Summary

Release Year: 1995
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
Platforms: DOS, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: DreamForge Intertainment
Publishers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet (1995)

Introduction

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is a first-person role-playing game developed by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) and released in 1995. It is the sequel to Ravenloft: Strahd’s Possession, and the second game in the Ravenloft series based on the Dungeons & Dragons campaign setting of the same name.

Story

The story of Ravenloft: Stone Prophet begins when two adventurers, a fighter named Khalid and a cleric named Jaheira, step through a space-time portal that leads to Har’Akir, a scorched desert populated by vicious creatures and ruled by the cursed mummy of the ancient pharaoh Anhktepot. The only way to escape this wretched place is to find the Stone Prophet, a towering obelisk covered in mysterious hieroglyphs.

As the adventurers explore the desert, they encounter a variety of challenges, including deadly traps, fierce monsters, and the relentless pursuit of Anhktepot’s minions. They must also contend with the harsh desert environment, which requires them to carefully manage their water supplies.

Along the way, the adventurers can recruit up to four additional party members, each with their own unique abilities and backgrounds. These companions can provide valuable assistance in combat, spellcasting, and exploration.

Gameplay

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet uses the same graphical engine and gameplay system as its predecessor, Ravenloft: Strahd’s Possession. Character creation and combat follow the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons role-playing rules; exploration and combat are viewed from first-person perspective, and the battles occur in real time.

One of the unique features of Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is the necessity of regularly drinking water. The heroes must always carry enough water with them when they venture into the desert, or cast water-creating spells. If they fail to do so, they will quickly become dehydrated and suffer penalties to their attributes.

Reception

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s challenging combat, immersive atmosphere, and innovative water management system. Others criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay, lack of character development, and technical issues.

Despite the mixed reviews, Ravenloft: Stone Prophet has become a cult classic among fans of the Ravenloft setting and CRPGs in general. The game’s unique blend of action, exploration, and role-playing has made it a favorite of many gamers over the years.

Legacy

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is an important game in the history of CRPGs. It was one of the first games to successfully implement the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset in a real-time environment. The game’s innovative water management system was also a major breakthrough, and it has been used in many other games since then.

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet also helped to popularize the Ravenloft setting. The game’s dark and atmospheric world has captivated players for decades, and it has inspired numerous other games, novels, and other media.

Conclusion

Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is a challenging and rewarding CRPG that offers a unique blend of action, exploration, and role-playing. The game’s immersive atmosphere, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters have made it a cult classic among fans of the genre. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ravenloft or a newcomer to CRPGs, Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is a game that you should definitely check out.

Tips for Playing Ravenloft: Stone Prophet

Manage your water supply carefully. The desert is a harsh environment, and you will need to make sure that you always have enough water to stay hydrated. Carry extra water with you when you venture into the desert, and be sure to cast water-creating spells if you can.
Recruit a diverse party. Each of the six party members in Ravenloft: Stone Prophet has their own unique abilities and backgrounds. Make sure to recruit a party that has a good mix of skills, including combat, spellcasting, and exploration.
Explore every nook and cranny. The desert is full of hidden secrets and treasures. Be sure to explore every nook and cranny to find everything that the game has to offer.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is a game that rewards experimentation. Try different strategies and tactics to see what works best for you.
Have fun! Ravenloft: Stone Prophet is a challenging game, but it’s also a lot of fun. So relax, enjoy the adventure, and don’t be afraid to die a few times along the way.