Incredible Depth, Phenomenal Game

For hardcore RPG fans (especially old-school RPG fans) this game is an absolute must buy!

I spent my first hour or so in the game generally lost... I almost quit! I am SO glad I didnt!

There are no map markers to tell you where to go. There are no tutorials to make the game easier. Its just you and your gear, and a huge, often dangerous world to explore. There is a pretty good auto-mapping system in place which does keep you from getting lost if you pay attention to where youre going.

There is always a lot to read - whether its a book youve picked up (of which there are many) or an NPC that youre having a conversation with. Many quests are only start if you say the right things in conversation. NPCs will react to everything about you - your reputation, your clothing, certain skills you have or dont have, whether you are "wanted," etc. The writing is generally excellent. There are some serious moral choices you must make - and the game is written so well that you feel genuinely concerned (and curious) about the outcome of your choices. There is a lot of sexual innuendo (although its well enough disguised that any young gamers would likely just not understand the references. For example, I took the company of a girl at "Flesh Delights" and ended up with some experience, some bonus HP, and a disease called "Warrt" which I had to find a potion to cure!

There is a LOT of exploring. I have been playing for more hours than I can count and Im still finishing up the first large area (between the starting town and the first large city). There are tons of items - weapons and armor, alchemy materials which you can turn into potions, books that teach you skills, spells, increase attributes, etc. There are many different monsters - some that attack from range and run when you try to get close, some with magic spells that hurt like hell, some that hit like trucks.

The coolest feature though has to be the complete and utter customizability. You should have some direction in creating your character (the preset classes are safe choices) but its really up to you. In an Oblivion-like way, you get automatic skill-ups when you level, but they are applied to the primary skills you used most during the level. For example, if youre a Mage, and you used mostly Attack Magic, you will get a skill-up in Attack Magic. You also get skill points to apply as you wish - but be aware that it takes 2 points to add a single skill-up to your secondary skills. Thus, make sure you choose your primary skills wisely!

The graphics are not high-res, not 3d and not going to win any awards... But they do the job, and are filled with personality. Remember that everything in this game is hand-drawn. The game is based in a 2d grid (not real 3d) like many RPGs from the late 80s and 90s (I.e. Might and Magic I-V, Eye of the Behold I-III, etc). The sound and music are equally low in quality but high in personality, and again, get the job done.

Overall, Im only somewhere between 5-10 hours in, and I cant get enough. For the first time in a long time, Im glued to my iPhone! This is an absolute MUST BUY for the hard-core RPG fans out there looking for a new world to get lost in. I bought it to fill down-time on an upcoming vacation, and I dont think I will have any problems filling time now :)

Trubbles_J about The Quest Classic Gold, v18.6