Previous Next

Valiant attempts have been made to write enjoyable fantasy role-playing games in a 3D environment - the most notable success to date being the classic Dungeon Master, but even that has a limited area of gameplay. Crystals Of Arborea aims to involve you completely in a realistic 3D world with no constraints on where you can go.

There four magic crystals, see, once held Morgoth, Lord of Chaos, under the planet's surface, keeping him out of mischief. Unfortunately something's happened to them and now Gothy is back - and so mad, he's gone and flooded most of the land of Arborea. You, as the proud Prince Jarel, must put a stop to his antics and restore peace and order...

What all this nonsense means in reality - that is, in fantasy, except it's on your ST - is that you and a bunch of other characters must wander around the countryside must wander around the countryside must wander around the countryside seeking the Crystals and then return them to a particular tower. While doing this you must acquire new spells and fight the evil hordes of Morgoth.

Before you set out at the start of the game you can select each magician or warrior. You can then determine their various attributes, like constitution for example. Each character has his or her own strengths and weaknesses, so you must pick your team carefully if you're going to get anywhere.

The 3D screens are very well drawn, with plenty of detail in the trees and houses. There isn't a great deal of variation between the landscapes, though - just trees, sky, and water basically. There's no scrolling either - screens just flick from scene to scene instead - but this is understandable given the complexity of the graphics. Sound is quite sparse - just odd bird noises in the trees and some grunts when you fight.

Crystals Of Arborea is a good game in its own modest way, but it doesn't really offer anything startlingly new. Everything's up to scratch and there are no glaring shortfalls. Basically the old advice applies: RPGers or strategy buffs are going to enjoy it, others might want to have a close look before opening up their wallets.