Microsoft has recently updated their list of original Xbox games that run on the Xbox 360 and Panzer Dragoon Orta is among them! Some of us thought it would never come, but Microsoft’s latest update includes a number of the more highly acclaimed Japanese titles released on the Xbox, including Jet Set Radio Future (Smilebit) and Phantom Dust (from the creator of Panzer Dragoon himself!).
Unfortunately, the update isn’t without issues; when I tried playing Orta on my Xbox 360 it crashed after the third episode. I’ve made Microsoft aware of the problem, but it is bit disappointing to see these kinds of errors pop up when a bit more testing might have prevented the problem. I can sympathise with the developers who are working hard to emulate this titles though; it’s amazing what they’ve managed to achieve so far. Hopefully they’ll roll an update out soon, and all will be well.
The first three episodes of the game run fine, however. Slowdown was very minimal, and it felt just like playing on the original Xbox. Small black borders accompany the left and right of the screen, but for the most part you’ll forget that they’re there. Once Microsoft have ironed out the problems with this update, it will be an excellent opportunity for new players to experience the game, and for old to re-experience it in a higher resolution.