First testing the game with the release of the demo, we were instantly enchanted by the story. And how does it fare after the game's release? It only gets better and better, more engaging by every chapter, new revelation, twist and turn. Does anyone remember Maupin from literature classes? I often get double excited when I can recall a given figure in the game, with their placement within the story apropriate and well thought out! The characters are enjoyable and easily memorable, with their personalities being unique among eachother. Given this game relies on reading text, no line ever seemed redundant or a chore to go through, even after hours of gameplay. This is not something many games can boast about! The banter, threats, playful or flirtitous discourse will keep you at the edge of your seat as you run through the games like a good dinner for more. The gameplay is very enjoyable, based off timing, memorisation, pattern reckognision and being a little witty and smart and being able to 'read the room' to know when to derail the given plan. The controlls are occasionally fiddly, but it never was a major detractor during my gameplay. The tricks presented are real, and the instructions are actually laid down so well it's not hard to follow through if you have the dexterity to boost! All in all, the game is built off an enjoyable story part and an enjoyable gameplay part. There are three different difficulty levels, with one more catered to those who seek specifically the story, and one to those that want to channalge their skills. Well recommended!
I've played Daggerfall on and off for many years now and there is something about the game that still makes it beloved today. Don't expect a grand questline besides the main one, as while the game offers a myriad of guilds and quests, most experiences are shallowly spread across a wide area. Yet that wide area is what attracts people to this game. I see daggerfall more as a toy than a contemporary game, you are nod led through it, but you are given the tools to make your own fun in this massive world. The complex character/class builder only fascilitates such a mindset, especially when paired with a myriad of guilds, temples, factions and enemies to test your kit at. And need I say the fashion is the only true endgame in this title? While it is true that you will be jumping in a shallow puddle, you'll be having the time of your life!
The game tries to hold your hand a lot, but thankfully you can turn off many of the GUI settings quite easily, for you don't need them to enjoy the game. (In fact, it hampers your experience) The game is so well crafted that you don't need a map for all but the racing and target missions. The NPCs give you plenty of hints on where is what, and the city layout is easy to read and fun to navigate. The mission types are repetitive, yes, but not for the sake of being repetitive. When you progress down the storyline, you'll slowly teach yourself to listening and watch for other behavioural cues what NPC's to pay attention to. This is where the repetition comes in play. Things become natural to you, especially when you play without the map and have to 'pay attention' to the beautifully crafted world around you. The game expects you to become a master of it's environment. I have to say, if played 'blindly', Assassin's creed is a very relaxing, leisureable experience.
Anvil of dawn is quite an intriguing game. It was nothing too spectacular back in its era, but it is worth looking at this game with a modern viewpoint. The character selection is quite diverse in race, and with two of the five heroes being women. The armour designs are also very respectful, with only changing proportion between your selected hero. The 3D graphics hold up rather well and do not disturb from the gameplay. Paired up with the masterfully drawn sprites, the aesthetics of the game bring up a rather gloomy and forboding warzone. The music may vary by taste, but it does it job and can sometimes add onto the feeling of bleakness or heroism. One thing to note is that the game doesn't hold your hand, but it's not hard to understand it, and it's a good entry game into the genre. You may get lost occasionally. Thankfully the game features one of the best map systems in any game period. Still, you may end up veering into a dungeon too hard for your current level. Where much stronger enemies and slow healing in a bleak ambient as Anvil of Dawn builds, creates a profoundly horrifying feeling of helplessness and triumph once you come through. Some of the enemies are indeed terrifying, but many others are beyond imaginative. Going from dungeon to dungeon is an experience of its own. Each one features a unique tileset and cast of enemies, ranging from highlanders to harpy men, bloated undead seamen and everything in between. The death animations of enemies are quite amusing to watch as well. You never linger too long in any dungeon and they don't feel drawn out. Slight variations in scenarios also encourage players to replay the game with different heroes and it doesn't feel like a tedious task as in some other games. All in all, Anvil od Dawn is a beautiful and fun game worth standing in any game collection.
