Hard to believe that this game was released in the same year as Doom II or Warcraft 1. Even today the game gives a vivid feeling with its detailed background graphics, cute cut scenes, and pleasant music. Yes, the game is hard. The controls are a bit finicky, and the enemies are absolutely punishing. There is still a sense of dread when I see a teleporter looming at the edge of the far too small field of view (Enter key to center). However, for me it also sets the mood of a lone guy fighting a terror state with nothing but a rubber ball. You definitely need a sense for retreating, stalking, and attacking from a distance (and maybe remember how the enemies will behave). You will be rewarded with a very distinct style, which radiates innocence but also reflects a harsh reality. The game manages to keep this style from beginning to end, and it feels as good now as it did more than 20 years ago. (And it runs surprisingly well even on OSX.)
Objectively, this game is OK. Not that great either, but I played it to the end. But comparing the promises and results, as well as its proclaimed "spiritual successor", it is an utter disappointment. The game feels rushed, half finished, stripped of everything that would set it apart, unambitious, cutting every possible corner, and without passion. Taking a look at the stretch goals and their implementation makes me sad. Reactivity that make your choices matter? I didn't notice any of it. You can clearly feel that the Tides and Meres were planned to deliver that, but they are stripped to the bone. Where are the Legacies? The "castoff labyrinth" consists of four half-empty rooms connected by a bridge. There are only six companions, and half of them are dull as a rock. "Increased companion depth" all right. The reflections are "name, job, bye" NPCs standing around in your labyrinth. Player stronghold ... After finishing the game the question in my mind was: Was that all? Did I skip half of the game? Are there really just two major locations (that you cannot even revisit)? Are there really only about ten fights that basically require you to walk up to your opponents and convince them not to fight? Are there only three character foci to choose from, and Tier 4 is the maximum? Is there no challenge that is impossible at first and you have to rise to it? Or an item that is too expensive but you can save shins for it? Some people may like this game, but I am not one of them. I thought that the developers were determined to capture the good points and add modern enhancements. Yet everything slipped through their fingers. The golden age of cRPG is long gone.
