Posted on: January 18, 2015
Red_Avatar
Games: 719 Reviews: 37
A mix of some of the best cRPGs
I bought this on a RPG-hunger spree without really doing my homework. I expected it to be a kind of turn based strategy game like Original Sin but I was surprised to find it's actually a combination of the old D&D RPGs like Eye of the Beholder and map-based enemies similar to Heroes of Might & Magic. The game is situated on the "map" - a world to explore, find loot, etc. but unlike games like Baldur's Gate, enemies do not walk about but are represented by static images (HoM&M) who you can decide to fight or avoid. There's also random encounters (think Final Fantasy) where you can fight or flee as well. When it comes to combat, you're represented with enemies in the front or back. Front enemies you can attack with melee weapons, back enemies you can reach using ranged weapons and magic. Your own party has the same system - the vulnerable members you put in the back, the well armored ones you put in the front. It may be old-school but it works very well and since you can move your members during combat, it's delightfully tactical. The game heavily relies on a food system which diminishes - if you rest a lot, your food supplies drop even faster. Finding food or buying from a vendor lets you head out for longer periods of time. I'm never a big fan of such time-limiting elements since it only offers a nuisance. Yes, it means you have to ration food, limit how often you rest but the game is hard enough with a fully rested party to make food perhaps a bit too much trouble. Another weak point is the dialogue/story. The voices are not horrible, they just detract more than add to the game. The dialogue itself is pretty limited and shallow. There aren't even many side quests and only a few people to talk to. Consider this side of the game "bare-bones". It's similar to Diablo II's approach, in a way. All in all, the combat is definitely the high point of the game. Exploring is enjoyable as well and even though the story is rather weak, the game is still loads of fun.
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