Released in 2000 by Psikyo, Dragon Blaze is a critically acclaimed vertical-scrolling shooter for arcades. It is widely celebrated for its unique Dragon Shot mechanic and its departure from Psikyo’s typical military themes into a dark, high-fantasy setting. 

Core Gameplay Mechanics

The game uses a three-button control system (Shot, Dragon Shot, and Bomb) and revolves around the symbiotic relationship between a rider and their dragon. 

• Dragon Shot: The defining feature where the player “shoots” their dragon forward. The dragon acts as a powerful, stationary turret while detached, allowing for strategic cross-fire and high-damage point-blank attacks.
• Technical Bonus: Hitting a boss’s core with a Dragon Shot at the precise moment it is released grants a massive score bonus.
• Magic Shots: Each of the four characters has unique magic attacks that change depending on whether the rider is mounted or separated from the dragon.