Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny

Game review

Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny, released in 1992, marks the beginning of the acclaimed fantasy trilogy set in the captivating world of Das Auge Schwartz. In this immersive role-playing game, players embark on a grand journey through the land of Aventuria, accompanied by a party of six heroes. The game is renowned for its intricate RPG system, which bears a strong resemblance to the classic mechanics of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D), offering a familiar yet rich experience for fans of traditional tabletop RPGs.

The first part of the saga called "Northlandtrilogy" brought several basic concepts, which were then taken over by its followers. The first was a 3D view of the world - cities, dungeons looked similar to Eye of the Beholder or Dungeon Master. Traveling around the world was done through the world map, along which the player's party moved from one place to another. And finally, the resolution of battles that took place in isometric view and turn-based.

The orc chief has gathered all the tribes and is about to attack the human lands. The player is hired by the leader of the Thorwalians to find the legendary sword Grimring (that sword of fate from the game's title) and prevent an orc invasion of Thorwal. However, the sword was long lost, disappearing from the world along with its last wielder, Hyggelik the Great. If the humans are to be successful, the player must find this sword within two years or the orcs will attack and all will be lost. However, it will not be easy to find him. First, it will be necessary to find pieces of the map, which should hide the way to that treasure, and then defeat the Orc chief and his henchmen.

Players are tasked with the vital mission of protecting human settlements from the threat of orc raids. This quest forms the core narrative of Blade of Destiny, driving players across various landscapes and into numerous encounters and challenges. The key to safeguarding the realm lies in finding the legendary sword known as the Blade of Destiny, a powerful artifact steeped in lore and significance.

The game stands out for its detailed character customization and statistical depth, allowing players to craft and develop their heroes with great precision. This level of character development adds a significant strategic component to the game, as players must consider the strengths, weaknesses, and synergies of their party members.