Drakan: The Ancients' Gates: Difference between revisions

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{{infobox game
{{infobox
|image            = Drakan_-_The_Ancients'_Gates.png
|image            = Drakan_-_The_Ancients'_Gates.png
|caption          =
|caption          =
|developer        = Surreal Software
|developer        = Surreal Software
|genre            = Action-Adventure,RPG
|publisher        = [[Sony|SCEA]] (US), [[Sony|SCEE]] (EU)
|gameinfo          = Drakan: The Ancients' Gates is an action-adventure PlayStation 2 game with RPG elements by Surreal Software. It is the sequel to the 1999 PC game Drakan: Order of the Flame.
|genre            = Action, Adventure, RPG
|wikipedia         = [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakan:_The_Ancients%27_Gates Link]
|wikipedia        = [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drakan:_The_Ancients%27_Gates Link]
|reviewlinks      = [http://www.gamespot.com/ps2/action/drakantheancientsgates/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=gssummary&tag=summary;read-review Gamespot link]
|gamefaqslink      = [http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps2/451207-drakan-the-ancients-gates Link]
|reviewscore      = 7.7/10
|reviewlinks      = {{ReviewLink|[http://www.gamerankings.com/ps2/451207-drakan-the-ancients-gates/index.html GameRankings]|79/100}}, {{ReviewLink|[http://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-2/drakan-the-ancients-gates Metacritic]|78/100}}
|gameinfo          = In the decaying world of Drakan, the immortal Spirit Dragons are held captive. Now it's up to Rynn--a brave female warrior--and her dragon Arokh to save these spiritual leaders and the last remnants of humankind. Together with Rynn and Arokh, you'll need magical spells, resourcefulness, and powerful weapons to survive the vast environments. You'll gain skills as a fighter, an archer, or a mage as you fight ruthless enemies from the arctic tundra to the swamplands. The mysterious world of Drakan is filled with magical creatures, interesting characters, and challenging puzzles.<br />
Drakan: The Ancients' Gates is an action-adventure PlayStation 2 game with RPG elements by Surreal Software. It is the sequel to the 1999 PC game Drakan: Order of the Flame.
<!-- General props -->
|widescreenpatch  = 1
|na_rating_text    = Blood and Gore, Violence
|na_rating         = M
<!-- Language props -->
|italian          = SCES-50006
|spanish          = SCES-50006
|french            = SCES-50006
|german            = SCES-50006
|english          = SCES-50006 & SCUS-97128 & SCUS-97169
<!-- NTSC-U props -->
<!-- NTSC-U props -->
|NTSCU            = 1
|NTSCU            = 1
|serialsNTSCU      = SCUS 97128
|serialsNTSCU      = SCUS-97128<br />SCUS-97169 <small>(Demo)</small>
|CRCsNTSCU        =
|CRCsNTSCU        =
|releasedateNTSCU  = January 28, 2002
|releasedateNTSCU  = January 28, 2002
|statusNTSCU      = 2
|statusNTSCU      = 2
|linuxstatusNTSCU  = 2
|linuxstatusNTSCU  =
|macstatusNTSCU    =
|macstatusNTSCU    =
<!-- PAL props -->
<!-- PAL props -->
|PAL              = 1
|PAL              = 1
|serialsPAL        = SCES 50006
|serialsPAL        = SCES-50006
|CRCsPAL          = 04F9D87F
|CRCsPAL          = 04F9D87F
|releasedatePAL    = July 5, 2002
|releasedatePAL    = July 5, 2002
Line 24: Line 36:
|linuxstatusPAL    =
|linuxstatusPAL    =
|macstatusPAL      =
|macstatusPAL      =
<!-- NTSC-J props -->
|NTSCJ            = 0
|serialsNTSCJ      =
|CRCsNTSCJ        =
|releasedateNTSCJ  =
|statusNTSCJ      =
|linuxstatusNTSCJ  =
|macstatusNTSCJ    =
<!-- Windows specs -->
|pcsx2ver          = r985
|gsname            = GSDX
|gsver            = 1888
|soundname        = SPU2-X
|soundver          = 1.2.0
|padname          = LilyPad
|padver            = 0.10.0
|dvdplugname      = Linuz ISO CDVD
|dvdplugver        = 0.8.0
|biosver          = Europe v01.60
|hacks            = EE x2, INTC, IOP x2, Idle Loop, VU Stealing 2
|fpsinfo          = constant 50 fps (starting video is somewhat slower ~40 fps)
|comment          =
* After saving to memcard NEVER load from old states (F3), consider all quick states invalid you can only save them anew!
* Note also that you cannot play smoothly in many other versions before 985 (they'll be freezing) and after 985 (up until 1888) as there will be some crashing issues.
* Sometimes the world can stuck preventing from performing any action (cannot change a weapon, enemies will not move and cannot be killed). You have to save often (F1) and change quick slots often (F2) as the only way to resolve this is to load.
* There are some minor GFX glitches in GSDX as of r1888. Sun shines through the walls, the skies can be broken from time to time.
* Packed r985 can be found [http://emu.crimsonrain.com/2009/04/pcsx2-svn-r985.html here].
* Ran from the pcsx2-sse2.exe
* All plugins from PCSX2 Official Beta 1888 (mid September 2009)
* GSDX-SSE2 in Directx 9 maximized window (full screen froze up on first start, then worked on second attempt...didn't trust it)
* spu2PeopsSound (if you can't get near 100% game speed, spu2-x syncs sound better but stutters/loops a bit)
* The only speed hack required to run at 100% speed was VU Cycle Stealing 2/4 on the slider
<!-- Linux specs -->
|linuxpcsx2ver    = 1736
|linuxgsname      = ZZogl
|linuxgsver        = 182
|linuxsoundname    =
|linuxsoundver    =
|linuxpadname      =
|linuxpadver      =
|linuxdvdplugname  =
|linuxdvdplugver  =
|linuxbiosver      =
|linuxhacks        =
|linuxfpsinfo      =
|linuxcomment      = Regulary freeze
<!-- Minimal PC specs -->
|cputype          = AMD Athlon x2 7850 (dual core @ stock 2.81 GHz)
|gputype          = nVidia Geforce 8800GTX
|pccomment        =
}}
}}
<br /><br />


__NOTOC__
{{TestingHeader|OS=Windows}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=PAL
|OS=Windows 2000
|CPU=Intel Core2 Duo @ 3.00 GHz
|GPU=NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
|Revision=0.9.6 beta r710/r1736
|Graphics=*GSdx r1611
*Mode: Direct3D9 (Hardware)
|Sound=SPU2-X 1.2.0
|Comments=
* Hacks: EE x2, INTC, IOP x2, Idle Loop, VU Stealing 3
* With r1736 the emulator will crash on switching to new locations, use r710 to load instead.
* Do not use r710 to play as it tends to freeze in some situations.
|Tester=ngng
}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=PAL
|OS=Windows XP Pro SP3 (32-bit)
|CPU=AMD Athlon X2 7850 @ 2.81 GHz
|GPU=NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 1GB
|Revision=0.9.6 beta r985
|Graphics=*GSdx r1888
*Mode: Direct3D9 (Hardware)
|Sound=SPU2-X [2014-07-14]
|Comments=
* Hacks: EE x2, INTC, IOP x2, Idle Loop, VU Stealing 2
* Constant 50 FPS (starting video is somewhat slower ~40 FPS)
|Tester=Elvin presler
}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=NTSC-U
|OS=Windows
|CPU=Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 GHz
|GPU=NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 SSC
|Revision=1.3.1
|Graphics=GSdx
|Sound=SPU2-X
|Comments=No fixes or speed hacks enabled. Shade Boost is on, basically everything else is off. 4:3 aspect ratio, 6x native resolution. FXAA works but is not required. D3D10/11 Hardware Mode. 58-60 FPS constant, minimal to no stutter, very smooth. Almost as glitch-free as on the PS2, but much prettier. Glitches: Fire halos show through walls at close range, sunglare shows through certain mountain geometry, the sky is distorted in a pinwheel pattern, but only above the character, straight up. (Not on the horizon.)
|Tester={{ForumUser|Aegrus}}
}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=PAL
|OS=Windows 7 64-bit
|CPU=Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 GHz
|GPU=NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
|Revision=1.4.0
|Graphics=GSdx SSE41, OpenGL
|Sound=SPU2-X
|Comments=Perfect emulation.
|Tester={{ForumUser|pumab}}
}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=NTSC-U
|OS=Windows 7
|CPU=Intel Core i5-6500 @ 3.20 GHz
|GPU=NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti
|Revision=1.4.0
|Graphics=GSdx 1.0.0
*Mode: HW OpenGL
|Sound=*SPU2-X 2.0.0
*LilyPad 0.11.0
|Comments=Completed the game from beginning to end with no crashes or freezes. Runs at around 180FPS when uncapped at 3x Native resolution. The hardware depth option is required to prevent light from being visible through walls. For some reason it doesn't work on latest dev builds which is why 1.4.0 was used. The NTSC-U release of the game has a gamebreaking bug where your dragon can disappear permanently. Use the PAL version to avoid this.
|Tester=Vibhor}}
{{TestingEntry
|Status=2
|Region=NTSC-U
|OS=Windows 10
|CPU=AMD Ryzen 5 3600 @ 3.6Ghz
|GPU=Geforce 1660 Super
|Revision=1.7.0 (dev-1545)
<spoiler show="Settings" hide="Hide">
* '''Speedhacks:'''
** EE Cyclerate: 0
** VU Cycle Stealing: 0
** mVU Flag Hack: ✓
** MTVU: ✓
</spoiler>
|Graphics=GSdx
<spoiler show="Settings" hide="Hide">
* Renderer: OpenGL
* Internal Resolution: 6x Native
* Anisotropic Filtering: 16x
</spoiler>
|Sound=SPU2-X
|Comments=Completed about 1/4 of the game. Runs very well. Use OpenGL to prevent some light effects being visible through solid geometry. There are thin white lines around HUD elements if you play above native res, and there doesn't seem to be anything we can do about that, but it's easily ignored. Loading times (and saving times) are ridiculous, but can be sped through by disabling the framelimiter. I love it when emulation tricks make games better!
|Tester=CynicMimic
}}
{{TestingFooter}}


==Some tips (<span style="color:red;"><small>may contain small spoilers!</small></span>):==


* The first 3-4 hours of play for this game are the hardest. You do not have enough experience to get a decent weapons/spell and the enemies ain't too weak in comparison with those you'll encounter later. This is a crash test for your skills. Thus in '''Shadowmire''' you would consider to perform better using bow than a sword.
==Trivia==
* Gaining experience in the beginning, you may want to spent the hard earned points to some Melee and Archery exhancement but upgrading Magic skills later is a must!
* The PAL version of this game supports multiple languages through the BIOS configuration. Implementation requires Full boot - "Boot CDVD (full)".
* Please do not forget that you can lock onto any enemy. It may help a lot in some situations and it is the only way to know how mush damage have you already dealt. The lock indicator around enemy will go from yellow (no damage dealt) to orange, red and finally black (almost dead).
* When fighting skeletons it's better to use the fast sword than any other weapon. Squat down and wait for them coming constantly using your sword. They'll be dead in no time.
* When fighting with bosses and tough enemies (and most of them are tough in this game) try to trick the weak game AI by hiding behind some obstacles like small rocks, walls, corners, etc. Even when the enemy is visible by 1-2% you can kill it without spending too much of any precious resource (including HP). Running around rocks when using magic is considered a wise strategy.
* When fighting on the stairs/doorways remember that most of the enemies cannot follow you up or through so hide in small rooms using range weapons or magic.
* As for the magic spells not all of them are useful. Some like '''Fireball''' or '''Ice Blast''' are too hard to use with the current control scheme (unless you're locking onto enemy but that's hardly acceptable when they are in groups). Your best friends are '''Rejuvenate''' for healing and the spells like '''Lightning Bolt''' (you'll get it for free in '''Andrellian Isles''') or '''Soul Stealer'''. '''Time Slow''' also is a must when you're going to use melee weapons on strong enemies.
* The easiest way to kill the enemy dragon on the early stages of the game is to use Arokh lighting ability. And this ability will only be available after '''Andrellian Isles''' so every dragon battle before will be exremely tough. If you want to ''try'' to finish the quest of '''Khossa Vole''' before you have this spell it would be extremely hard but still doable. You'll have to lure all ''four'' bone dragons one by one and kill them by moving backwards or orbiting them fireing continually. That will keep them in a distance.
* On the later stages however you may like to use sonic breath better. It will especially be useful against bone dragons because continual firing keeps them away. Locking on them also can help you when you have enough room to maneuver.
* When fighting with strong dragons like '''Shaza''' and '''Tora''' (they are unleashed together) that strategy may not be enough. The only safe and sure way to kill them is to hide around the corner of a mountain (so the dragon cannot be seen) and fire your '''sonic alternative''' periodically into the area so that it affects the invisible dragon. Alternatively you may want to leave them inside the desert area "visiting" it to deal some damage and retreating to heal yourself. Othewise try your luck in extreme battle in an open air (though it may not last long).


<br /><br />


==Extras:==
==Known Issues==
{{Issue
|IssueName=Cannot create a memory card save after loading from an older savestate
|IsFixed=0
|IssueLevel=0
|Description=It's not possible to create a memory card save after loading a save state from before the current memory card save was made.
|Workaround=Loading a memory card save will make it possible to save again. Avoid using save states or manage them carefully.
}}


{{PADConfig
{{Issue
|caption = LilyPad
|IssueName=Light effects visible through solid geometry
|text    = <pre>Mouse bindings:
|IsFixed=0
Binding 0=0x01010000, 0, 33, 65536, 0, 0
|IssueLevel=0
Binding 1=0x02010000, 0, 35, 65536, 0, 0
|Description=Light source halos can be seen through walls and sunlight lens flare is visible through mountains.
Binding 2=0x01010001, 0, 34, 65536, 0, 0
|Workaround=Seems to have been fixed(at least for PAL release)as of 1.5.0 dev 2246. Use the latest PCSX2 stable version v1.4.0(there is a regression in newer builds), and go to Config > Video (GS) > Plugin Settings, set Renderer to "OpenGL (Hardware)" and enable "Hardware Depth". Alternatively switching to the Software mode and back with the F9 key fixes the light sources temporarily. To fix it permanently in all PCSX2 versions go to Config > Video (GS) > Plugin Settings and switch to Software mode by setting Renderer to any of the "(Software)" options.
Binding 3=0x02010001, 0, 32, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 4=0x00040003, 0, 31, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 5=0x00040004, 0, 24, 65536, 0, 0
Keyboard bindings:
Binding 0=0x0004000D, 0, 15, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 1=0x00040014, 0, 12, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 2=0x00040020, 0, 19, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 3=0x00040025, 0, 35, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 4=0x00040026, 0, 32, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 5=0x00040027, 0, 33, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 6=0x00040028, 0, 34, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 7=0x00040031, 0, 26, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 8=0x00040032, 0, 24, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 9=0x00040033, 0, 27, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 10=0x00040034, 0, 25, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 11=0x00040041, 0, 31, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 12=0x00040043, 0, 36, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 13=0x00040044, 0, 39, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 14=0x00040046, 0, 37, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 15=0x00040052, 0, 38, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 16=0x00040053, 0, 29, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 17=0x00040057, 0, 28, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 18=0x00040058, 0, 16, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 19=0x0004005A, 0, 30, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 20=0x00040062, 0, 22, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 21=0x00040064, 0, 23, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 22=0x00040066, 0, 21, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 23=0x00040068, 0, 20, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 24=0x000400A0, 0, 12, 65536, 0, 0
Binding 25=0x000400A4, 0, 24, 65536, 0, 0</pre>
|comment = Comments:<br />
Alt - strafe modifier<br />
Use mouse when aiming an arrow (S to enter aiming mode)
}}
}}


<br /><br />
==Fixed Issues==
{{Issue
|IssueName=Freezing on certain versions
|IsFixed=1
|IssueLevel=2
|Description=The game won't play smoothly in many versions before(they'll freeze) and after 0.9.6. beta r985 as there will be some crashing issues(up until 0.9.6 beta r1888).
|Workaround=Use 0.9.6 beta r985.
}}


==The gallery:==
{{Issue
|IssueName=Frozen world
|IsFixed=1
|IssueLevel=2
|Description=Sometimes the world can stuck preventing from performing any action (cannot change a weapon, enemies will not move and cannot be killed)
|Workaround=Use savestates and save(F1 key) often and change save slots(F2 key) often as the only way to resolve this is to reload.
}}


<gallery>
Image:Drakan2-shot1.png|This is Surdana
Image:Drakan2-shot2.png|Ravenshold is a snowy realm
Image:Drakan2-shot3.png|There's something fishy about this guy...
Image:Drakan2-shot4.png|Meet Rynn (quite a rich girl)
Image:Drakan2-shot5.png|Hold on and don't look down!
Image:Drakan2-shot6.png|This is some hospitable looking place!
Image:Drakan2-shot9.png|When the spirit is strong no dungeon can keep it.
Image:Drakan2-shot10.png|This set of crates is almost impossible to master in the emulated version of the game
Image:Drakan2-shot14.png|This unusual sword is really hard to get!
Image:Drakan2-shot13.png|Even in death they still are longing for the sky
Image:Drakan2-shot28.png|This architecture is... creepy
Image:Drakan2-shot20.png|Hmmm! This is a whole another story!
Image:Drakan2-shot27.png|One frame from the last video: the proof that game can be beaten in emulator!
</gallery>


{{SpoilerTable|caption=Warning: these images can spoil your experience
== Gameplay Screenshots ==
|text=<gallery>
<spoiler show="Show images" hide="Hide images">
Image:Drakan2-shot7.png|This butterfly will show some respect, I'll see to it.
<gallery widths="175px" heights="100px">
Image:Drakan2-shot8.png|I can only guess that the next boss will be you, right?
File:Drakan1-cynicmimic.jpg|v1.7.0 dev-1545, 6x Native Resolution (2160p), FXAA, 16xAF, widescreen patch
File:Drakan2-cynicmimic.jpg|v1.7.0 dev-1545, 6x Native Resolution (2160p), FXAA, 16xAF, widescreen patch
Drakan2-shot1.png|<center>This is Surdana</center>
Drakan2-shot2.png|<center>Ravenshold is a snowy realm</center>
Drakan2-shot3.png|<center>There's something fishy about this guy...</center>
Drakan2-shot4.png|<center>Meet Rynn (quite a rich girl)</center>
Drakan2-shot5.png|<center>Hold on and don't look down!</center>
Drakan2-shot6.png|<center>This is some hospitable looking place!</center>
Drakan2-shot9.png|<center>When the spirit is strong no dungeon can keep it.</center>
Drakan2-shot10.png|<center>This set of crates is almost impossible to master in the emulated version of the game</center>
Drakan2-shot14.png|<center>This unusual sword is really hard to get!</center>
Drakan2-shot13.png|<center>Even in death they still are longing for the sky</center>
Drakan2-shot28.png|<center>This architecture is... creepy</center>
Drakan2-shot20.png|<center>Hmmm! This is a whole another story!</center>
Drakan2-shot27.png|<center>One frame from the last video: the proof that game can be beaten in emulator!</center>
</gallery>
</gallery>
}}
</spoiler>


{{SpoilerTable|caption=Warning: images from the later stages of the game!
<spoiler show="'''WARNING:''' The following images contain spoilers to various story-related content, including the ending." hide="Hide images">
|text=<gallery>
<gallery widths="175px" heights="100px">
Image:Drakan2-shot11.png|These rocks ain't meant for falling.
Drakan2-shot7.png|<center>This butterfly will show some respect, I'll see to it.</center>
Image:Drakan2-shot12.png|Thanks but I'll pass.. You're a little too dead for my taste.
Drakan2-shot8.png|<center>I can only guess that the next boss will be you, right?</center>
Image:Drakan2-shot15.png|Those undead people choose their homes wisely
Drakan2-shot11.png|<center>These rocks ain't meant for falling.</center>
Image:Drakan2-shot16.png|And they do have bad manners if you ask me...
Drakan2-shot12.png|<center>Thanks but I'll pass.. You're a little too dead for my taste.</center>
Image:Drakan2-shot17.png|You should close your eyes before you step
Drakan2-shot15.png|<center>Those undead people choose their homes wisely</center>
Image:Drakan2-shot18.png|Ah, can this be my house for a change?
Drakan2-shot16.png|<center>And they do have bad manners if you ask me...</center>
Image:Drakan2-shot19.png|Isn't she a sweetheart?
Drakan2-shot17.png|<center>You should close your eyes before you step</center>
Drakan2-shot18.png|<center>Ah, can this be my house for a change?</center>
Drakan2-shot19.png|<center>Isn't she a sweetheart?</center>
Drakan2-shot21.png|<center>Ah!.. What to say? Same old question everywhere I go...</center>
Drakan2-shot22.png|<center>I see it's not shabby here. Feasts, money and girls! Now wait a minute... I'm a girl too!</center>
Drakan2-shot24.png|<center>Must be the altar. Lets find a priest now!</center>
Drakan2-shot23.png|<center>He's so relentlessly kind I want to cry...</center>
Drakan2-shot25.png|<center>This is the right time to keep a promise.</center>
Drakan2-shot26.png|<center>What a waste of a good ancient temple! Vandalism!</center>
</gallery>
</gallery>
}}
</spoiler>


{{SpoilerTable|caption=Warning: images from the last game level (Stratos)!
|text=<gallery>
Image:Drakan2-shot21.png|Ah!.. What to say? Same old question everywhere I go...
Image:Drakan2-shot22.png|I see it's not shabby here. Feasts, money and girls! Now wait a minute... I'm a girl too!
Image:Drakan2-shot24.png|Must be the altar. Lets find a priest now!
Image:Drakan2-shot23.png|He's so relentlessly kind I want to cry...
Image:Drakan2-shot25.png|This is the right time to keep a promise.
Image:Drakan2-shot26.png|What a waste of a good ancient temple! Vandalism!
</gallery>
}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.the-spoiler.com/ACTION/Surreal/drakan.ancient.1.html Drakan FAQ by ilphay] FAQ highlighting some possible questions.
* [http://www.the-spoiler.com/ACTION/Surreal/drakan.ancient.1.html Drakan FAQ by ilphay] FAQ highlighting some possible questions.
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20090326084939/http://home.flash.net/~rayearle/Sony%20Playstation2/Drakan/DRKN.html Drakan 2 page by Ray Earle] Very good guide! Wholeheartedly recommended! (Sadly the original page is gone but the copy remains)
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20090326084939/http://home.flash.net/~rayearle/Sony%20Playstation2/Drakan/DRKN.html Drakan 2 page by Ray Earle] Very good guide! Wholeheartedly recommended! (Sadly the original page is gone but the copy remains)
{{Surreal Software}}
{{ForumLinksList|list=
*[http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Drakan-The-Ancients-Gate-SCUS-97128-U--30339 Drakan - The Ancients' Gate (SCUS 97128) (U)]}}

Revision as of 00:40, 21 August 2021

Drakan: The Ancients' Gates

Game general and emulation properties:
ESRB rating: M (Blood and Gore, Violence)
Widescreen patch available
Languages supported:
English: SCES-50006 & SCUS-97128 & SCUS-97169
German: SCES-50006
French: SCES-50006
Spanish: SCES-50006
Italian: SCES-50006
Region NTSC-U:
Serial numbers: SCUS-97128
SCUS-97169 (Demo)
Release date: January 28, 2002
Windows Status: Playable
Linux Status: ?
Mac Status: ?
Region PAL:
Serial numbers: SCES-50006
Release date: July 5, 2002
CRCs: 04F9D87F
Windows Status: Playable
Linux Status: ?
Mac Status: ?

Developer(s): Surreal Software
Publisher(s): SCEA (US), SCEE (EU)
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Wikipedia: Link
Game review links: GameRankings79/100, Metacritic78/100
Game description: In the decaying world of Drakan, the immortal Spirit Dragons are held captive. Now it's up to Rynn--a brave female warrior--and her dragon Arokh to save these spiritual leaders and the last remnants of humankind. Together with Rynn and Arokh, you'll need magical spells, resourcefulness, and powerful weapons to survive the vast environments. You'll gain skills as a fighter, an archer, or a mage as you fight ruthless enemies from the arctic tundra to the swamplands. The mysterious world of Drakan is filled with magical creatures, interesting characters, and challenging puzzles.
Drakan: The Ancients' Gates is an action-adventure PlayStation 2 game with RPG elements by Surreal Software. It is the sequel to the 1999 PC game Drakan: Order of the Flame.


Test configurations on Windows:


Environment Configurations Comments Tester
Region OS CPU/GPU Revision Graphics Sound/Pad
PAL Windows 2000
  • Intel Core2 Duo @ 3.00 GHz
  • NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTX
0.9.6 beta r710/r1736
  • GSdx r1611
  • Mode: Direct3D9 (Hardware)
SPU2-X 1.2.0 • Hacks: EE x2, INTC, IOP x2, Idle Loop, VU Stealing 3

• With r1736 the emulator will crash on switching to new locations, use r710 to load instead. • Do not use r710 to play as it tends to freeze in some situations.

ngng
PAL Windows XP Pro SP3 (32-bit)
  • AMD Athlon X2 7850 @ 2.81 GHz
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250 1GB
0.9.6 beta r985
  • GSdx r1888
  • Mode: Direct3D9 (Hardware)
SPU2-X [2014-07-14]
  • Hacks: EE x2, INTC, IOP x2, Idle Loop, VU Stealing 2
  • Constant 50 FPS (starting video is somewhat slower ~40 FPS)
Elvin presler
NTSC-U Windows
  • Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 GHz
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 SSC
1.3.1 GSdx SPU2-X No fixes or speed hacks enabled. Shade Boost is on, basically everything else is off. 4:3 aspect ratio, 6x native resolution. FXAA works but is not required. D3D10/11 Hardware Mode. 58-60 FPS constant, minimal to no stutter, very smooth. Almost as glitch-free as on the PS2, but much prettier. Glitches: Fire halos show through walls at close range, sunglare shows through certain mountain geometry, the sky is distorted in a pinwheel pattern, but only above the character, straight up. (Not on the horizon.)
PAL Windows 7 64-bit
  • Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.00 GHz
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970
1.4.0 GSdx SSE41, OpenGL SPU2-X Perfect emulation.
NTSC-U Windows 7
  • Intel Core i5-6500 @ 3.20 GHz
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti
1.4.0 GSdx 1.0.0
  • Mode: HW OpenGL
  • SPU2-X 2.0.0
  • LilyPad 0.11.0
Completed the game from beginning to end with no crashes or freezes. Runs at around 180FPS when uncapped at 3x Native resolution. The hardware depth option is required to prevent light from being visible through walls. For some reason it doesn't work on latest dev builds which is why 1.4.0 was used. The NTSC-U release of the game has a gamebreaking bug where your dragon can disappear permanently. Use the PAL version to avoid this. Vibhor
NTSC-U Windows 10
  • AMD Ryzen 5 3600 @ 3.6Ghz
  • Geforce 1660 Super
1.7.0 (dev-1545)

<spoiler show="Settings" hide="Hide">

  • Speedhacks:
    • EE Cyclerate: 0
    • VU Cycle Stealing: 0
    • mVU Flag Hack: ✓
    • MTVU: ✓

</spoiler>

GSdx

<spoiler show="Settings" hide="Hide">

  • Renderer: OpenGL
  • Internal Resolution: 6x Native
  • Anisotropic Filtering: 16x

</spoiler>

SPU2-X Completed about 1/4 of the game. Runs very well. Use OpenGL to prevent some light effects being visible through solid geometry. There are thin white lines around HUD elements if you play above native res, and there doesn't seem to be anything we can do about that, but it's easily ignored. Loading times (and saving times) are ridiculous, but can be sped through by disabling the framelimiter. I love it when emulation tricks make games better! CynicMimic


Trivia

  • The PAL version of this game supports multiple languages through the BIOS configuration. Implementation requires Full boot - "Boot CDVD (full)".


Known Issues

Cannot create a memory card save after loading from an older savestate

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: It's not possible to create a memory card save after loading a save state from before the current memory card save was made.
  • Workaround: Loading a memory card save will make it possible to save again. Avoid using save states or manage them carefully.

Light effects visible through solid geometry

  • Status: Active
  • Type: Minor
  • Description: Light source halos can be seen through walls and sunlight lens flare is visible through mountains.
  • Workaround: Seems to have been fixed(at least for PAL release)as of 1.5.0 dev 2246. Use the latest PCSX2 stable version v1.4.0(there is a regression in newer builds), and go to Config > Video (GS) > Plugin Settings, set Renderer to "OpenGL (Hardware)" and enable "Hardware Depth". Alternatively switching to the Software mode and back with the F9 key fixes the light sources temporarily. To fix it permanently in all PCSX2 versions go to Config > Video (GS) > Plugin Settings and switch to Software mode by setting Renderer to any of the "(Software)" options.

Fixed Issues

Freezing on certain versions

  • Status: Fixed
  • Type: Major
  • Description: The game won't play smoothly in many versions before(they'll freeze) and after 0.9.6. beta r985 as there will be some crashing issues(up until 0.9.6 beta r1888).
  • Workaround: Use 0.9.6 beta r985.

Frozen world

  • Status: Fixed
  • Type: Major
  • Description: Sometimes the world can stuck preventing from performing any action (cannot change a weapon, enemies will not move and cannot be killed)
  • Workaround: Use savestates and save(F1 key) often and change save slots(F2 key) often as the only way to resolve this is to reload.


Gameplay Screenshots

<spoiler show="Show images" hide="Hide images">

</spoiler>

<spoiler show="WARNING: The following images contain spoilers to various story-related content, including the ending." hide="Hide images">

</spoiler>


External links


Public compatibility forum links