This game was a visual stunner in it's time. The release of such games as Doom 3, Far Cry and Elder Scrolls 4 exceeds the main draw of this game however. It has been outdated. There is not much role playing or side quests here; just a huge hack and slash game through some cool environments.
Not to say, this game isn't fun. There is a huge pile of unique equipment to give to your party of up to eight members. Then watch them unleash death. It's what Diablo 2 should have been.
The basic quest is your character seeking revenge on those who razed your farmland. It ultimately leads to a hell like environment and the ultimate showdown with the usual suspect. Along the way, you will pass through pastures, towns, temples, ice caves, seashores and forests, all inhabited by a wide assortment of enemies. Some of the boss creatures are really well crafted such as beholders, dragons and giant spiders. The settings are detailed magnificently. Fans of Eye Candy, take note!
However, there are some real issues with the game that give it negative replay value. Character AI in a click and point, hack and slash is just terrible. Sometimes my characters disappeared off the screen, chasing enemies and waded alone into a wall of monsters. Instant death. Hordes of monsters overwhelm you and you better keep a close eye on what's happening. The magic system is confusing, and I basically set one spell for my wizards through different parts of the game. It's too bad, it might have been a real exciting development given the number of spells available. The sheer size of some of the environments is annoying as you have to backtrack through them to town to sell and buy equipment. A Town Portal spell would have sure come in handy (the second game addresses this issue).
All in all, it is an interesting game with some annoying glitches. The settings and micromanagement involved will appeal to many fantasy fans. It is a lot better than Diablo 2, so fans of that game will enjoy this. Given the limited number of Fantasy RPG's out there, it is probably worth the purchase. Just don't buy the Expansion Pack, Legends of Aranna
