The Temple of Elemental Evil

ToEE follows the classic D&D 3rd Edition rules much more closely than any other game I've played. The combat is turn based and tactical, and feels a lot more like the pen and paper version than mostly real-time offerings like Baldur's Gate or Neverwinter Nights (which I wish played more like ToEE). Unfortunately, if you don't know these mechanics coming in, the game doesn't always do a very good job explaining them. For people who've played the pen and paper version, though, figuring things out should be easy. The plot of the game basically takes a pen and paper adventure and converts it directly to computer game form. Unfortunately, this provides a dungeon crawl somewhat lacking in plot direction. I sort of stumbled my way through the game, enjoying the battles and challenges, but without a very clear idea of where I was going or why. If you're craving something more plot driven ToEE isn't for you.

The Temple of Elemental Evil is a wonderful RPG by the same studio that brought you Icewind Dale, Planescape: Torment, and Neverwinter Nights. The game uses the 3.5e rules, which work seamlessly in the game. This is one of the most fun adventures, as it adjusts fire based on what kinds of characters you create, and how you run them. In other games, it was obvious by the end that you should have been playing a NG Ranger, or CG Fighter, and so on. In ToEE, your decisions truly effect the game, and how you interact with it. Quests are different if you begin with an evil party than if you begin with a good party. Overall, this game is hours of good play, and well worth the money.

TOEE has very nice 2d graphics, among the best 2d rpg graphics that i have ever seen and the combat mechanics and easy to use and very fun. i like the way spells are handled and the effects on the screen are very nice. the only thing lacking is an interesting storyline that is more involved than just fight this level up acquire items of power etc. But for a fun romp in a D&D setting, this game is for you.

To reall get the most you need to insall the "Circle of Eight" patch. Not GOG's fault...the patch wasn't even done by Atari, but by 3rd party people. Its hard, but a good D&D CRPG. Hack and slash your way to glory. Excellent tactician's game. The story is simplistic, but this is a hack/slash dungeon crawl. People into this often don't look for a story but a reason to slash at something. This game gives them in spades. Note: Some wounds graphics a little gory. ;-)

This is a great game and is best appreciated with the Circle of Eight Mod packs made by the community, which fix a lot of bugs and add a TON of content!