FYI, There is a new update that fixes the talisman quest bug! I was able to complete the game. Both games are turn-based and grid-based. You have a party of heroes with limited action points, potions, and skills. You cannot just hack and slash your way through the games, and have to make wise choices regarding what skills or potions are used. In the first game, making use of choke points was important as well. I enjoyed both games, but Dark Quest II is the better game because it improved a great deal on the first: More heroes to choose from (added archer, healer, dark mage), more potion options, more blacksmith options (with crafting gear), longer game, vastly improved graphics, and the ability to replay levels to get more gold or magic pots (for upgrading abilities). My only criticism is not being able to see what abilities a hero has when choosing them for the first time (Dark Quest II). If you enjoy Diablo, dark fantasy settings, and turn-based combat, these games shouldn't disappoint. I really feel the games are worth in the $20 range, so at $10 you can't go wrong.
The game overall has a nice, free-flowing experience. You fight monsters, solve puzzles, go dungeon diving, collect gear. All the things Zelda had. The major problem with this game are the boss fights, which are an exercise in frustration and how much can you take before rage-quitting. By the time you learn the pattern and how to cause damage, you've lost most of your health. There is too much trial and error involved in a game that doesn't seem like it should have such irritating boss fights. Easy levels but hard bosses that essentially ruin the experience. Maybe I'm just terrible at games like this.
