With a party comprising multiple members, its not easy assigning multiple commands against a horde of foes. On the one hand, this results a faster pace of gameplay than many traditional RPGs, but there are drawbacks. Combat is turn-based but set in real-time. Skirmishes are atmospheric, detailed and colourful despite a degree of texture-related glitches. On the battlefield itself, the game at least has visual flare on its side. Players can gather their own ingredients to concoct potions or dabble in metallurgy to forge weapons and armour to try out on the battlefield. This may not be anything new in a single player RPG, but the inclusion of an MMO-esque crafting element is an interesting addition. The levelling up mechanic is powered by a points system whereby the player purchases the abilities of their choice. Why should you focus on one over the other? What are the implications of each? Some in-game training with accessible help menus would have been welcome to ease the player into the game. For instance, when you start out there are a number of character attributes you can develop but the bigger picture isn’t quite clear. This is by no means a bad thing in a world of myriad watered-down RPGs, but more balance and transparency would have been beneficial. As early as the character creation screen, it’s obvious that Drakensang is a complex game that requires a degree of time and effort from the player. Gameplay isn’t quite as intuitive as you might hope. There is ample opportunity for interactivity during these exchanges, with the decision of which side to take when conflict arises resting with the player. Character interaction isn’t as bland as it might have been given the generic nature of those portraying it, with the writers laying on the appropriate level of emotion for each encounter. The characters themselves may not be the game’s strongest point, but on the plus side, it’s well scripted for a translated title. Many of these would have been forgivable had they provided a few twists where characterisation is concerned, but there are none to be found. From all-knowing wizards to stoic Amazon warriors, there is a cliché everywhere you turn. Drakensang doesn’t present these races any differently to the way we are accustomed. The presence of one or more of these races is given in any fantasy RPG, but it’s their context that’s disappointing. Needless to say, wizards, orcs, trolls, dwarves and goblins are staples of the genre. Throw in the obligatory prophecy for good measure and you have yourself a generic RPG plot. While helping the local law enforcement investigate these grisly crimes, the youth uncovers a dark conspiracy with implications for the entire world. The game takes place in the fantasy realm of Aventuria, with the storyline centring around a youth who finds himself entangled in a string of ritualistic murders. Its latest RPG release Drakensang: The Dark Eye has already garnered critical acclaim in its native Germany, but the rest of the world is unlikely to be won over so easily by this run-of-the-mill fantasy offering. With many major studios turning their attention towards multiplayer online games, smaller developers like Radon Labs have been given a chance to shine. Single player role-playing games have become something of a dying breed on the PC.
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