School of Dragons Review – The End of a Dragon-Filled Saga

With JumpStart Games Inc. dissolving as a consequence of the Neopets data breach lawsuit, School of Dragons, an MMORPG game rooted in DreamWorks’ “How to Train Your Dragon” universe, is also drawing its curtains on June 30th. In this review, we’ll look back at what made the game appealing to a younger audience and the elements that distinguished it from other MMO titles, despite its imminent shutdown.

• Developer: JumpStart Games Inc.
• Publisher: JumpStart Games Inc.
• Release Date: 2014
• Shutdown Date: June 30, 2023
• Genre: MMORPG set in a Dragon Universe

Gameplay

As you step into the world of School of Dragons, the game introduces a character creation screen, allowing you to customize a young Viking avatar. While the basic customization options are freely available, the game’s in-game shop offers more elaborate visual features at a cost. The character creation process segues into a brief dialogue and an entry test at the dragon-training school, which determines the appearance of your first dragon companion. There are multiple dragon archetypes, and you are allowed to switch your dragon later in the game, adding a layer of complexity.

Exploration and Questing

School of Dragons drops you into an introductory area filled with beginner quests designed to educate you on the game’s basic mechanics. These quests serve as an interactive manual, teaching players the game’s core functionalities, from flying to resource gathering. The game allows players to meet familiar characters and dragons from the franchise and earn various rewards for completing quests. It’s worth noting that the game aims for a younger demographic, and thus action-based quests are fewer compared to more educational or adventurous ones.

The Educational Twist: Science Lab

In a unique educational twist, the game offers a science lab feature, enabling players to research various materials and learn about the natural world. Your dragon can assist in these experiments, adding an interesting interactive element. Completing quests in the science lab yields educational insights into rocks, minerals, and other natural phenomena. These facts are logged into an in-game journal, transforming gaming time into an educational experience.

Minigames and Side Activities

School of Dragons does an excellent job of integrating a variety of mini-games into the gameplay. From farming, where you buy seeds and tend to crops, to fishing at various ponds, these activities offer a break from the main questline. However, it’s important to note that some activities are time-locked, requiring your dragon to reach a particular size or maturity before participating.

Pet System and Multiplayer Elements

The game goes beyond mere aesthetics in dragon customization by incorporating a pet system. Dragons have needs; they require food, playtime, and the completion of certain objectives to keep them happy and active. A neglected dragon can hinder your participation in activities and make you miss out on various bonuses. Leveling up earns you experience points, unlocking new skills and improving your attributes. Multiplayer features like racing and fighting bring competitive elements into play, making it a fitting game for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Graphics

The game adopts a cartoonish art style in sync with its DreamWorks counterpart. The visuals are simple yet captivating, designed to run smoothly on multiple platforms including mobile devices. However, due to the limitations set by its target demographic and platform diversity, don’t expect highly detailed environments or high-end graphics.

Conclusion

School of Dragons served as a compelling MMORPG experience tailored for younger audiences and fans of the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise. While the game’s impending shutdown is unfortunate, its legacy will undoubtedly be remembered for its unique blend of education, adventure, and dragon-rearing.

School of Dragons System Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Memory: 1 GB RAM
• Graphics Card: 256 MB VRAM
• CPU: Pentium 4+ or equivalent
• File Size: 5 GB
• OS: Any

Recommended Requirements

• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics Card: 1 GB VRAM
• CPU: Pentium 4+ or equivalent
• File Size: 5 GB
• OS: Any