Previous Next

SSI are slowly filling in the holes of their AD&D releases by producing Amiga conversions of their much-heralded, but rather aged, Forgotten Realms series.

Improved over Pools Of Radiance, Curse Of The Azure Bonds introduces two new classes, Paladin and Ranger, high level spells which include 'raise dead' and a greater variety of monsters which mean that, as far as I'm concerned, this was the first AD&D product to appear from SSI - Pools Of Radiance being basic D&D, due to its dearth of AD&D features.

Another big chance regards the actual plot. Basically, your team awake to find that they have been ambushed, captured and cursed with five magical bonds which can be seen embedded on one chap's arm at the start of the game. The bonds have powers to take control of your characters' actions. Your quest? Get rid of them! The actual storyline is an immense improvement over Pools Of Radiance which just presented a set of missions for you to complete. Curse Of The Azure Bonds has a deeper, more involved plot which moves at a good pace.

Magic still have to be learned and scrolls read, which is okay with me as this system is more realistic and prevents the magic users taking a complete hold on the game - as tended to happen in Bard's Tale for example.

The combat system is very good with the game allowing the player to deal in tactical manoeuvring. A 'Quick' feature allows you to turn a character over to computer control to speed up the combat routine.

Curse Of The Azure Bonds is not perfect, though. A feature to enable the combat to finish in seconds would be an attraction to players who have no real interest to combat. Even with the 'Quick' feature, combat can drag on for 30-45 minutes - you have been warned! The praser could have been improved to allow more freedom to interact with NPCs. As it is, you must decide on your general approach to a character, such as 'haughty'. The computer takes it from there. Although much improved over Pools Of Radiance, Curse Of The Azure Bonds is still a game that has fallen victim to the steady trudge of progress.

Even with the enhanced graphics and sound, Curse Of The Azure Bonds is dated. Amiga AD&D devotees should buy it to add to their collection, but I cannot help but wonder why SSI have bothered to release this conversion when they should be concentrating on bringing prompt Amiga conversions of their newer titles.