According to creative director, Jean Pierre Kellam, in a blog post featured on Xbox Wire, protagonist Drew’s “Dragon Link” ability will allow the player to directly control his dragon, Thuban in the upcoming Xbox/Windows exclusive, Scalebound. A single button press, writes Kellam, will allow the player to switch in and out of the Dragon Link mode, allowing them to take advantage of both Drew and Thuban’s unique skill sets in an effort to exploit enemy weaknesses. When taking control of Thuban, however, Drew is defenseless and therefore players must keep their wits about them and use the ability very strategically to capitalise on this critical technique.
The creative director of Japan’s PlatinumGames also describes the nature of the Dragon DNA system, a feature of Scalebound that allows players to build a truly unique companion in the game’s beautiful and dangerous world; Draconis. The Dragon DNA is comprised of three separate components that will shape the player’s scaly partner – morphing, parts and armour. Kellam had this to write about the Dragon DNA experience:
“We’ve already shown off our three core dragon types to choose from – the Rex, Tank and Wyvern – but the possibilities are much grander with morphing. These types are connected in an evolutionary circle and by using gems at a dragon shrine, players will be able to blend both their physical and visual attributes, whether it’s the strength of the Tank or the swiftness of the Wyvern. You can even make our personal favorite – fat Rex. He’s a blend of a Tank and a Rex that is a bit slower than a normal Rex, but can also take and deal more damage.
Next up is dragon parts. These are permanent buffs (you are changing the dragon’s DNA, after all) that alter the physical appearance and boost the elemental characteristics of Thuban (you’ll see an example below). Appearing in Berserker Mode, which is like Dragon Form for Dragons (worst name ever™), you can imagine these parts as organic and animalistic extensions of Thuban’s body. These cover offensive buffs, while armor covers defensive.
Unlike morphing or parts, armor is made by human hands. Players will buy armor using currency that is earned by defeating enemies, completing quests or finding in game, mixing and matching to boost Thuban’s defenses. Armor can also be destroyed in battle, so it must be maintained during the game.”
The upcoming action role-playing Scalebound, directed by Resident Evil’s Hideki Kamiya and published by Microsoft Studios, is slated for release in 2017 on Xbox One and Microsoft Windows and will feature a single player and four-player cooperative multiplayer mode.