What do you need to know about Dillon’s series?

A Nintendo franchise is making a comeback after a brief hiatus. The Dillon series is continuing with Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers. But here is the thing: Dillon is not really a household name. Even though he has two games under his belt and made a cameo in Super Smash Bros. on the 3DS and Wii U, people might not know who he is or what to expect.

But hey, that is why Michibiku is here! Let’s look at everything you need to know about this armadillo!

Who is Dillon?

Dillon is a ranger living out in the wild west. He works alongside Russ, his squirrel partner, to protect towns on the frontier from monsters known as Grocks. In the first game, the duo are saving up money to buy the deed to their hometown from an unscrupulous man. He reemerges in the second game to protect more towns from Grock invasions.

The partnership between the two characters impacts gameplay. Being an armadillo, Dillon’s main attack is to roll up into a ball and slam into enemies, though he also makes use of his claws to dispatch enemies. Russ, on the other hand, is an inventor. So while Dillon handles the first-hand attacks, Russ collects the money and develops the gear and inventions used to depend the towns. During the day, defenses are set up and towns are prepared for Grock invasions. Once the Grocks start attacking, Dillon heads out into the field to attack.

Who makes Dillon’s games?

Vanpool, the Dillon series’ developer, is responsible for a number of different games. Many of them are unconventional. Did you happen to play Freshly-Picked: Tingle’s Rosy Rupeeland? That was a Vanpool game. How about Let’s Pilates or Let’s Yoga for the DS? Those were Vanpool games too.

It is also known for Endonesia, a quirky Japan-exclusive PlayStation 2 game about a boy trapped on an island where he lives the same 10 days over and over again, hopefully coming closer to awakening the 50 sealed gods with the power of emotions so he can return home.

Vanpool has a reputation for helping on other major Nintendo games. It offered assistance on both Chibi-Robo: Zip-Lash and Paper Mario: Sticker Star for the 3DS. If you played Wii Play: Motion, check out the Wind Runner minigame to see another example of the developer’s work.

How many Dillon games are immediately available?

There are two games in the series immediately available, each for the Nintendo 3DS. They are eShop exclusives, so you will have to fill your virtual wallet and make space on your memory card for them. Both are available in every region.

Dillon’s Rolling Western (Nintendo 3DS, 2012)

The first game sets the stage. Dillon has to defend 10 villages from 22 different kinds of enemies. Each one must be protected for a three-day period. You get to choose how you arrange defenses and protect the town, as well as how to build up and customize Dillon, using his abilities as effectively as possible.

Dillon’s Rolling Western: The Last Ranger (Nintendo 3DS, 2013)

The second game increases the series’ scope. Dillon is protecting villages again. This time, there are 14 villages, again each needing to be defended for three days. There is also a train segment where you have to help Dillon keep it safe while going between different towns. If you take the time to participate in side stages and pay for allies, you can recruit additional rangers to help Dillon protect the town, then duel them to make it possible to use on non-Treasure Hunt or final battle stages. These extra characters are Boone the bear, Gallo the lizard and Nomad the squid.

What is next for Dillon?

After a five year gap, Dillon is getting a new game! Which is the whole impetus for this guide. Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers came to the 3DS in Japan on April 26, 2018, and will be appearing in North America on May 24, 2018, in Europe on May 25, 2018 and in Australia on May 26, 2018. This is the first entry to see a physical release, as you can find it on a cartridge in Japan or Europe.

While the previous Dillon games were very much Westerns, Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers has a post-apocalyptic look. Dillon appears, as do the Miis on your system. Your character, and those of your friends, are transformed into different animals. You still depend fortresses against Grock monsters, putting up defenses in one phase and fighting it out in another. Over 25 kinds of monsters are available to fight and 10 animal species are available for Mii avatars.