The game begins with a world in ashes. You and your familiar find the lone survivor, a blind seer, and begin telling him the story of how this bizarrely beautiful world came to ruin. Were you helping the goddess Persephone lead her forces of nature in instilling this world with order, when a minion of Charnel, the evil god of death and decay, caused your downfall? Perhaps his forces overwhelmed you, and nothing is left of you now but your maggot-ridden corpse. Of course, that's not what really happened. Let me start again. You were aiding Pyro, lord of fire and technological progress in paving the way for an industrial revolution that would unite this chaotic world of fantasy under a fiery banner, when the ethereal army of Stratos prevented you from achieving that goal. You were struck down by lightning, and now nothing is left but your charred remains. Of course, that's not what really happened. Let me start again. This destruction was brought about by you, and your devotion to slaughter, death, and, above all, power. As a servant of Charnel, you were well on your way to destroying this pathetic excuse for a world, when your climb was haulted by James, earthworm god of peace and agriculture. You will have to return another day, if success is to be had. Of course, ... You are given many choices in Sacrifice, and can pursue many different lines of ethos, motivation, and style. "Style" is the word here, in a game that is unique in its visual presentation and unparalleled in its voice acting. Was that Time Curry I heard? The replay value of the game is off the charts. It keeps me coming back again and again, wondering how this or that choice will affect the inevitable fate of the world -- which I know to be inevitable due to the past-tense storytelling, but this does nothing to diminish my desire to change it. I've played the game many times. I've bought it twice. Let me start again. Pros: Incredible plot, style, and ambiance. The graphics were great at the time, and have aged well, into a demented old wine. Can run on a netbook (after a fashion). Replay value is great with so many plot lines and potential motivations to pursue. Cons: Difficulty scales sharply upwards towards the end of the campaign.
