《龍之焰 for Nintendo Switch》（Dragon Blaze for Nintendo Switch/ドラゴンブレイズfor Nintendo Switch）是由日本公司彩京（Psikyo）開發的縱向捲軸射擊遊戲。最初於2000年在街機平台推出，後來移植至多個家用平台，Nintendo Switch版本則由CITY CONNECTION負責發行，作為「Psikyo Shooting Library」系列的一部分收錄。結合傳統街機射擊玩法與奇幻世界觀，是彩京射擊作品中頗具代表性的一作。

在劇情設定方面，背景建構在一個魔法與龍共存的幻想大陸上。世界因為受到魔王內比羅斯的威脅而陷入混亂，四位擁有特殊能力的騎士挺身而出，與各自的龍夥伴一同踏上拯救世界的旅程。這四位主角分別是勇猛的戰士「Quaid」(火龍)、尋找母親的神秘女巫「Sonia」(水龍)、速度較慢的矮人「Rob」(光龍)以及身手矯健的「Ian」(骷顱龍)。每位角色不但擁有專屬的攻擊方式和魔法技能，他們騎乘的龍也能在戰鬥中展現不同戰略價值，例如進行遠距離支援射擊或短時間分離作戰。

玩法上，保有彩京風格的「高密度彈幕」設計，必須在敵人射出的密集子彈中靈巧閃避並尋找反擊時機。與一般射擊遊戲不同的是，引入「Dragon Shot」系統，讓角色暫時離開座騎進行高機動性戰鬥，也可以將龍當作攻擊體投擲出去，造成大範圍的攻擊，形成進攻與防禦上的靈活運用。此外，每個角色還具備魔法炸彈（Bomb）技能，可在危急時清除彈幕或重創敵方，這也使得遊戲更具戰術性與觀賞性。

Switch版本延續原作街機規格，並針對現代主機環境進行多項優化。包含高畫質模式、畫面比例調整（支援直式TATE模式，模擬街機直立螢幕）、可自訂按鍵配置，以及難度調整選項等，提升整體的可玩性與重玩價值。也支援單機雙人遊玩，讓兩名玩家可協力過關，重溫街機廝殺的樂趣。

市場評價方面，整體獲得懷舊玩家與射擊遊戲愛好者的高度肯定。許多玩家認為是彩京後期射擊遊戲中的代表作，畫面精緻、節奏緊湊、角色設計富有魅力，且難度設定具有挑戰性，適合追求技術成就與高分紀錄的玩家。尤其龍與人可分離戰鬥的創意設計，為傳統射擊遊戲注入新的變化。另一方面，對於不熟悉彈幕射擊或偏好劇情導向作品的玩家而言，敘事成分較少、節奏較快，可能不那麼容易上手。

總體來說，《龍之焰 for Nintendo Switch 》在Nintendo Switch上的重製版本是成功的街機復刻，保有原作的核心精髓與挑戰性，並結合現代主機操作便利性的優化，是兼具技巧性與娛樂性的彈幕射擊佳作。無論是老派彩京迷、喜愛復古街機文化，或是想體驗快節奏戰鬥樂趣的玩家，都值得一試。

Dragon Blaze for Nintendo Switch (Japanese: ドラゴンブレイズ for Nintendo Switch) is a vertical scrolling shoot-’em-up game developed by the Japanese company Psikyo. Originally released in arcades in 2000, it was later ported to various home consoles. The Nintendo Switch version is published by CITY CONNECTION as part of the Psikyo Shooting Library series. Combining classic arcade shooter gameplay with a fantasy setting, Dragon Blaze stands out as one of Psikyo’s most iconic titles.

Story and Setting

The game is set in a fantasy continent where magic and dragons coexist. The world is thrown into chaos by the dark lord Nebiros, and four unique heroes rise to combat the looming threat. Each hero is partnered with a dragon and embarks on a journey to save the world. The playable characters include:

 • Quaid, a brave warrior with a fire dragon

 • Sonia, a mysterious witch searching for her mother, accompanied by a water dragon

 • Rob, a slower-moving dwarf with a light dragon

 • Ian, an agile fighter partnered with a skeletal dragon

Each character features unique attack patterns and magical abilities. Their dragons also serve strategic roles in battle, such as long-range support fire or temporary detachment for special maneuvers.

Gameplay

Dragon Blaze retains Psikyo’s hallmark high-density bullet hell gameplay, requiring players to dodge intense enemy fire while searching for windows of attack. A standout mechanic is the “Dragon Shot” system, allowing characters to dismount their dragons for high-mobility combat. The dragon can also be launched as a weapon to deal widespread damage, enabling versatile offensive and defensive strategies.

Additionally, each character can use a bomb (magic spell) to clear dense enemy fire or deal heavy damage during critical moments, adding tactical depth and visual spectacle.

Nintendo Switch Features

The Switch version preserves the original arcade specifications while adding several enhancements for modern consoles. These include:

 • HD resolution

 • Aspect ratio adjustments, including vertical TATE mode to mimic arcade-style upright screens

 • Customizable controls

 • Difficulty settings

It also supports local two-player co-op, allowing players to team up and relive the arcade experience together.

Reception

Dragon Blaze has received strong praise from retro gaming fans and shoot-’em-up enthusiasts. Many regard it as a defining title from Psikyo’s later years, praised for its detailed visuals, fast-paced action, stylish character design, and challenging difficulty. The unique mechanic of separating riders and dragons introduced a fresh twist to the traditional shooter formula.

However, for players unfamiliar with bullet hell shooters or those who prefer story-driven games, the minimal narrative and rapid pacing may present a steeper learning curve.

Conclusion

Overall, Dragon Blaze for Nintendo Switch is a successful arcade revival that retains the core intensity and charm of the original while benefiting from modern console enhancements. It’s a standout bullet hell shooter that balances technical challenge and entertainment, making it a worthy pick for longtime Psikyo fans, lovers of retro arcade culture, or anyone seeking a high-octane shooting experience.