You will suffer under the unbearable weight of your crimes. You are beyond hope. }}</ref> Angelus then offers herself as the new Goddess of the Seal for Caim's sake. As Verdelet performs the ritual, Angelus tells Caim her name before fading away.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 9|level=Chapter 8|language=|quote='''Angelus''': I have never&nbsp;... seen you weep before. There is but one thing I wish for you to remember. Angelus. My name is Angelus. ''[Caim looks away, a single tear running down his cheek.]'' / '''Angelus''': You are the first&nbsp;... and the last of your kind&nbsp;... to know my name. Farewell, fool human&nbsp;...}}</ref>
*In the second ending. Inuart uses a magical object called a "Seed of Resurrection"{{efn|Seed of Resurrection; {{nihongo|Egg of Rebirth|復活の卵|Fukkatsu no Tamago}} in the Japanese version.}} to resurrect Furiae: while successful, the Seed turns her into a monster, and she kills Inuart. Caim is forced to kill her, but not before clones of her are produced from other Seeds to destroy humanity.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 6|level=Chapter 9|language=|quote='''Text''': Caim stands alone, holding the remains of Furiae in his arms. One after another her sisters rise into the sky, their hideous screams heralding the end of mankind. }}</ref>
*In the third ending, after Furiae's suicide, Caim and Angelus stop Inuart's attempt to resurrect her and confront Manah, who is killed by another dragon.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse V|level=Chapter 9|language=|quote='''Angelus''': My brethren devoured her. A human priestess' untruths cannot warp a dragon's mind. }}</ref> With the dragons now being driven to destroy mankind, Angelus breaks her pact with Caim and fights him to the death. Caim then prepares to die fighting the other dragons.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse VII|level=Chapter 9|language=|quote='''Text''': The struggle is won, the dragon's blood is spilled.&nbsp;... Outside the temple, a million dragons howl as they rise to begin the annihilation of mankind. With battle-lust shining in his eyes, Caim runs into the light&nbsp;...}}</ref>
*In the fourth ending, Seere has his Golem pact partner kill the deranged Manah, causing the fortress to collapse. Caim, Seere, Leonard and Arioch escape, while Inuart and Furiae are killed inside.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse V|level=Chapter 11|language=|quote='''Text''': In the collapsing fortress, Inuart clutches Furiae in his arms, and together they vanish in a blaze of blinding light. }}</ref> With Manah dead, the Watchers descend on the Imperial capital, with Leonard and Arioch dying at their hands. Caim and Angelus then sacrifice themselves to allow Seere to use his powers to seal the city and the Watchers in a timeless zone, nullifying their threat.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 10|level=Chapter 12|language=|quote='''Text''': Within the eternity, Seere begs his sister's forgiveness. And then time&nbsp;... is stopped. }}</ref>
*In the fifth ending, instead of using Seere's power, Caim and Angelus instead attack the queen and the three disappear through a portal. After engaging the queen monster in a [[rhythm game]] in modern-day [[Tokyo]], the two destroy it, and are then shot down by a fighter jet.<ref>{{cite video game|title=Drakengard|developer=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia]]|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-03-02|platform=[[PlayStation 2]]|version=|scene=Verse 4|level=Chapter 13|language=|quote='''Text''': The battle that crossed space and time is won, the awesome enemy defeated at last. But the blood of the heroes who saved the world paints the tower red.}}</ref>

==Development==
The original idea for ''Drakengard'' originated between Takamasa Shiba and Takuya Iwasaki when they were working at Cavia. It was conceived as an aerial battle game similar to ''[[Ace Combat]]''.<ref name= "DODcreation"/> The four-year development was Shiba's first project as a producer.<ref name= "YTshiba">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5Q7J7rHts0| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211114/D5Q7J7rHts0| archive-date=2021-11-14 | url-status=live|title=Interview with Producer Takamasa Shiba / Drakengard 3|author=Square Enix|author-link=Square Enix|publisher=[[YouTube]]|date=2014-03-04|access-date=2014-03-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The team developing the game went under the moniker of "Project Dragonsphere".<ref name="IGN1">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/22/drakengard-interview|title=Drakengard Interview|access-date=2013-08-24|last=Dunham|first=Jeremy|date=2003-05-23|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225215256/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/05/22/drakengard-interview|archive-date=2014-02-25|url-status=live}}</ref> As development progressed, ground-based battles were also incorporated after the success in Japan of ''[[Dynasty Warriors 2]]''.<ref name= "DODcreation">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/16/why-drakengard-had-forbidden-love-between-siblings-and-other-insights/|title=Why Drakengard Had Forbidden Love Between Siblings And Other Insights|author=Ike, Sato|website=Siliconera|date=2013-05-16|access-date=2013-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708060027/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/16/why-drakengard-had-forbidden-love-between-siblings-and-other-insights/|archive-date=2014-07-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> Creating the change from ground to aerial gameplay was exceptionally difficult for the team as they encountered problems with the PlayStation 2 hardware.<ref name= "EuroInterview"/> Speaking in 2013, Shiba commented that Cavia had been inexperienced in creating action games, and as such it was not up to the standards of its contemporaries.<ref name="DODShibaInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/09/drakengard-3-producer-long-taro-yoko-square-enix-can-make-drakengard/|title=Drakengard 3 Producer: As Long As They Have Taro Yoko, Square Enix Can Make More Drakengard|author=Hawkins, Matt|publisher=Siliconera|date=2013-10-09|access-date=2013-11-11}}</ref>  The game's battle scenes were inspired by films such as the 1999 version of ''[[The Mummy (1999 film)|The Mummy]]'' and its spin-off ''[[The Scorpion King]]'', as well as films like ''[[Dragonheart]]'' and epic films from Asia.<ref name= "EuroInterview"/> Iwasaki was unable to take up the position of director because of other projects he was involved with: the position instead went to [[Yoko Taro]], who was primarily responsible for the game's tone.<ref name= "DODdirector">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/623/623506/|script-title=ja:『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン』シリーズ座談会でヨコオタロウから飛び出す過去作の衝撃的真実…『DOD1』のアレは神様じゃない!?|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-04-18|access-date=2014-03-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225723/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/623/623506/|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}</ref> The lead programmers were Toshiyuki Koike and Takeshi Katayama.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201505/28078281.html |script-title=ja:【ファミキャリ！会社探訪(25)】あの国民的J-RPGシリーズを開発するオルカを訪問 |language=Japanese |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |date=2015-05-28 |access-date=2016-10-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809000800/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201505/28078281.html |archive-date=2016-08-09 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000427.000000496.html|script-title=ja:現役トップクリエイターによる講義、デジタルハリウッドの｢専科：アプリクリエイター専攻｣がリニューアル、3月より第一期開講。|language=ja|website=PRTimes|date=2012-01-27|access-date=2022-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120128203306/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000427.000000496.html|archive-date=2012-01-28|url-status=live}}</ref> The CGI cutscenes were created by Studio Anima.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.studioanima.co.jp/works/2003/01/project2003-07.php|script-title=ja:ドラッグ オン ドラグーン|language=Japanese|publisher=Studio Anima|access-date=2019-04-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090729091706/http://www.studioanima.co.jp/works/2003/01/project2003-07.php|archive-date=2009-07-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> During production, the team were asked to make multiple adjustments and changes to its content by ''Drakengard''{{'}}s advisory board. It was annoying enough for Yoko that he decided at the time not to make another ''Drakengard''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-nier-will-stay-weird-but-this-time-with-platin/1100-6428262/|title=New Nier Will Stay Weird, But This Time With Platinum's Combat|author=Corriea, Alexa Ray|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2015-06-16|access-date=2015-06-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617105703/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-nier-will-stay-weird-but-this-time-with-platin/1100-6428262/|archive-date=2015-06-17|url-status=live}}</ref> Yoko was worried that the dark tone would cause the game to go unreleased, so one of the game's external producers Yosuke Saito went to Sony with a pitch; Sony were so tired of reviewing pitches at the time that they approved the project without looking at it.<ref name="4GnierRetro">{{cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/353/G035315/20171028005/|script-title=ja:「NieR:Automata」はこうして作られた。ディレクターのヨコオタロウ氏とプロデューサーの齊藤陽介氏が，シンガポールのゲームイベントで述べたこと|language=Japanese|website=[[4Gamer.net]]|date=October 28, 2017|access-date=February 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511031555/https://www.4gamer.net/games/353/G035315/20171028005/|archive-date=May 11, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

The game was originally announced in December 2002, then set to be published by [[Enix]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2002/12/12/104,1039675837,9427,0,0.html|script-title=ja:エニックスが放つ新作アクションRPG!! 『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン』|language=ja|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|date=2002-12-12|access-date=2022-09-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227034408/https://www.famitsu.com/game/coming/2002/12/12/104,1039675837,9427,0,0.html|archive-date=2018-02-27|url-status=dead}}</ref> Its date was announced the following year by [[Square Enix]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2003/7/3/468d3589087be0f2a8da7dd2fbb9cc91.html |script-title=ja:注目のA・RPG『ドラッグオンドラグーン』の発売が9月11日に！価格は6,800円に決定 | website=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]] | date = 2018-02-26 | archive-url = https://archive.today/20180226161907/http://dengekionline.com/data/news/2003/7/3/468d3589087be0f2a8da7dd2fbb9cc91.html | archive-date = 2018-02-26 |access-date=2003-07-03}}</ref> It released in Japan on September 11, 2003.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512001637/http://www.cavia.com/en_web_data/lineup/index.html|archive-date=May 12, 2008 |url=http://www.cavia.com/en_web_data/lineup/index.html|title=Cavia Inc. Line-Up|publisher=[[Cavia (company)|Cavia Inc.]]}}</ref> ''Drakengard'' was first shown off to the western public at [[History of E3#2003|E3 2003]].<ref name= "E3drakengard">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/drakengard-e3-2003-preshow-report/1100-6026331/|title=Drakengard E3 2003 Preshow Report|author=Shoemaker, Brian|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2003-05-14|access-date=2014-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410205521/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/drakengard-e3-2003-preshow-report/1100-6026331/|archive-date=2014-04-10|url-status=live}}</ref> Its title was changed for the Western release. The original ''Drag-On Dragoon'' title was chosen for its sound, but was not considered right for the western market. Because of this, it was changed to ''Drakengard''.<ref name="IGN1"/><ref name= "EuroInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_drakengard|title=Here be the makers of Drakengard!|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2004-04-19|access-date=2013-12-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040548/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/i_drakengard|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition, some of the more mature themes, such as references to incest and sexual taboos, were censored in the western localization.<ref name= "DODcensor">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/11/drakengard-3-connects-nier-will-balance-darkness-humor/|title=Drakengard 3 Connects To Nier, Will Have A Balance Between Darkness And Humor|author=Hawkins, Matt|publisher=Siliconera|date=2013-10-13|access-date=2013-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218203606/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/10/11/drakengard-3-connects-nier-will-balance-darkness-humor/|archive-date=2013-12-18|url-status=live}}</ref> In North America, the game released on March 2, 2004.<ref name="IGN2">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/01/14/drakengard-announced-for-march|title=Drakengard Announced for March|author=Dunham, Jeremy|website=[[IGN]]|date=2004-01-14|access-date=2007-07-30}}</ref> While Square Enix published the title in Japan and North America, [[Take-Two Interactive]] was chosen to publish it in European territories, releasing it on May 21.<ref name= "DODtaketwo">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/03/16/take-two-snares-drakengard|title=Take-Two Snares Drakengard|author=Perry, Douglas C.|website=[[IGN]]|date=2004-05-15|access-date=2014-03-26}}</ref> For this version, the game underwent major debugging and an alteration in the angle of the in-game camera.<ref name= "EuroInterview"/> The mobile port was part of Square Enix's plans to branch out into the European mobile game market.<ref name="VodaDrakengard">{{cite journal | date=August 2004 | title=All Square with Vodafone | journal=[[GamesTM]] | issue=22 | pages=18 | publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]] | location=United Kingdom}}</ref> It was co-developed with London-based mobile developer [[Macrospace]] as part of a collaboration between Square Enix and [[Vodafone]], designed to function on the [[Vodafone live!]] service.<ref name="VodaDrakengard"/><ref name= "DrakengardMobile">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-going-mobile-in-europe/1100-6102137/|title=Square Enix plans to release mobile versions of Aleste, Actraiser, and Drakengard in Europe this year|author=Calvert, Justin|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2004-07-08|access-date=2014-07-13}}</ref> It was first released in Germany, then made available in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.<ref name="ALEDRAK">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/news/aleste-actraiser-coming-euro-mobile |title=Aleste, Actraiser Coming To Euro Mobile Phones |work=[[1UP.com]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis|Ziff Davis Inc.]] |date=2004-07-08 |access-date=2013-06-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130721193938/http://www.1up.com/news/aleste-actraiser-coming-euro-mobile |archive-date=2013-07-21 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===World design===
The setting, mythos and landscape were primarily inspired by the [[Nordic folklore|folklore]] of [[Northern Europe]], while other elements drew from Japanese-style [[Revisionism (fictional)|revisionism]]. According to Shiba, multiple elements of the story and world were created to be dark, sad and serious in tone, in contrast to the likes of ''[[Dragon Quest]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy]]''.<ref name="IGN1"/> One of the core narrative threads, involving romantic feelings between siblings, was inspired in Yoko's mind by the [[anime]] series ''[[Sister Princess]]''.<ref name= "DODcreation"/> Another series that inspired the team was ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'', with a comparison being drawn between them due to a shared trait: while having standard premises, darker narrative elements were hidden in its content.<ref name="IGN1"/> The central narrative theme was "Immorality", which was mostly demonstrated by writer Sawako Natori through the characters.<ref name= "DengkeiDOD"/> Multiple endings were made because Yoko was told that the game would not have a sequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/05/29/drakengard-multiple-endings-taro-yoko-told-wouldnt-sequel/|title=Drakengard Had Multiple Endings Because Taro Yoko Was Told There Wouldn't Be A Sequel|author=Spencer|publisher=Siliconera|date=2014-05-29|access-date=2014-05-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140529142743/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/05/29/drakengard-multiple-endings-taro-yoko-told-wouldnt-sequel/|archive-date=2014-05-29|url-status=live}}</ref> The characters' stories were created by Yoko and Iwasaki, who independently created the character backgrounds: Yoko took charge of Seere, Leonard and Arioch, while Iwasaki was involved in developing Verdelet, Inuart and Caim.<ref name= "DODdirector"/><ref name= "DengkeiDOD">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/623/623397/|script-title=ja:ドラッグ オン ドラグーン』シリーズ居酒屋座談会 with ヨコオタロウ on 仏滅。聖地・新宿で語られる『DOD』ぶっちゃけトーク|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-04-15|access-date=2013-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225633/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/623/623397/|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview concerning her role in the game, Natori admitted to feeling embarrassed by her writing when hearing [[Sota Murakami]] and Natsuki Yamashita, who voiced Seere and Manah, speak their lines.<ref name= "DengWriter">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/778/778429/|script-title=ja:『DOD3』ジョシカイ、開幕。女性視点（映島×名取×白本×サガコ）で語られる『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン3』の狂気の深淵とは？【電撃DOD3】|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-12-27|access-date=2014-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000741/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/778/778429/|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

Caim, the main protagonist, was meant to be an examination of the typical action game hero, which Yoko felt should not have a happy ending in a story focused on violence. The nature of Caim and Angelus' relationship underwent changes during development: Yoko had conceived their relationship as a parasitic one, but Iwasaki wanted to create a different type of romance, and so wrote the love story for the two of them.<ref name="DengkeiDOD"/> The actor who portrayed the two was [[Peter (actor)|Shinnosuke Ikehata]]: though originally cast for the role of Caim, his versatility also got him the role of Angelus.<ref name="voice cast">{{cite web | url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/07/24/drakengard-voice-actors | title=Drakengard Voice Actors | access-date=2007-07-30 | author=IGNPS2 Staff | date=2003-07-24| website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> Furiae was designed by Yoko as both an explanation for Caim and Inuart's rivalry, and as a representation of his distaste for the kind of forgettable character she represented. The relationship between Caim and Furiae, as well as their ultimate fates, was Yoko's response to the standard happy ending found in most role-playing games at the time, which he felt did not fit in with a protagonist who had killed hundreds during their quest.<ref name="DODdirector"/> The second ending was principally inspired by this and his dislike for ''Sister Princess''.<ref name= "DODcreation"/> Caim and Furiae were respectively based around Guts from ''[[Berserk (manga)|Berserk]]'' and [[Rei Ayanami]] from ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', with Caim being codenamed "Guts" during development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ameblo.jp/yokota6/entry-11523557103.html|script-title=ja:【仕事】ドラゴン３座談会とかイロイロ。|last=Yoko|first=Taro|author-link=Taro Yoko|publisher=Taro Yoko Blog|date=2013-05-04|access-date=2016-03-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131117103209/http://ameblo.jp/yokota6/entry-11523557103.html|archive-date=2013-11-17|url-status=live}}</ref>

Inuart was originally designed as the main protagonist of ''Drakengard'', with him being a "useless hero". A pivotal scene in the game, where he first clashes with Caim, became one of the ways Yoko was able to properly project his vision of the game's world.<ref name="DengDODdesigns1">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/647/647512/|script-title=ja:『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン（DOD）』シリーズ居酒屋座談会、再び。柴プロデューサーと藤坂さんがヨコオタロウに物申す!?|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-06-17|access-date=2014-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231051/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/647/647512/|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}</ref> Verdelet was portrayed as the "despicable elder", who cared for no-one except himself: his personality was intended to be both ineffectual and bossy, even in the face of catastrophe.<ref name="DengkeiDOD"/><ref name="DengDODdesigns2">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/647/647513/|script-title=ja:『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン（DOD）』シリーズの裏話を柴プロデューサーが暴露!? 『DOD3』の使徒のデザイン秘話も掲載|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-06-19|access-date=2014-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317000330/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/647/647513/|archive-date=2015-03-17|url-status=live}}</ref> Manah's role in ''Drakengard'' was designed to represent unloved children.<ref name="DengkeiDOD"/> The fifth ending, a boss battle in modern-day Tokyo, was created as a joke ending in the same vein as the ''[[Silent Hill]]'' series and an unexpected twist for players who were expecting an upbeat tone after the previous endings.<ref name= "DengkeiDOD"/> Titled ''the End of dragon sphere'', this ending served as a tribute to ''[[The End of Evangelion]]''.<ref name= "DengEoE">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/623/623508/|title=『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン』シリーズ座談会、佳境へ。ヨコオタロウが暴く『DOD2』安井ディレクターの心の闇＆『ニーア』反省話|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-04-22|access-date=2014-03-09}}</ref><ref name= EoDS>{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/623/623508/index-3.html|title= 閑話休題……ヨコオタロウが秘める心の闇|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-04-22|access-date=2017-10-08}}</ref>

Character designs were done by Kimihiko Fujisaka. ''Drakengard'' was his first job as a character designer: his designs were firmly seated within the Medieval European aesthetic. To achieve this, he imagined that he had been sent back to that historical period.<ref name="EuroInterview"/> His designs were inspired by the character designs of ''Final Fantasy'' and ''Dragon Quest''.<ref name="DengDOD3utahime1">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/699/699823/|script-title=ja:『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン3』キャラクターデザイン秘話インタビュー。藤坂公彦氏が語る『DOD』シリーズらしさとは？【電撃DOD3】|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-09-03|access-date=2014-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304002218/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/699/699823/|archive-date=2016-03-04|url-status=live}}</ref> Caim was one of the earliest characters created for ''Drakengard''.<ref name="DengDODdesigns3">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/647/647514/|script-title=ja:『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン（DOD）』シリーズのキャラ人気投票結果を開発者が総括！ カイムとアンヘルのラストにまつわる秘話とは？|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2013-06-21|access-date=2014-01-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225619/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/647/647514/|archive-date=2016-03-03|url-status=live}}</ref> In Inuart's design, Fujisaka incorporated heavy armor into his design to give a more forceful impression for players.<ref name="DengDODdesigns1"/> His ultimate role and final design were based around the idea of him being Caim's rival.<ref name="DengkeiDOD"/> The design of the black dragon, which acted as Inuart's pact beast, did not impress Shiba, who considered cutting it from the final product.<ref name="DengDODdesigns2"/> Manah's red clothing was designed to evoke both its status as the game's key color, and her status as the leader of the Cult of the Watchers. Shiba approved of the design, feeling that it contrasted nicely with Furiae's predominantly white design.<ref name="DengDODdesigns1"/> Fujisaka also helped design Furiae's monster form for the game's second ending.<ref name="DengDODdesigns3"/> In hindsight, Fujisaka was dissatisfied with his work on ''Drakengard'', particularly his work on Caim.<ref name="DengDODdesigns3"/> The game's monsters were designed by Taro Hasegawa.<ref>{{cite book|script-title=ja:ドラッグオンドラグーン2 設定資料集|trans-title=Drag-On Dragoon 2: Memory of Blood |publisher=[[Square Enix]] |isbn=4-7575-1516-2|language=Japanese |date=2005-08-05}}</ref>

===Music===
{{Main|Music of the Drakengard series}}
The music was composed by [[Nobuyoshi Sano]] and Takayuki Aihara: the two used excerpts from pieces of classical music (selected by Aihara), then rearranged, remixed and layered them. Their main objective was to create music that emulated the gameplay, as well as the story and general narrative theme of "madness". The music was intended to be "experimental" and "expressionistic" rather than "commercial".<ref name= "SEmusicLiners">{{cite web|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/liners/drakengard.shtml|title=Drag-on Dragoon Original Soundtrack :: Liner Notes Translated by Ben Schweitzer|author=Schweitzer, Ben|publisher=Square Enix Music|access-date=2014-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222144620/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/features/liners/drakengard.shtml|archive-date=2014-02-22|url-status=dead}}</ref> The theme song, {{nihongo|"Exhausted"|尽きる|Tsukiru}}, was composed by Sano, written by Natori and sung by [[Eriko Hatsune]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.squareenixmusic.com/lyrics/drakengard/exhausted.shtml|title=Square Enix Music Online :: Drakengard - Exhausted|publisher=Square Enix Music|access-date=2014-03-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301164247/http://www.squareenixmusic.com/lyrics/drakengard/exhausted.shtml|archive-date=2014-03-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> The soundtrack was originally released in two volumes under the names ''Drag-On Dragoon Original Soundtrack Vol.1'' and ''Drag-On Dragoon Original Soundtrack Vol.2'', released on October 22 and November 21, 2003, respectively.<ref name=RPGFAN1>{{cite web | title=Drag-on Dragoon OST Vol. 1 | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/drag-on1/index.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=2008-07-07 | archive-date=2017-09-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915071516/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/drag-on1/index.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=RPGFAN2>{{cite web | title=Drag-on Dragoon OST Vol. 2 | url=http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/drag-on2/index.html | publisher=RPGFan | access-date=2008-07-07 | archive-date=2017-09-15 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170915071621/http://www.rpgfan.com/soundtracks/drag-on2/index.html | url-status=dead }}</ref> The soundtrack was re-released on April 20, 2011, as a two-disc set under the title ''Drag-On Dragoon Original Soundtrack''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://store.jp.square-enix.com/detail/SQEX-10239-40|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140301115731/http://store.jp.square-enix.com/detail/SQEX-10239-40|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-03-01|title=【再発盤】ドラッグ オン ドラグーン オリジナル・サウンドトラック|publisher=Square Enix e-Store|access-date=2014-03-01}}</ref>

== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
|MC = 63/100<ref name= "DGmetacritic">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/drakengard/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2|title=Drakengard for PlayStation Reviews|website=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=2013-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130316015731/http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/drakengard|archive-date=2013-03-16|url-status=live}}</ref>
|CVG = 8/10<ref name= "CGVreview">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/105961/reviews/drakengard-review/|title=Review: Drakengard|author=CVG Staff|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|date=2004-06-14|access-date=2014-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326103008/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/105961/reviews/drakengard-review/|archive-date=2014-03-26|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|IGN = 7.9/10<ref name= "IGNdg1">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/02/13/drakengard-3|title=Drakengard Review|author=Dunham, Jeremy|website=[[IGN]]|date=2004-02-13|access-date=2013-11-14}}</ref>
|Fam = 29/40<ref name= "RPGfamitsu">{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgfan.com/news/2003/1876.html|title=Famitsu Weighs in on Drag-on Dragoon, Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life|author=Winkler, Chris|publisher=RPGfan|date=2003-09-03|access-date=2014-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001053420/http://rpgfan.com/news/2003/1876.html|archive-date=2013-10-01 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|GI = 7.5/10<ref name= "GIdg1">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200403/R04.0317.0955.06542.htm|title=Drakengard Review|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=2004-02-23|access-date=2013-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040414142848/http://www.gameinformer.com/Games/Review/200403/R04.0317.0955.06542.htm|archive-date=2004-04-14 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
|GSpot = 7/10<ref name= "GSdg1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/drakengard-review/1900-6089873/|title=Drakengard Review|author=Kasavin, Greg|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2004-02-23|access-date=2013-11-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326064920/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/drakengard-review/1900-6089873/|archive-date=2014-03-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
|VG = 6/10<ref name="VGdg1">{{cite web|url=http://www.videogamer.com/ps2/drakengard/review.html|title=Drakengard Review|author=Jarvis, Adam|publisher=VideoGamer.com|date=2004-08-20|access-date=2014-01-04|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326120253/http://www.videogamer.com/ps2/drakengard/review.html|archive-date=2014-03-26}}</ref>
|Edge = 8/10<ref name="EDGEdg1">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|title=Drag-On Dragoon|issue=130|date=December 2003|page=98}}</ref>
|PSM = 6/10<ref name="PSMdg1">{{cite magazine|magazine=[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|PlayStation Magazine]]|title=Drakengard|issue=110|date=May 2004|page=39}}</ref>
}}
''Drakengard'' sold more than 122,000 units in its first week of release in Japan, taking ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space]]''{{'}}s place at the top of the sales charts.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2003/09/22/drag-on-dragoon-flies-off-shelves | title=Drag-On Dragoon Flies off Shelves | access-date=2007-07-30 | author=IGN Staff | date=2003-09-22 | website=[[IGN]]}}</ref> By the end of 2003, it had sold 241,014 copies.<ref>{{cite web | title=GEIMIN.NET／2003年テレビゲームソフト売り上げTOP300 | url=http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php | work=Geimin.net | language=Japanese | access-date=2009-08-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141009011126/http://geimin.net/da/db/2003_ne_fa/index.php|archive-date=2014-10-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> Gaming magazine ''[[Famitsu]]'' ranked it as the 50th best-selling title of 2003,<ref name= "IGNfamitsu">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/01/14/gaming-life-in-japan-219|title= Gaming Life in Japan|author=IGN Staff|website=[[IGN]]|date=2004-01-14|access-date=2014-05-03}}</ref> and sold well enough that it was made part of [[Square Enix]]'s Ultimate Hits series, re-releases of popular titles.<ref name= "DengekiUH">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/091/91923/|title=9月発売の「アルティメット ヒッツ」は『DC -FF7-』など3本！|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2008-07-10|access-date=2013-12-15}}</ref> Its strong sales were attributed by the team to its cinematic story and similarity to the popular ''Dynasty Warriors'' series.<ref name= "EuroInterview"/> In Europe, the game sold 110,000 units by September 2004.<ref>[http://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/pdf/financial_20041130_01.pdf Consolidated Financial Results for the six months ended September 30, 2004], Square Enix, November 18, 2004</ref>

According to ''[[GameSpot]]'', ''Drakengard'' received favorable reviews in Japan.<ref name= "GSpreview"/> ''Famitsu'' gave it an overall score of 29/40.<ref name= "RPGfamitsu"/> After the game's reveal at E3, multiple video game publications, including ''[[PlayStation: The Official Magazine|Official PlayStation Magazine]]'', ''[[IGN]]'' and ''[[Game Informer]]'', praised its promising story and mixture of gameplay genres.<ref name= "SQEXpress">{{cite web|url=http://release.square-enix.com/na/2004/01/14.html|title=Gamers swoop into gothic action adventure and alternate reality in Drakengard|publisher=[[Square Enix]]|date=2004-01-14|access-date=2014-04-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410204601/http://release.square-enix.com/na/2004/01/14.html|archive-date=2014-04-10|url-status=live}}</ref> The game received "average" reviews, according to video game [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]].<ref name= "DGmetacritic"/>

The story received the highest amount of praise. ''IGN''{{'}}s Jeremy Dunham called it the game's "biggest strength", praising the edgy themes explored and the balance between fantasy and realism. He also praised the multiple parallels with ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''.<ref name= "IGNdg1"/> The reviewer for ''[[Computer and Video Games]]'' (''CVG'') praised "the maturity and wit of the dialogue and unfolding plot", noting that they stood alongside other Square Enix RPGs of the time.<ref name= "CGVreview"/> ''VideoGamer.com''{{'}}s Adam Jarvis praised the game's storytelling style, saying that while it became "a little bogged down at various points, it is deep enough to keep your interest throughout the game."<ref name= "VGdg1"/> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s [[Greg Kasavin]] said that "though the story itself is awkwardly paced and is sometimes difficult to keep up with, it becomes one of the main motivating factors for wanting to get all the way through to the end of the game."<ref name= "GSdg1"/>

The graphics received mixed responses. Kasavin said the game "looks decent but, ultimately, not all that good". He criticized the bland environments and awkward movements for enemy units and the playable character, but praised the design of the dragon.<ref name= "GSdg1"/> ''Game Informer'' was more positive, praising the graphical detail and cutscenes and the look of enemy units, despite finding pop-up issues and framerate dips.<ref name= "GIdg1"/> Jarvis praised the design of the main cast, but cited the repetitive enemy design and dark environments as detracting elements.<ref name= "VGdg1"/> Dunham praised the character and monster designs as well as the full-motion cutscenes, but was less impressed by the repetitive human enemy designs, bland environments and low [[draw distance]].<ref name= "IGNdg1"/> The full-motion videos were also praised by the ''CVG'' reviewer.<ref name= "CGVreview"/>

Reaction to the sound design was mixed to positive. Dunham praised the majority of the British-style voice acting, but called the music "disappointing".<ref name="IGNdg1" /> ''Game Informer'' cited the low number of background tracks and voice acting "straight out of a renaissance festival" as poorer parts of the game.<ref name="GIdg1" /> Kasavin praised the voice acting and called the music "the most nerve-racking and most intense aspect of the game."<ref name="GSdg1" /> Jarvis was also positive, praising the sound design for battles, most of the voice acting and the music, which "[helped] create a suitably dark atmosphere."<ref name="VGdg1" />

Reception of the gameplay was mixed to negative, with Dunham saying it suffered the same problems as its derivative games despite its easy entertainment value,<ref name= "IGNdg1"/> while Jarvis called the options in gameplay "fairly limited".<ref name= "VGdg1"/> The ''CVG'' reviewer praised the aerial segments of gameplay, calling them the most entertaining, and found that the standard combat served to embellish the protagonist's "kick-ass persona, making him more than just another anonymous dragon rider". The main criticism was repetition in the gameplay.<ref name= "CGVreview"/> Kasavin was exceptionally critical, saying that the gameplay both made the process of playing laborious and detracted from the main story.<ref name= "GSdg1"/> ''Game Informer'' called the gameplay "fun, but [lacking] any semblance of depth."<ref name= "GIdg1"/>

==Legacy==
{{See also|Drakengard}}

''Drakengard'' received two novelizations by Emi Nagashima (writing as Jun Eishima) and Takashi Aizawa.<ref name="DODside">{{cite book |title=Drag-On Dragoon: Side Story |author=Eishima, Jun |publisher=Square Enix |location=Tokyo |isbn=978-4-7575-1086-9 |language=Japanese |date=November 28, 2003}}</ref><ref name="DODneg">{{cite book |title=Drag-On Dragoon: Magnitude "Negative" |author=Aizawa, Takashi |publisher=Enterbrain |location=Tokyo |isbn=978-4-7577-1707-7 |language=Japanese |date=January 23, 2004}}</ref> The game's events were retold again in a special story titled ''Drakengard 1.3'', which followed on from the spin-off manga ''Drag-On Dragoon: Shi ni Itaru Aka''.<ref name= "DengSpinoff1">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/831/831334/|title=カイムと赤き竜の新たな関係を描く小説『DOD1.3』に秘められた謎とは？ 『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン3』 設定資料集を先行公開【電撃DOD3】|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2014-04-07|access-date=2014-04-13}}</ref><ref name= "DengSpinoff2">{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/831/831336/|title=『DOD3』 設定資料集では、多元世界での分岐（シフト）現象を小説やコミック、DLCを交えて裏の裏まで考察！【電撃DOD3】|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|date=2014-04-09|access-date=2014-04-13}}</ref> In March 2014, Hardcore Gamer's Jahanzeb Khan favorably referred to the game as a precursor to the [[Game of Thrones|TV adaptation]] of the book series ''[[A Song of Ice and Fire]]'' in its handling of taboo themes and violence.<ref name= "DODtaboo">{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/03/23/drakengard-3-reintroduces-depravity-and-taboo-to-gaming/78464/|title=Drakengard 3 Reintroduces Depravity And Taboo To Gaming|author=Khan, Jahanzeb |publisher=Hardcore Gamer|date=2014-04-27|access-date=2014-04-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427191246/http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/03/23/drakengard-3-reintroduces-depravity-and-taboo-to-gaming/78464/|archive-date=2014-04-27|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was considered successful enough in Japan by Square Enix that a sequel was commissioned.<ref name= "DOD2announced">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2004/12/16/drakengard-sequel|title=Drakengard Sequel|author=Gantayat, Anoop|website=[[IGN]]|date=2004-12-15|access-date=2014-01-04}}</ref> ''[[Drakengard 2]]'' was again produced by Shiba, but Yoko was replaced as director by Akira Yasui, resulting in numerous thematic changes.<ref name= "DengEoE"/><ref name= "famitsu1">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/game/news/2005/06/02/103,1117716696,39916,0,0.html|title=『ドラッグオンドラグーン2』の完成披露会が開催！|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|date=2005-06-02|access-date=2013-12-13}}</ref> Originally set following the first ending of ''Drakengard'', it was later [[Retroactive continuity|retconned]] into an isolated timeline.<ref name="DOD3settings">{{cite book |script-title=ja:ドラッグ オン ドラグーン3 設定資料集＋ザ・コンプリートガイド |trans-title=Drag-On Dragoon 3 The Complete Guide + Settings |publisher=[[ASCII Media Works]] |isbn=9784048660860 |language=Japanese | pages=180–181 |date=2014-04-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/drakengard-ii-import-hands-on/1100-6129517/|title=Drakengard II Import Hands-On|author=Torres, Ricardo|website=[[GameSpot]]|date=2005-06-20|access-date=2014-02-23}}</ref> A prequel, ''[[Drakengard 3]]'', was released in 2013, with multiple staff members returning to their original roles.<ref name="DR3unveiled">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-03-13-deadly-premonition-developer-making-drakengard-3|title=Deadly Premonition developer making Drakengard 3|author=Phillips, Tom|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2013-03-04|access-date=2013-10-09}}</ref><ref name= "FamitsuArtist">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201309/02039188.html|title=『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン3』キャラデザ担当の藤坂公彦氏と柴貴正Pのロングインタビューをお届け|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|date=2013-09-02|access-date=2013-12-12}}</ref><ref name= "JpRelease">{{cite web|title=Drakengard 3 delayed to Dec. 19 in Japan|url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/8/22/4647804/drakengard-3-delayed-to-dec-19-in-japan|author=Pitcher, Jenna|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=August 22, 2013|access-date=2013-08-22}}</ref>

An attempt to create another title in the series resulted in the spin-off ''[[Nier (video game)|Nier]]'', which retains links and themes from the main series.<ref name="DG3origins">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/04/05/drakengard-3-producer-and-creative-director-explain-how-the-game-came-to-be/|title=Drakengard 3 Producer And Creative Director Explain How The Game Came To Be|author=Sato|publisher=Siliconera|date=2013-05-05|access-date=2013-10-09}}</ref> ''Nier'' takes place over a thousand years after the events of ''Drakengard''{{'}}s fifth ending.<ref name= "DengkeiDOD"/> When Cavia was absorbed by [[AQ Interactive]] after ''Nier''{{'}}s release, a future attempt by Shiba to continue the series was unsuccessful.<ref name= "FAMcaviaAQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201304/04031332.html|title=結果的に新情報満載 『ドラッグ オン ドラグーン3』開発者インタビュー|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|date=2013-04-04|access-date=2013-12-10}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Nier: Automata]]'', was developed by [[PlatinumGames]] in collaboration with previous ''Nier'' staff and released in 2017, taking place after ''Nier''{{'}}s fourth ending.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/068/1068126/|script-title=ja:『NieR』の新作は前作を遊んだファンほど混乱する!? ヨコオタロウ氏ら開発スタッフに直撃インタビュー|publisher=[[ASCII Media Works|Dengeki Online]]|language=Japanese|date=2015-06-19|access-date=2015-06-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619152127/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/001/068/1068126/|archive-date=2015-06-19|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2016/09/nier-automata-black-box-edition-announced-japan|title=NieR: Automata 'Black Box Edition' announced for Japan|last=Romano|first=Sal|publisher=Gematsu|date=2016-09-16|access-date=2016-12-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161110124959/http://gematsu.com/2016/09/nier-automata-black-box-edition-announced-japan|archive-date=2016-11-10|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rpgsite.net/news/5129-nier-automata-set-to-release-in-march-new-trailer-from-psx|title=NieR: Automata set to release in March, new trailer from PSX|last=Vitale|first=Adam|publisher=RPG Site|date=2016-12-03|access-date=2016-12-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204091358/http://www.rpgsite.net/news/5129-nier-automata-set-to-release-in-march-new-trailer-from-psx|archive-date=2016-12-04|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== Further reading ==

* {{Cite book |last=Taro |first=Yoko |title=Game Creators of Biography |publisher=[[Cygames|Cycomi]] |year=2021 |location=Tokyo |language=ja |chapter=Yoko Taro-hen |author-link=Yoko Taro}}
* {{Cite book |last=Turcev |first=Nicolas |title=The Strange Works of Taro Yoko: From Drakengard to Nier: Automata |publisher=[[Third Éditions]] |others=Foreword by Yoko Taro |year=2019 |isbn=978-23-7784-048-9 |location=Toulouse}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
*{{Official website}} 
*{{IMDb title|0402976}}

{{Drakengard}}
{{Portal bar|Video games}}

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