Return to Krondor

"A great game...a bit underrated"

Greetings.

I was in a wholesale club not so long ago when I was searching the shelves and all of the sudden came across Return to Krondor. The box was rather intriguing and being the longtime RPG fan that I am, I went home and gave it a try. Upon my arrival, I was expecting the normal RPG for the computer; a worthless clone of some game everyone has forgotten about. Yet I was most surprised by this one. Having not played Betrayal at Krondor, its prequel, I must confess to the fact that I can not base this game on its predecessor.

Gameplay 9/10-Well, I won't lie to you, I tend to be generous, but I feel I'm being honest here. (I say that comparing this to other reviews.) The game is not exceptionally difficult, but it offers a balanced approach to RPG's for beginners, intermediates, and more advanced players like myself.

Comparing this to other RPG's, I was most pleased in that this is one of the greatest gameplays ever.

As an experienced RPG and computer gamer (I have played and owned over 120 games), I found the combat system admirable. Not a huge menu like most RPG's and the way of attacking and blocking is fairly original. Coinciding with the combat was the new way of statistics. Leveling up is whole different concept in this game; you choose which stats you want to level up. And they don't just include strength and speed and what have you, they also include analyzing, stealth, brawling, and skills for various weapons.

There are also other nice little tidbits with the gameplay. You can loot people and later sell there stuff, weapons wear out just like they would in reality, and the spells aren't mostly for heavy damage like they are in other RPG's.

The only problem I had with the gameplay was speed. It was often tedious walking from one place to another; perhaps enhancing the walking a speed for some areas might have been preferable. But this was only a minor difficulty.

Story 10/10- I have argued this one with many but I have personally found this story one of the best. Sure, many find it short, but my question to them is did they really explore? Believe it or not, as linear as it many seem, the game can actually take a turn in certain areas making some areas more difficult. For example, pushing past a guard in one place might lead to a direct battle instead of questioning him first and finding out information.

I found the story itself most pleasing; a detailed, descriptive view into a fantasy world. The characters fit in very well too.

Although it is shorter than some, the story does have a good beginning and conclusion that sums up everything.

Sound and Music 10/10-Very impressive! Sierra did a great job with this. The voice talent is remarkable, unlike some other games. Although it lacks subtitles, I could understand what they were saying 98% of the time (and I have a hearing disorder). However, if you do miss something by chance, there is a journal feature where you can go back, which I have only seen in a few games.

The music is about fifteen or twenty 20-50 second clips that repeat themselves, however they fit in very nicely. All the music composed for the game is intriguing and original, and it adds a unique, mysterious flavor to the game.

Graphics 10/10-3D rendering at its best-even for 1999. 360 degrees of buildings, roads, and especially Krondor. Feist (the writer of the game) and our friends over at Sierra did a remarkable job relaying the city of Krondor from the page to the screen. Excellent job! I felt as if I were there. (The music adds to this too.)

The graphics in this game are photogenic to say the least, and the characters are textured in a way that they look realistic. Every now and then, there will be a short, attractive cinematic.

The creators of the game paid attention to every last nerdy detail and added swift-looking props and decorative sprites to enhance the fashionable look of the game.

Replayability-8/10 Well, I've beaten the game twice, mostly because I like it so much. There were also a few things I forgot to get at key moments I went back for, and some dialogue I handled differently which led to a bit easier conclusion. But other than that, once you've been through it, you're done. There are a few side-quests, but there mostly overlooked and few in number. You also have to do them at the PRECISE moment.

Should you buy this game? Well, it's price has dropped to $9.99 as of Feb. 2001 and you should see this in the action section of your store or maybe the discount rack, so I'd say it's worth the money. I guarantee you you'll find something about this game you'll like.

Overall Weighted: 9.4/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 02/05/01, Updated 02/05/01