Summary
- Release Year: 1995
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Spiderweb Software
- Publishers: Spiderweb Software
Exile II: Crystal Souls (1995)
Exile II: Crystal Souls is a classic role-playing game (RPG) released in 1995 for the MS-DOS operating system. It is the sequel to the 1993 game Exile: Escape from the Pit, and was developed by Spiderweb Software.
Exile II is a dungeon crawl RPG in the vein of classic titles such as Wizardry and Might and Magic. The player controls a party of up to six characters as they explore a series of dungeons, fight monsters, and solve puzzles. The game features a turn-based combat system, and character development is based on a class-based system.
The story of Exile II takes place several years after the events of the first game. The player’s party has escaped from the Pit, a vast underground dungeon, and has established a new home in the town of Avernum. However, the Empire, which rules the surface world, believes that Exile has become too powerful, and is sending troops below to destroy it.
The player’s party must travel through the dungeons of Avernum, fighting monsters and solving puzzles, in order to reach the surface world and stop the Empire’s invasion. Along the way, they will meet a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile, and learn more about the history of Avernum and the Empire.
Exile II: Crystal Souls was praised for its deep and engaging story, its challenging combat, and its character development system. The game was also praised for its graphics and sound, which were considered to be top-notch for the time.
Gameplay
Exile II: Crystal Souls is a turn-based dungeon crawl RPG. The player controls a party of up to six characters as they explore a series of dungeons, fight monsters, and solve puzzles. The game features a variety of character classes, each with its own unique abilities and strengths.
Combat in Exile II is turn-based, and takes place on a grid-based map. The player can move their characters around the map, and can attack enemies with a variety of weapons and spells. The game also features a variety of environmental hazards, such as traps and poisonous gas, which can be used to the player’s advantage.
Character development in Exile II is based on a class-based system. Each character class has its own unique set of abilities and skills, and can be customized to fit the player’s playstyle. The game also features a variety of items and equipment that can be used to improve the party’s stats and abilities.
Story
The story of Exile II: Crystal Souls takes place several years after the events of the first game. The player’s party has escaped from the Pit, a vast underground dungeon, and has established a new home in the town of Avernum. However, the Empire, which rules the surface world, believes that Exile has become too powerful, and is sending troops below to destroy it.
The player’s party must travel through the dungeons of Avernum, fighting monsters and solving puzzles, in order to reach the surface world and stop the Empire’s invasion. Along the way, they will meet a variety of characters, both friendly and hostile, and learn more about the history of Avernum and the Empire.
Reception
Exile II: Crystal Souls was praised for its deep and engaging story, its challenging combat, and its character development system. The game was also praised for its graphics and sound, which were considered to be top-notch for the time.
Computer Gaming World said that Exile II “is a must-have for any RPG fan” and that it “sets a new standard for dungeon crawls.” GameSpot said that the game “is a classic example of how to do a dungeon crawl right” and that it “is one of the best RPGs ever made.”
Exile II: Crystal Souls was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
Legacy
Exile II: Crystal Souls is considered to be one of the classic dungeon crawl RPGs. The game has been praised for its deep and engaging story, its challenging combat, and its character development system. The game has also been praised for its graphics and sound, which were considered to be top-notch for the time.
Exile II: Crystal Souls has had a lasting impact on the RPG genre. The game’s class-based character development system has been used in many other RPGs, and the game’s challenging combat has inspired many other games. Exile II: Crystal Souls is a classic RPG that still holds up today, and is a must-play for any fan of the genre.
Tips for Playing Exile II: Crystal Souls
- Choose your party carefully. Each character class has its own unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose a party that complements each other.
- Explore every dungeon thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets and treasures to be found in the dungeons of Avernum.
- Be prepared for combat. The combat in Exile II can be challenging, so it’s important to be prepared. Make sure your party is well-equipped and has a variety of spells and abilities at their disposal.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to play Exile II, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies.
- Have fun! Exile II: Crystal Souls is a great game, so relax and enjoy yourself.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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