Dragon's Crown was originally designed for Dreamcast

Vanillaware's fantasy role-playing game Dragon's Crown was originally designed for the Sega Dreamcast, according to the game's art book.

Siliconera reports that the book, which will be packaged with pre-ordered copies of the game, states the idea for Dragon's Crown was initially conceived by Vanillaware president George Kamitani as early as 1998. At the time, the game was designed with 3D models, a difference from the final version's heavily detailed 2D models.

The book also features concept art for some characters that are not present in the game as it is now, but from which details have been lifted and used in the finalized version. Additionally, the original design for the female warrior was adapted and used in massively multiplayer online title Fantasy Earth Zero, on which Kamitani served as art director. The game was published by Square Enix in Japan in 2006 for Windows PC, and was brought to North America in 2010.

Dragon's Crown will launch on Aug. 6 for PlayStation 3 and Vita with cross-save compatibility. Players who purchase the game at launch will receive a free DLC pack featuring new voices for the six playable characters. The pack will be available for free during the month after launch, after which it will cost $1.99.