Realmz

"An outstanding single-player RPG for the Macintosh and PC."

The RPG market is turning more to online RPGs nowadays, and some of you may be unamused with them now. Bored with Phantasy Star Online ? Diablo 2 seem worn out ? Sick of Ultima Online ? Tired of Everquest ? Then I suggest you play Realmz. It isn't a MMORPG, but I'll guarantee you'll have some fun. The newer versions even come with a scenario editor($30 bucks extra) ! And if that isn't enough, it can be used as a source of income ! Fantasoft can allow you charge money for scenarios you make, if you want. But you have to get permission from them, first.

Storyline: 10
Depends on which scenario you're playing. ''Destroy the Necronomicon'' and ''Hax''(you must download it off the internet, there is a link somewhere at www.fantasoft.com) seem to be the most popular, though.

Graphics: 10
An Ultima(not Ultima Online, more like Ultima 1-3)style interface, as the FAQ says on this site. The graphics aren't polygons, but the characters and other things are sprites. They are well designed, and the character icons were custom developed by an artist hired by the authors of this game(Fantasoft). You can even put in your own graphics for land tiles, enemies, magic, and items for your own scenarios.

Sound: 10
Some of the sound effects sound like they have been played through a phone. Of course, you can always import your own sounds for your own scenario.

Challenge: 10
It depends on what scenario(and the strength of the monsters) you are playing and how strong your characters are. The scenario maker comes in again and gives Challenge a 10 for it's infinite possibilities.

Fun Factor: 10
The storylines and events in some of the scenarios will keep you hooked for a long time. Your custom scenarios may do that to other players, too.

Replay Value: 10
This is one of the best parts of the game, because the replay value is incomprehensible. There are so many storylines and events in the scenarios, you can't find them all the first times you play them. Yet again, the scenario maker contributes to this score.

Overall: 10

Bottom line: I'm wondering if this should be shareware. Yes, that's right, it's shareware ! And the $20 bucks you have to pay for it($13 for extra scenarios) If you want it, Fantasoft's website, www.fantasoft.com is the best place to go. You can order it from there, and download other Fantasoft games. And for all you jealous PC users, you'll be glad to hear that it was released for PC a while ago.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/22/01, Updated 05/22/01