Magnetic Scrolls was the developer of The Legacy: Realm of Terror, often simply referred to as The Legacy. Published in 1993 by MicroProse Software, The Legacy is an adventure role playing game set in a haunted mansion.
The protagonist of the game has inherited the aforementioned mansion, and upon going to explore it for the first time, realizes that it is a haunted house, filled with magic. The hero would love to rethink the idea of exploring the mansion, but deep mocking laughter echoes off the walls whenever he tries to leave.
The doors are locked. The goal is obvious: get out.
The Legacy combines elements of both point and click adventures and role playing games to create this unique experience. The user first chooses the character who will serve as the hero by selecting a photograph from a newspaper headline. The user can also change the hero’s stats if they are unsatisfactory as they are initially presented. As the user guides the selected hero around the creepy mansion, he will have the opportunity to interact with many items within the home. There are also a great variety of spooky monsters, such as zombies, mummies, gargoyles and snakes, which the hero must battle. Between fighting creatures, solving puzzles and learning spells, the hero becomes more powerful
and adept, similar to a traditional role playing game.
There are ten basic areas of the home to explore, from the basement all the way to the final second dimension where Belthegor, the boss character awaits. There are only three human characters hidden within these areas, two are evil in nature (long-lost relatives) and one is a kidnapped detective that the hero may rescue. There is a large arsenal of spells at the hero’s disposal, each falling into one of four main categories. There are numerous items scattered around the house that can do everything from provide a temporary weapon to give the protagonist more health or magic power.
The Legacy is a tricky game. There are many factors to consider when playing. The initial stats can come into play when learning spells, and it seems that the hero runs out of bullets at the most inopportune times. The Legacy is a game of caution, forethought and skill. It is a recommended download for an unusual gaming experience, and a little nervous butterfly feeling, as well.
