RPG pure, not for the novice players

Posted on 2009-09-24 16:03:34 by Siannah:

Realms of Arkania is a complex RPG. It comes with a steep learning curve and daunting complexity which scares away probably all but the most dedicated RPGers.
It's based on the "Das schwarze Auge" pen & pencil system which was / is a strong competitor of D&D in Germany. If you hate number-crunching, rolling 10 minutes to get just your first characterread more as you want him to be or shy away of reading and understanding the manual throughly before you start, you might want to skip this. Try Drakensang instead, a newer title with the same system, but with the rulesystem hidden in the background of the game.
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RoA uses a unusual character system where you don't just get 7 positive stats (strength, dexterity, wisdom etc.), but also 7 negative stats (superstition, claustrophobia, curiosity, acrophobia, avarice, necrophobia, violent temper), all with direct effects on gameplay. It's just one of the factors which makes the game more intriguing.
These games are also noted for their realism. This includes the partys hunger and thirst, as well as the effects of weather and terrain on movement. It's probably the most accurate CRPG ever in terms of adventurers health problems. Your characters will become sick if they aren't dressed properly for the climate they pass through. They will get sick if they sleep on the ground. They will get sick if they get wet. They will get sick if they don't get enough sleep. They will get sick if attacked by undead. Their wounds will get infected if they don't stop and take care of them after each combat.
Realms of Arkania games are as much RPG as you can get. It's not your standard run of the mill action-RPG, it's RPG pure. There's a reason why they've gotten published by Sir Tech, who are responsible for the Wizardry games. They require patience and commitment, much like all great games of its kind. But it rewards you with that special experience, that keeps lingering in the back of your head years after you played it.