Summary
- Release Year: 1991
- Genres: Adventure, Puzzle, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS
- Developers: Horror Soft
- Publishers: Accolade
Elvira II: The Jaws of Cerberus (1991): A Comprehensive Retrospective
Introduction
Elvira II: The Jaws of Cerberus is an adventure/RPG first-person game developed by HorrorSoft and published by Accolade in 1991. It is the sequel to the 1989 game Elvira: Mistress of the Dark, which was also an adventure game but with a more traditional third-person perspective. Elvira II is notable for its innovative use of first-person perspective, its challenging gameplay, and its dark and atmospheric setting.
Gameplay
Elvira II begins by choosing one of the four classes for your character: warrior, mage, thief, or ranger. Each class has its own unique starting attributes, such as Strength, Intelligence, and Dexterity. You then begin your adventure in the town of Gravesville, where you are tasked with finding a way to defeat the evil Cerberus, a three-headed dog that is terrorizing the town.
To defeat Cerberus, you must travel through a variety of dungeons and landscapes, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and collecting items. Combat in Elvira II is turn-based, and you can choose from a variety of weapons and spells to defeat your enemies. You can also cast spells to heal yourself, protect yourself in combat, or damage your enemies.
Setting
Elvira II is set in a dark and atmospheric world filled with monsters, demons, and other supernatural creatures. The game’s world is divided into a number of different areas, each with its own unique look and feel. The game’s graphics are dark and moody, and the sound design is excellent, creating a truly immersive experience.
Characters
Elvira II features a cast of memorable characters, including the titular Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. Elvira is a powerful witch who helps you on your quest to defeat Cerberus. Other characters include the wise old wizard Zoltan, the beautiful princess Seraphina, and the enigmatic thief Sinjin.
Reception
Elvira II was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its dark and atmospheric setting. Elvira II was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Elvira II is considered to be one of the best adventure/RPG games of its era. The game’s innovative use of first-person perspective, its challenging gameplay, and its dark and atmospheric setting have made it a classic among retro gamers. Elvira II has also been cited as an influence on a number of later games, including the Elder Scrolls series and the Fallout series.
Conclusion
Elvira II: The Jaws of Cerberus is a classic adventure/RPG game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, its challenging difficulty, and its dark and atmospheric setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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