Record of Lodoss War

"Must stop playing....must eat....must sleep...."

Oh my dear loving God...what happened to the past 8 hours...the last thing i remember was stopping at the local babbages for a new game and the clerk putting record of lodoss war in my hands and smiling evily at me...

Story: 4/10 ''what theheck is happening in this game? Who is that guy, wait...what am i trying to do now?''This game has a very very weak story line that i for one cant seem to comprehend... but hey its all about the killing and customizing in a game that ripps off diablo in just about every way...all i can getout of the story is some big bad goddess is really ticked and returning to the world and you have to stop her...yeah...basicallt diablo, i can dig it.

Graphics: 8/10 The graphics are really good, complimenting the dark atmosfear that diablo had and adding new touches like sprawling overworlddungeons with storms and what not. the view is top down in the style of the genre, adn made up of nice detailed polygons so pretty, that the game actaully looks 2d, a bit of polygon break up occurs in some dungoens (watchthe lil cracks appear in the ground)The worst probelm however is the terrible slowdown when the screen gets too crowded...NES flashbacks convulsed through me as i was attacked by 20 ogres and the screen just about stopped moving. UGH.

gameplay: 9/10 This is where the game really shines...it takes the classic diablo formula and adds alot more custonmization in the form of ''magic words'' of sorts: inscriptions that you can engrave on any weapon or piece of armor that will boost stats in a ton of areas. Its alot of fun and very addicting. I stayed up all night scouring the land for more ancient runes to add to my armor, and hidden dungeons and optional areas abound and reward you with all manner of booty. Must...eat...must...er.....nevermind..

Sound: 7/10 ok there are alot of gripes in this area...alot one of them is the new footwear system..enemys can hear your footsteps depending on your boots and attack accordingly, only probelm is if you want good armor you have to sacrifice silence...real silence..so if you want to be well protected then prepare for a constant ''CLANG CLANG CLANG'' as you walk...and as far as the music goes: where is it? the only time music really plays is during a fight sequence and its always the same old fight music 9its not very good music either)at least thats all i heard over the CLANG CLANG CLANG

Overall: 9/10 Despite the many flaws in the game...it simply is too addicting to deny...its fresh take on the time honored diablo formula is enough to make many fans of the genre wet themselves in excitement and with good reason.If you like diablo GET THIS GAME! its the real deal folks.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/10/01, Updated 04/10/01