Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Apple II, Commodore C64/128/MAX
- Developers: Electronic Arts
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Deathlord (1987): An In-Depth Retrospective
Released in 1987 by Electronic Arts, Deathlord is an oriental-flavored RPG that introduced a number of innovative features to the genre. Set in the Kingdom of Kodan, the game follows a party of adventurers as they quest to defeat the evil Deathlord and restore peace to the land.
Deathlord was one of the first RPGs to feature a day/night cycle, which affected the behavior of enemies and the availability of certain items. The game also featured a unique magic system, in which players could create their own spells by combining different elements.
Deathlord was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best RPGs of its era. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and challenging difficulty.
Gameplay
Deathlord is a turn-based RPG in which the player controls a party of up to four characters. The game world is explored from a top-down perspective, and players can interact with NPCs, enter dungeons, and engage in combat.
Combat is turn-based, and players can choose from a variety of actions for each character, such as attacking, casting spells, or using items. The game features a unique magic system, in which players can create their own spells by combining different elements.
Deathlord also features a number of puzzles and riddles that players must solve in order to progress. The game is known for its challenging difficulty, and players will need to use all of their skills and resources to defeat the Deathlord and his minions.
Setting
Deathlord is set in the Kingdom of Kodan, a land that has been plunged into darkness by the evil Deathlord. The Deathlord is a powerful sorcerer who has raised an army of undead creatures to conquer the kingdom.
The player’s party is tasked with traveling across Kodan and defeating the Deathlord’s forces. Along the way, they will visit a variety of locations, including towns, dungeons, and forests.
Characters
The player’s party consists of four characters:
- Akira: A skilled swordsman and the leader of the party.
- Mai: A powerful sorceress who can cast a variety of spells.
- Chen: A wise old monk who can heal the party and cast protective spells.
- Lin: A skilled thief who can pick locks and disarm traps.
Each character has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and players will need to use all of their skills to defeat the Deathlord.
Legacy
Deathlord was a critical and commercial success, and is considered to be one of the best RPGs of its era. The game has been praised for its innovative gameplay, immersive world, and challenging difficulty.
Deathlord has been cited as an influence on a number of later RPGs, including the Ultima series and the Final Fantasy series. The game is still enjoyed by many today, and is considered to be a classic of the genre.
Conclusion
Deathlord is a groundbreaking RPG that introduced a number of innovative features to the genre. The game’s challenging difficulty, immersive world, and unique magic system make it a must-play for fans of RPGs.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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