Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance

"A Most Heroic Gaming Experience!"

Pull on your forest green adventure leggings, comb the tangles from your mustache and dust off that +3 Bastard Sword, it's time to kick some orc arse!! In Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance!

Introduction:

Yeah yeah, I know what you're thinking; this game is old. Why should I waste my time, playing an outdated RPG, when there's all these new RPGs coming out all the time? Well, the answer is simple. It's a really cool game!

Graphics: 6/10

Alright, the graphics aren't so hot. In fact, they're practically non-existant. However, they are not in any way detrimental to the gameplay, or the role-playing experience. Remember, this is based on Dungeons & Dragons- you've got to use your imagination! (Don't worry, it wont hurt)

In Pool of Radiance, you can navigate the world using the map, or the first-person mode. Personally, I prefer the map mode, because it's almost impossible to not get lost otherwise, on account that everything looks the same. But that's entirely your choice!

The battle-mode (fight scenes) graphically, is very well done. With all the characters on the screen at the same time, players, as well as enemies, you can see everything, and plan your strategy accordingly.

The players look sort of short and squat, and nondescript, but you get used to it. Remember, we're supposed to be using our imaginations.

Sound: 6/10

The music could be better. It's not horrible, but not too memorable either. It doesn't however take away from the enjoyment of the game. And if you really have a problem with it, turn the sound down and play a cd or something.

Gameplay: 9/10

It may take awhile to get into it, but give it a chance, once you get used to the controls, (and the unsettling ''brown-ness'' of it all) you'll be enjoying one of the greatest RPGs on the NES!

There's a lot to do in this game, and it is in my opinion, a true RPG, meaning it is non-linear. You can pretty much do whatever you like, in whichever order you prefer. Heck, if all you wanna do is hang around in bars and start fights, you can do that too!

The battles are turn-based strategy...oldskool style! Based on your characters stats, you can move a certain amount of spaces, and perform an attack each turn. You must decide who will lead the party, and who will follow, based on their strengths and abilities...it's just like real D&D!

Control: 9/10

Not bad. Getting around is easy (using the map) and the battle mode is well designed. I love it!

Story: 8/10

Pretty standard stuff...the city of Phlan has got some monster troubles and is looking for some HEROES to come clean it out, with promises of riches, glory and honour!! Huzzah!

A party of warriors (you) comes to Phlan, seeking just that. And the game begins. Are you heroic enough? We shall see.

Should I purchase this game for my very own?:

Indeed.

Conclusion:

If you can find it, it shouldn't cost too much...because its old. But if you're into good ol' fashioned swords and sorcery RPGs, give Pool of Radiance a try.

Out of a total of 10 possible Mustache Points, AD&D: Pool of Radiance gets an 8! (this is not an average)

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 01/15/02, Updated 01/15/02