Stonekeep

I played Stonekeep when it first came out and loved it so much I played it back to back 3 times. Now, 17 years later, I picked it up again on GOG and, yes, it's just as addictive as ever. Sure, the graphics are pixely (how on earth did they seem that good way back when??) and the gameplay requires a LOT of walking backwards and forwards, but ignore those two minor things and this is still one of the best games ever made. I can see, in 30 years time, still picking up Stonekeep now and again for a quick whirl around the dungeons. And, let me tell you, those spiders and other creepy crawlies might be nothing but lots of big pixels, but they still creep me out! Buy this if you haven't already. Awesome game.

This is quite simply one of the greatest western RPG's ever created. A wonderfull balance with a huge amount of game hours, but i have an important question! Is this version patched??? When originaly released this game was full of bugs, most notably one that actualy stopped you progressing that far into it! So to those who have downloaded this version, have you made it past the mine with the chained up dragon, i think its the bit where you use a globe to enter the spirit/fairy world? If this getts a posotive response then get this game now!!! if negative, avoid like the plauge... its less than half the game!

Why did I rate this game at five stars? Well, it's not because of the storyline, that's actually one of the worst aspects of the game. It's not because of the voice acting, that's probably the second worst aspect of the game, nay, the greatest part of this game is the sheer amount of items that you can collect and equip yourself with. I always found games in the Elder Scrolls series apealing because of the loot collecting factor, and yes, there was quite a bit to collect in those nonlinear advententures. This game, however, allows you to carry how much youy want, for however long you want. I remember a point in the game where I was carrying 100 Sharga swords! I didn't even remember picking them all up. The combat is also top notch. While primitive by modern standards, I find it challenging and refreshing, and I don't understand why the style wasn't utilized in more games. Simply equip the weapon you want to use and click the area of the screen you want to attack the weapon with. You can also throw almost any item in the game at an enemy. I recall in desperation tossing a key at a snake, and killing said snake with the key. There are other throwing weapon alternatives, of course. You can still use the daggers you find at the begginning of the game with great effectiveness whilst throwing them at Throgs. As for the graphics, they are similar to Doom and the earlier Mortal Kombat games in that they have heavy use of live action photos rotoscoped into the game. A more accurate comparison would be that of the graphics for Harvester (a game I wish was on GOG's list). So what are you waiting for? Get the heads of three men long dead for Wahooka already and buy the damn game!

Stonekeep is an interesting game... not quite like any other RPG I've played. In many ways it feels like an RPG mixed with an adventure game. There are all sorts of random objects to find, some weird creatures to meet and talk to as well as ones to fight, your character and his companions are pre-made, and there are some really tough puzzles to solve at some points. The RPG parts of the game come from the dungeon exploration, which works similarly to the early Might and Magic games where you move one square at a time and turn in 90-degree intervals, but combat is real-time, and you can move around while frantically stabbing at enemies. There's no leveling up, instead you just practice different weapon (and other) skills and they improve. It's pretty fun, although there isn't as much equipment to find as I would have liked, and I though it got a tad boring in the middle of the game. Also, the characters and acting are quite cheesy, especially at a certain stage in the game, so players should be ready for a tongue-in-cheek experience. If this strange mix sounds like it could be your thing, definitely take a look. There's quite a bit of content here for $5.99.

I first encountered this game during my college days, and have been looking for it ever since until I found it here at GOG. Innovative, fun, and downright suspenseful are terms that barely scratch the surface of this in-depth game. Exploring the depths of Stonekeep is one thing; exploring the depths of Stonekeep by the light of the monitor is another experience altogether! I won't go spoiling this game for those of you whom have yet to experience this fantastic RPG for yourselves, but I will say this: EXPLORE EVERYTHING. You'll find there are more traps, more secrets, and more surprises hidden away - sometimes in plain sight - than what meets the eye. Also be sure to ramp up your combat abilities in all three aspects: melee, missile, and magic. You'll need these skills, your wits, and your companions in tip-top shape if you're going to face the armies of the Shadow King and ultimately survive!!!