Dragon Slayer: Eiyuu Densetsu 2 (The Legend of Heroes II) is a masterclass in traditional 16-bit JRPG design, serving as a direct sequel to the first Eiyuu Densetsu. Taking place twenty years after the original, the story follows Prince Atlas as he embarks on what begins as a traditional rite of passage but quickly spirals into a world-threatening conflict involving the subterranean world of Agartha. For fans of the Falcom formula, this entry delivers a rich narrative that bridges the gap between the classic Dragon Slayer era and the sprawling Legend of Heroes epic that would eventually spawn the massive "Trails" sub-series.
Visually, the game pushes the Mega Drive’s hardware to deliver detailed, colorful sprites and expressive environments that stand toe-to-toe with the console’s best RPGs. The combat remains a traditional turn-based affair, though it feels faster and more streamlined than its predecessor, accompanied by an exceptional soundtrack from the legendary Falcom Sound Team JDK. While the game lacks the cinematic flair of Phantasy Star IV, it compensates with deep world-building and a robust magic system that rewards players for exploring every corner of the Iselhasa continent.
The Mega Drive port is particularly noteworthy for its smooth performance and faithful recreation of the PC-88 source material. However, its greatest barrier remains the language gap; as a Japan-exclusive release, the heavy reliance on dialogue and inventory management makes it a daunting task for non-Japanese speakers without a translation guide. Despite this, for the dedicated importer, it represents one of the most polished RPG experiences on the platform, showcasing Falcom at the height of their creative powers during the mid-90s.
