Rise of the Dragon

Rise of the Dragon
Home computer cover art
Developer(s)
Publisher(s)
Director(s)
Designer(s)Jeff Tunnell
Programmer(s)
  • Dariusz Lukaszuk
  • Richard Rayl
  • Kevin Ryan
Artist(s)
  • Randy Dersham (art director)
  • Robert Caracol (concept art)
Writer(s)
  • Jerry Luttrell
  • David Selle
Composer(s)
Platform(s)Amiga, DOS, Mac OS, Sega CD
Release
  • DOS
  • Q4 1990
  • Amiga
  • 1991
  • Mac OS
  • September 1991
  • Sega CD
    • JP: September 25, 1992
    • NA: 1993
Genre(s)Graphic adventure, action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Rise of the Dragon, released in 1990 by Dynamix, marks the company's venture into the cyberpunk genre, distinct from its usual portfolio of action and flight simulators. This graphic adventure game is set in a future dystopian version of Los Angeles, circa 2053, and follows the story of detective William 'Blade' Hunter as he investigates the death of the mayor's daughter, linked to a dangerous new drug, MTZ. The gameplay combines detective work, strategy, and action. Players must solve puzzles that influence the storyline, interact with characters who remember past choices, and tackle action sequences. If players fail these sequences multiple times, the game may offer to automatically complete them.

Originally launched for DOS, Rise of the Dragon was later ported to the Mac OS, Amiga, and Sega CD, with the Sega CD version introducing voice acting and making alterations for a MA-17 rating, including changes in content. The game's reception was generally positive, with critics noting its effective capture of a cyberpunk atmosphere, detailed graphics, and the non-linear approach to puzzle-solving. It garnered awards for artistic achievement but received some criticism for its control scheme and user interface.