This game still ranks as one of my favorite RPG ever. It was released over a decade ago and basically a computerized version of the advanced dungeons and dragons game. Despite having aged visually, the complexity of the rules and naked excitement of the story still makes it a thoroughly engrossing game. It follows a simple plot – a gang of adventurers (you) are hired to investigate a dodgy sewer, but shortly after entering (about ten paces in) the entry/exit collapses (suspiciously) and must find an alternative way out.
This game still ranks as one of my favorite RPG ever. It was released over a decade ago and basically a computerized version of the advanced dungeons and dragons game. Despite having aged visually, the complexity of the rules and naked excitement of the story still makes it a thoroughly engrossing game. It follows a simple plot – a gang of adventurers (you) are hired to investigate a dodgy sewer, but shortly after entering (about ten paces in) the entry/exit collapses (suspiciously) and must find an alternative way out.
The original game came with a map of the first three sewer levels suggesting that the game was rather a short one and destined to disappoint but how the eyes widen when you realize
that there is no exit in the sewers leaving an exploration of the spider infested 4th level your only option! The game spreads through 11 or so vast and varied levels offering countless traps, puzzles and fights with plenty of evil beasts to challenge you. There are a few wonderful side-missions and adventures into the Dwarf Lairs and the Kenku nests to alleviate the only tedious aspect of the game; getting a bit lost trying to advance a level. The quest comes to a dramatic conclusion with a (albeit predictable) showdown with the beholder itself!
Comparison with other RPG is inevitable and it more than holds its own. Plenty of action but very engrossing puzzle element. As well as this there is the character-interaction and development element (which is central to dungeons and dragons games) that is sometimes missing in other RPG making them a bit one-dimensional. Despite being a touch primitive, friends can be made as easily as enemies and the development of your characters provides another engrossing element. You can follow your original four characters develop form their starting, level one, to an incredible, level 18 or more! Mages and clerics learn new spells and fighters just get very, very tough – obviously contributing to the development of the game as the enemies get tougher and tougher. It is also possible to add up to two other members to your original four; adding to the tactical element of the combating – how many fighters in the front rank/any ranged weapons specialists at the back/do you risk a physically weak group but are masters of magic? The final aspect of character management is the equipment. Simple the graphics may be, but I’m always full of wonder to pick up a new type of shield or new magical boots.
Overall, this is a wonderful, long-lasting and (as mentioned a few times before) thoroughly engrossing fighter/puzzler type of RPG. Well worth having a bash at and probably better that their immediate sequels. This, don’t forget, is the grandfather of the Baldur’s Gate series.
