Game Review (written by Shannon) Added on: 11/17/2007
Spelljammer is a classic Dungeons and Dragons style game that amassed a huge following, as do most games in the D & D series. Released in 1989 as a campaign setting for AD&D, Spelljammer is set in outer space as opposed to the deep caverns and catacombs found in most D & D games. Spelljammer focuses on “spelljamming helms” which power the great space cruisers into the final frontier. There is still plenty of sword and sorcery style action, just place it in a different setting.
The hero of Spelljammer is one of six types of characters: Paladin, cleric, thief, mage, ranger and warrior. Each class can be further customized by choosing from one of six basic D&D races such as human or elf. Each class has its own strengths and weaknesses, though Spelljammer does not differentiate between the characters as much as other games of this nature. Each class has something it does particularly well, and after that slides into a gray area. True to the RPG style of gaming, characters can be improved by gaining items and experience. Experience comes from combat. The character is given a spelljamming ship at the beginning of the game, and serves basically as a combination of mercenary and messenger boy for his employers. He happens upon a larger scheme in the midst of one of these missions.
Combat often begins before you are even aware of what is going on. Enemy ships approach very quickly and out of nowhere, even in safe spots. Many times they attack before you can concretely identify them as an enemy vessel, forcing you to make some hairy judgment calls in order to remain alive. Upon engaging an enemy ship, the hero has the option of boarding and dispatching the enemy in hand-to-hand combat. This is a turn-based battle that includes swordplay, magic and some good old dice-rolling luck.
While the premise of Spelljammer is good, in theory, the game itself is somewhat flat. The storyline is a fantastic. The characters are good developed. All in all it’s very addictive and challenging game! I love it and highly recommend it!
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