A Fantasy RPG. A game full of Eye Candy.

Requirements:

Windows XP
512MB System RAM
2 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor
128MB Direct3D compatible video card
and DirectX 9.0 compatible driver;
8x DVD-ROM drive
4.6 GB free hard disk space
DirectX 9.0c (included)
DirectX 8.1 compatible sound card
Keyboard, Mouse
Release Date: March 20, 2006

Presentation/Pacakge: 10/10 It came with a map, and a coin! How cool is that? Oh yeah, a game manual came with it too.

Graphics: 20/20 Yeah, they are that good. If you've got a good graphics card, you'll see what you mean. Running the game on its lower settings just doesnt do justice to it. Light reflections off everything, scenery mirrored in lakes, trees swaying in the wind, grass, stones, armor and weapons, magic spells, everything! This game is simply amazing in its level of detail. Even customizing your characters look - the level of detail is awesome! The shadow effects are amazing too...its probably the best looking game for the PC i have ever seen.

Interface: 8/10 Simple to use. Easy to perfom actions. Lockpicking can be a pain in the ass, especially on hard locks. I'm still not sure how to work out Appraisail with its options/menu.

Gameplay: 18/20 Lots of Classes and Races allow you to build a character based on how you want to play the game. Whether you want to tbe a sneaky thief/assasin or a barabarian/warrior. The game world is expansive! Hundreds of 'dungeons' to explore, items to get, and cities to visit. Only load screens are when you enter a city or dungeon, though traveling the length of the game world (outside) would take 30 mins. Thank god for the fast-travel map option! You dont have to follow the main quest right away and there are numerous side quests you can go on that give you special items, money, and prestiege. You can also be arrested and spend time in jail for breaking the law! Some quests actually require you to be in jail (to get in contact with Thieves Guild, and at least one other quest). Very few bugs in the game - just dont dismount from your horse near a wall, as i found myself stuck in the wall until i mounted my horse again.

Contexual Realism: 8/10 Doesnt really apply to this game, since it is a Fantasy themed game. But combat is realistic - you can die rather easily if you're not careful and fatigue and stamina play a roll in everything too.

Sound: 9/10 Pretty good sound in this one, actually. Good voice acting and the music sounds on par with LOTR.

Replay Value: 9/10 Again, the races and classes allow you to play this game from many different angles. Certain classes are more adept at certain quests or guilds too, providing players with the oppurtunity to do just about everything at least once.

Il Duce Factor: 8/10 Like previously said, the graphics are amazingly good. Nothing like using swords and sorcery too, though a few minor bugs can be annoying (as mentioned before) but the general feel of the game is pretty good. Replaying the game as a different class can make some of the intro quests a little repetitive.



Overall Rating: 90/100

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