The Temple of Elemental Evil

I lost the first disk to this awesome D&D CRPG several years ago so when it became avaiable on GOG it was like a dream come true. If you are a real hardcore D&D fan this is the game for you. It stays very true to the ruleset, while being just playable enough that you will sucked in in a hurry. One word of caution though...save often and in different slots because there's always an encounter around the corner you just might not be prepared for at all.

Some call it a RPG, but ToEE is 100% a tactical RPG, much like how most party-based RPGs are more stat-based strategy games than pure RPGs (Planscape Torment, Fallout, The Elder Scrolls). Regardless of nomenclature, there is SOME RPGing in ToEE and it's mostly in the beginning town and surrounding places of interest, but there is LOTS of dungeon crawling. The bulk of the game is set in the Temple, which is old-school (aka traditional) D&D gaming: floors with traps, monsters, treasures, and lore to experience. While in some games dungeon crawling is repetitive and gets old, because of the tactical nature of ToEE the experience is always interesting; ToEE doesn't gloss over the combat intricacies of the table top D&D experience. The game is pleasing to look at if technically simplistic, it controls well (big grins to the radial menus), and plays true to the original D&D module from the 80's the game is based on. If you're looking for quality dungeon crawling with a very clean and pleasing presentation you can't go wrong with ToEE. Too bad there isn't any multiplayer!

This was one of my first D&D games i was just a kid when i started it and still a fan if you ask me you really have to have tactics in this and that's the first thing i like about it most of my friends don't like it because they are ''impatient'' when it comes to tactics if you don't like tactics and strategy just don't play at all because you will punch yourself in the face literally. the beginning of the game is the easy part but once you get into the temple you'll see how much ''harder'' it can get and if your new to D&D type games don't just make a team of fighters that will get you nowhere in the near future mix the classes up a bit don't go on a straight fighter or barbarian team if Ur ''inexperienced'' just take my advice and don't get it if you don't like tactics and strategy.

Played it ages ago. Got mad cuz it wasn't Baldur's Gate. Turned out to be a good thing. I couldn't stop playing once I started. That was until I got stuck at the Tanar'ri. Couldn't get past him. But this game... as small as it is... is loaded with replay value and options. Why aren't there more games like this?

The Temple of Elemental Evil is one of my favorite RPG games on computer, and I rate it as the best rendition of the table top rule system (and style) for a computer game. While it is true that this game (which is based off an actual table-top module) is rather combat orientated, the lay out of the game is very well thought out and allows for a variety of approaches and game styles. Long after I've finished other RPGs games, I find myself returning to play through The Temple of Elemental Evil to enjoy its play style and the subtle attention to details that the game designers did. It is sad that this game never reached the mainstream, but thankfully it has a strong core following. One of the reasons why this game didn't make it big was because of some serious issues with bugs, and while this version is fully updated there are still some issues. Nothing game breaking or horrendous, but they can become apparent over time. (You'll note that I still rated the game with five stars.) With that said, thanks to the fan base, there is a well made mod made for this game that greatly improves and adds upon the game. Easy to install and run as well. (A previous reviewer already mentioned it.) The graphics to the game are nothing special; a healthy mix of 3D models and 2D artwork in the classic isometric RPG gameplay mode. They don't look bad by any means, since I actually prefer it compared to some other attempts at this style. The sound I rate high. The music is atmospheric, and actions seem in the moment and actual. Voice acting is convincing and fitting for a fantasy game. Gameplay is where The Temple of Elemental Evil truly shines. The storyline is not in depth or compelling, and it is purposely so since emphasis is on the player's choices in making their path through the game. The game may be combat orientated, but there is also plenty of ways to avoid combat situations as well. As for in-game dialogue, it is basic, direct, and to the point. The amount of options is sufficient and flow well to adapt to the different choices and dispositions to give character. In summation, when I first played The Temple of Elemental Evil, I enjoyed the game for what it was - a short campaign module in true Dungeons and Dragons style. Now, with each time I go through the game, I appreciate it more and more for what it has to offer.