Stonekeep

This was one of my two very first cRPGs (the other being Dungeon Master 2), and I still think of it very fondly after having played quite a few RPGs to date. I still take time to play it again every now and then. From cRPG point of view Stonekeep is a bit atypical, but thanks to the way it is it serves as a perfect introduction to all RPG novices. The unique 1-rune magic system, the very simple and intuitive user Interface and simple playstyle make the life of any beginner Roleplay gamer much easier. However, the players-friendly approach doesn't make this game shallow. Partly because it's a classic dungeon-crawl, and partly because of quite a deep story to unravel (even though it's linear), you will have a lot of fun. Memorable bosses (Khull-Khum, Scourge), great and funny dialogues, well designed levels and riddles (yes, some took me a few days to figure out, and there was no Gamefaqs back in 1990s), rich armoury and epic atmosphere. It all gives you pleasure while playing. Graphics-wise the game was a bit dated when it was released back in 1995, but it works well under Windows XP and Windows 7 (even the original CD retail copy I own). Back in the days it was the content that made games memorable, and special and Stonekeep is such a game. Personally I go back to it, because character dialogues make me giggle all the time. If you're having doubts, watch some playthrough on YouTube, but I can tell you with a clear conscience that it's a very good old school cRPG.

There's better dungeon clawlers out there. It came out after Dungeon Master 2 and manages to be a lot worse. Sure it has digitalized enemies and superficially might look better, but truth be told the graphics were outdated when it came out. Controls are terrible and sluggish, especially the inventory, which is a scroll (!) - yes, no bag of holding which I could live with, a scroll that stores your items... - and takes forever to scroll through. Thankfully time freezes while you handle it. DM 2 has objectively the worse graphics, I still think it looks better, as Stonekeep's dungeon levels come with only one tile each. There also are no healing items - so save your game before you use an item to find out what it does. Just cheap. Until GOG releases Dungeon Master 2 (*HINT* *HINT*) it is available on abondoned games pages. Black Crypt, another excellent dungeon crawler and my personal favorite (still have the Amiga game discs and original manual!) is also available per emulator for download. There's Legend of Grimrock 1 & 2, which are also excellent, Eye of the Beholder 2 & 3 are great and on GOG as well, and the remake of Bard's Tale (not Bard's Tale IV!). All better alternatives to Borekeep - I mean Stonekeep...

My cousin had this game when I was a kid and i absolutely loved it then even though I never got past the beginning. (I was 10 and the orc/goblin guy surprised the crap out of me) Either way this game is as fun as I remember it and definitely a good adventure crawl. It takes a bit to get used to at first and figuring out the keys can be a hassle so read the manual! You get a journal shortly in which tells you about items, maps, etc.. so don't freak out when you see the weapons and gear have no stats initially. It comes within the first 30 minutes of exploring if not sooner.

I played this game as a little squirt, I'm so glad that I could find this game. Whoever made this site deserves a medal of honor. They're a freaking national hero. Nowhere else could I find this, Realms Of The Haunting, Oddworld, and other games. These are the best games and thats what they will always be.

I owned this game back in 1995 and tried it again recently. Does not age well: 1. Bugs/unbeatable game states = keeping an inventory of save games and/or clinging to walkthroughs. Essentially save before you fight, heal, test that button, or use that item. You never know what you'll ruin. 2. Inventory is slow and goofy. You never know which items are critical or junk so you have to keep it all. Randomized HP regen on items (will the potion restore 1 HP or 30?) Enemies and items are finite so it's possible to drain your entire regen inventory in one shot. Minimal gains + finite inventory makes this game work like a survival horror. Tack on unbeatable game states and you end up afraid to use your inventory. 3. Clues are too obscure with a ton of misleading junk/in-house jokes that add to the confusion (even authors of walkthroughs are confused). 4. No way to grind / enemies finite. If you invest in the wrong skills, be prepared to start at the beginning because there's no fixing it. 5. Ridiculous backtracking. Travel back a few levels to restore health or magic. One fight goes wrong with an enemy, and you get to do it again. 6. Way too many hidden walls / secret buttons that all blur with the redundant scenery. You'll spend hours trying to test every wall for buttons or walk-through. One-way illusory walls add insult to injury (more backtracking). 7. Poor graphics = item hunting pain. It's one thing to find a trapdoor to an item. It's another thing to stick it behind an undisposable corpse. Worst are a few rare items that only show up when you look at the same square from a different angle. 8. "I don't see, know, or care about who I'm helping or saving" story syndrome. Characters have virtually no backstory. So many opportunities missed. This was ok as a kid during summer break having tons of time to deal with bugs and issues. As an adult it's just not worth it. The only thing going for it was a neat FMV gimmick but it gets old fast.