Thoughts by Elwood (29 00 2008) – PC (DOS)
Das Schwarze Auge (The Dark Eye) is the most popular role playing game in Germany, and everybody even only remotely interested in this topic has heard of it. Controversial (sometimes even borderline funny) magic spells are guaranteed to break the ice and create an athmosphere. The detailed character system offers unequalled opportunities and the lovingly designed game world – the continent of Aventuria (called Arkania in this computer game) under the constant threat of the Orcs, the tough Thorwalians – a people reminding of the Vikings – everything required for a good old-fashioned role-playing game is there.
Every fan of a good pen & paper RPG will feel right at home in this game, and it won’t let you stop until you’ve finished it successfully – that much is certain. Attic has delivered a damn good conversion with this one. And for those of you who aren’t too familiar with the attribute and talent jungle of the game’s world, there is even a simplified version of the character system.
After you’ve created your six characters (for good results, allow for one or two hours – or more…), you (i.e. your six-headed party) embark to Thorwal. Searching for fame, adventure and riches, you take a stroll through the legendary city. You lean about the threat posed by the Orcs. Those had been constantly squabbling amongst each other, but now, a new leader has united the orcish tribes and is planning to wage war against Thorwal. Trying to prevent this, the Hetman is looking for adventurers to locate the legendary sword Grimring, which was wielded by the great warrior Hyggelik, who was slain fighting the Orcs many years ago. Grimring is still feared by the Orcs and the Hetman hopes the sudden reappearance of the blade will nip this new threat in the bud. In one of the local pubs, you learn about all of this, and the next morning already, you get the job and begin your quest which will lead you all across Aventuria.
Translated by Mr Creosote
