Legend - Four Crystals of Trazere

I first played Four Crystals Of Trazere (aka Legend) way back when it first came out. When it first came out it was a revolutionary game, free flow RPG, custom magic system, immersive world and lots of little secrets to explore. This game has stood the test of time, and while lacking in some respects still provides enough game play to get my recommendation.
Graphically, by todays standards, Four Crystals Of Trazere is very weak, however the 8-bit (3D) graphics were state of the art when the game was released.

You have a full map that you can explore, going into towns, fortresses, dungeons and other places of interest. Inside dungeons you switch to a 3D tile based world to explore. While the graphics are a definite weak point that is to be expected with a game this old they at least manage to get the job done.
There are many different aspects to playing Four Crystals of Trazere. To begin the game you create your party of four characters (Berserker, Troubadour, Wizard and Assassin) who all have the typical stats we are used to seeing in RPGs – strength, intelligence, dexterity, armor class and so forth. To further customize you can give each character one or more elemental affinities (fire, earth, air or water)- the graphics for each are among the strongest in the game. With your party completed, you can begin exploring the depths of the multitude of dungeons in the game. As with other RPGs killing monsters for experience to level up and getting gold to buy better equipment is all part of it. However there is a strong puzzle aspect to the game, which can be varied from pulling levers, to finding keys to casting the right spell on the right floor tile. Speaking of spells the game has an amazingly well done magic system. You get to create the spells that your wizard character will use. By combing different runes and mystical components you can create a multitude of spells that have 4 different targeting options and 12 different effect options.
Besides dungeons you can fight evil groups and armies in the world map, explore new towns and aid the defenders of the realm.
Four Crystals Of Trazere is set in a time of wild magic, where men began to turn into foul beasts and demons. The four heroes, each with special abilities and bearing a powerful crystal must band together and set the world aright again. The game does not have a set storyline, which personally I think is a good thing. You can explore the world or dungeons in order you choose. I enjoy the ability to control my own fate, as opposed to always being forced into a set storyline, it makes me feel better about all the times I got stuck at a particular puzzle.
Four Crystals Of Trazere is an oldie but a goodie. If you can get past the weak graphics and frustrating puzzles you will find a game well worth your effort that can compete with many of todays RPGs with features and options. 10/10!