Summary
- Release Year: 1992
- Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
- Platforms: Amiga, DOS
- Developers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)
- Publishers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)
Pools of Darkness: A Classic RPG That Will Take You on an Epic Journey
Released in 1992, Pools of Darkness is a classic RPG that will take you on an epic journey through the Forgotten Realms. Developed by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI), Pools of Darkness is the sequel to Curse of the Azure Bonds, and the second game in the Forgotten Realms: The Pool of Radiance series.
You and your party of adventurers will explore dungeons, fight monsters, and solve puzzles as you try to save the world from the forces of evil. Along the way, you’ll visit iconic Forgotten Realms locations like the city of Phlan and the Tower of Ashaba.
Pools of Darkness is a challenging but rewarding game that will appeal to fans of classic RPGs. The game’s turn-based combat system is simple to learn but difficult to master, and the game’s puzzles are clever and challenging.
Characters
You can create a party of up to six characters, each with their own unique abilities and skills. There are four races to choose from: human, elf, dwarf, and halfling. There are also four classes to choose from: fighter, thief, cleric, and mage.
Combat
Combat in Pools of Darkness is turn-based. Each character has a certain number of action points per turn, which they can use to move, attack, or cast spells. The game’s combat system is simple to learn but difficult to master. You’ll need to carefully consider your positioning and your choice of attacks in order to succeed in combat.
Puzzles
In addition to combat, Pools of Darkness also features a number of puzzles. These puzzles are often challenging, but they’re also fair. You’ll need to use your wits and your knowledge of the game world in order to solve them.
Setting
Pools of Darkness is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. The Forgotten Realms is a rich and detailed world with a long history. The game takes place in the city of Phlan, which is located on the Sword Coast. Phlan is a thriving city that is home to a diverse population of humans, elves, dwarves, and halflings.
Story
The story of Pools of Darkness begins with your party of adventurers arriving in Phlan. The city is in the midst of a celebration, but the festivities are soon interrupted by a group of evil cultists. The cultists are led by a powerful wizard named Tyranthraxus, who is planning to use the Pool of Radiance to plunge the world into darkness.
Your party of adventurers must stop Tyranthraxus and his cultists before they can succeed in their evil plan. To do this, you’ll need to travel to the Tower of Ashaba and defeat Tyranthraxus in a final showdown.
Legacy
Pools of Darkness was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its challenging gameplay, its clever puzzles, and its rich and detailed setting. Pools of Darkness is considered to be one of the best RPGs of its era, and it remains popular with fans of classic RPGs today.
Tips for Playing Pools of Darkness
- Create a balanced party. Make sure your party has a good mix of fighters, thieves, clerics, and mages.
- Explore the game world thoroughly. There are many hidden secrets and treasures to be found in Pools of Darkness.
- Be prepared for a challenge. Pools of Darkness is a challenging game, but it’s also very rewarding.
- Don’t give up! If you get stuck, don’t give up. There are many resources available to help you, including online walkthroughs and forums.
Conclusion
Pools of Darkness is a classic RPG that will take you on an epic journey through the Forgotten Realms. The game’s challenging gameplay, clever puzzles, and rich and detailed setting make it a must-play for fans of classic RPGs.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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