Dink Smallwood

"The game that blurred my RPG vision..."

Introduction:
I've never really considered Zelda type games RPG's, until now. I always believed that if a game wasn't menu driven and turn based, it wasn't an RPG, this game proved me wrong. Dink Smallwood is a freeware RPG(as you probably already know) released by RT Soft. It has a Zeldaesque battle system with experience, numerous weapons, several spells, and other various items. And if that wasn't already enough, for all you budding developers out there, you can create your own additional quests, which isn't as easy as it sounds. And in the words of Chris Farley in Billy Madison ''I know from experience dude.'' I once tried to make a DMOD(that is what the add-ons called) and even though I actually got off to a almost(and I stress the word almost) got off to a good start, but then fell flat on my face when it came to making things solid, having things talk, and making doors actually go someplace. But enough talk about the extras, now for a little bit about the story. It centers around a pig farmer named Dink Smallwood, who longs for something more, an adventure perhaps? But as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. It all starts when Dink's mother asks him to go out and gather some nuts for dinner, and he returns to tragedy, his house has burned down and his mother has died in the blaze. From there his aunt has invited him to come live with her and his uncle, and where it goes from there is... To be found out when you get the game.

Sound-6/10
The game has pretty good(and in this case, very fitting) sound effects, like monsters dying, spells being cast, arrows hitting objects(aside form monsters), and the like. The game doesn't really come off as the best musical game ever(or even close to it). Albeit good, it isn't something you will hear at the orchestra, and if you do hear it at an orchestra, you need to see if you can get your money back. It's best to look at the sound this way, If you don't expect Squaresoft quality music, you won't be disappointed.

Graphics-9/10
Extremely good, possibly excellent, graphics. Even if this wasn't a freeware game, these graphics would be awesome, and since it is, these are top quality. The game is 3D. Its only actually weak point(don't expect to find too many of these) is that the character models are reused. For example, all the women look the same, but usually have different sizes and/or dress colors. There are two or three male models, but not much better. Even though this may be considered by some to be an actually serious flaw, for the most part, you won't pay much attention too it after you actually get into the game.

Gameplay-100/10
Since I am going to include humor in this category, it saves the game from a 7/10 in this category. Like previously stated, the battle system is Zeldaesque(I am beginning to like this word), with other RPG gameplay elements thrown into the mix, making for a very, very good game. Now the gameplay itself is good, but where the game really shines is in the humor category. Some people may find the humor twisted, and maybe even a little weird(what am I saying maybe). Some of the humorous points are when Dink gets to kill ducks(which you may find yourself doing a lot), deciding if a girl dies in a cult ritual, or even encouraging his uncle to beat his aunt. Now, I realize that some may find this humor wrong, but I personally find it hilarious.

Conclusion:
I love this game, it has everything, especially humor. Actually now that I think about it, if not for the humor, this game would have been a bigger disaster than trying to put Al Snow over for the undisputed champion (end Mick Foley ripoff). But I somehow think it was designed that way. To make a long story short, you NEED this game. I now am more apt to consider a Zeldaesque(there it is again) game a RPG. So, as the synopsis reads, This Game blurred my RPG vision.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 04/06/02, Updated 04/06/02