Realms of the Haunting

This game has never had the kudos it deserves, truly one of the best games of its time - vast, epic, haunting and compelling.

It may have been a great game for its time, but this game has not aged well at all. Graphics are really bad, but the controls are even worse (even with US patch). If this game were updated to support modern keyboard/mouse controls similar to what was done for System Shock, then this may be a game worth playing. Otherwise it's to antiquated for my tastes. However, I'm very glad there are many people who enjoy this game and my opinion is the exception.

RotH is a horror adventure game with a dense atmosphere, an story that keeps you involved and great graphics. It was the game that made me buy my first 3DFX card. RotH begins at a mansion, only to let you plunge into a world that becomes more and more unreal. You will encounter strange and dangerous beasts, a beautiful 3D environment and weird characters. You will fight with conventional weapons, such as handguns, but also with magic daggers and (my personal favourite) even a magic muzzle-loader. Some of the riddles are hard to solve - although most of the time this is because you missed a switch or something similar. Fortunately this is not the case very often, most of the time you can solve everything you encounter by using your brain and considering the hints. Combat is quite fair, though it can be a bit challenging sometimes. But if you have ever played a FPS, you will have no real problems here. The gameplay is completed by FMVs, which do a good job to keep you involved with the story and the two main characters. RotH is a great game, if not to say a gem, worth buying and playing. Alas, there is one major flaw I just can not overcome, even after all this time - the terrible ending of the game. The story reaches a gratifying end... only to take one final turn that changes everything and leave you behind thinking "Wtf? WTF? W T F? I went through all the hassle for THIS?" and with a shallow feeling. Which is a pity, considerin how great this game is otherwise.

Strangely, I had never played this game before, although it has been quietly standing on my to do list since that time. And I must say, it has been a very pleasant surprise. This game has aged rather well, probably because it is a mixture of genres that hasn't been washed down since. Excellent level design, all in all a nice adventure game, with OK FMV sequences. Very good rhythm, I never got bored. The shooting part is clearly the one that has aged the most. Fortunately, it is not -by far- the most important part of the game. The game is available in a decent French translation. One word of advise, though. The controls are VERY awkward today. You do NOT want to play this way. I would advise you to immediately use the dosbox tool in order to rebind the keys. THe tool is a bit rough around the edges, but it does work. Take the time to set up decent controls, and enjoy a really mastered and original game.

This was one of my first games to play back then. Once in a while I dig this out and play it again. Storyline is great, there are some good jump scares, but what I loved most was the creepy, dark atmosphere and amazing world designs. Don't be put off by its apparent pixel-ed graphics, there are some pretty places out there and the story definitely makes up for it. Learn to love Arqua and Raquia, but run from Sheol...