LEGEND Entertainmenthas created some of the best games in their time, but this is incredible! From Hero's Quest (Quest for Glory) to King's Quest, I am amazed, surprised, and delighted that they have chose Terry Brooks' books (the Sword of Shannara Series) for a gaming series (or at least a few games). Shannara is indeed a bit linear for those who know and have read the books, but that can make them all better. Big fans of his books will play, and realize they love the thrills of RPG's (Even closed-party RPG's).
Everything about it is 5-star, from the amazing graphics of its time that rivals even current games, an excellent story-line (it came from a book...duh) and an interesting character expansion that allows players to do more with the book than they thought. They have taken a world, forged by imagination, and have created a reality. This is indeed much more than expected.
Some readers may get frustrated at the beginning, possibly for lack of RPG knowledge, or possibly because they do not like the starting character, Shea's son, instead of Shea himself from the series. However, it will also delight other gamers and fantasy genre readers, even if they have not read the series.
In your quest to find the Sword of Shannara and
to destroy the Warlock Lord, you must use cunning and wit, as well as hack-and-slash battles to reach the end. This is what had hooked me on Quest for Glory in the first place. I hope LEGEND Entertainment never stops creating these games.
Also, because of this game's nature, guidebooks can be found easily and inexpensively. Just walk down to a Barnes and Nobles, and pick out Terry Brooks' Sword of Shannara book, for a complete guide and manual, as well as a great story. Fans will enjoy it, as well as those that thought they despised fantasy genres.
Overall, this game was masterfully pieced together, from words on a page and imagination floating around in someone's head, to a complete world, created and designed so that you may complete your own quest for the Sword of Shannara, and partake on this fantastical adventure, originating from the small town of Shady Vale, and completed with a battle to the Warlock.
Let's only hope they try to use Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series for their next games...
