Eschalon: Book III
- February 14, 2014
- Basilisk Games
- 30h median play time
Get on Steam"Eschalon: Book III" concludes the beloved trilogy, allowing you to uncover the mysteries of your past and the Crux stones while exploring vast wildernesses and dungeons. With numerous upgrades to the engine, rule set, and graphics, this game also brings new abilities, defenses, and vulnerabilities to creatures for more strategic combat. Rejoice, it can be enjoyed even if you haven't played the previous games!
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Reviews
- The game maintains the classic turn-based RPG mechanics that fans of the series will appreciate.
- Exploration and character building are rewarding, with a variety of skills and quests to engage players.
- The nostalgic feel and isometric art style evoke a sense of classic RPG adventure.
- The story feels rushed and lacks depth, leaving players unsatisfied with the endings.
- The game suffers from technical limitations, such as a low resolution that detracts from the overall experience.
- Many players found the difficulty unbalanced, with early enemies being overly challenging and frustrating.
- story28 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story in this game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its lack of depth and coherence compared to previous installments. While some appreciate the engaging quests and character-building elements, others criticize the narrative for being rushed, overly simplistic, and lacking a satisfying conclusion. Overall, the game seems to prioritize gameplay mechanics over a compelling storyline, leaving players feeling that the narrative was an afterthought.
“The dungeons were vast, the enemies diverse, and the story and events were very engaging.”
“I found the plot to be engaging.”
“Maybe the storyline is a bit shorter than in previous games, but there's great replayability value (with different class or different roleplay style) so it's not that bad.”
“Storywise... this game doesn't have a story.”
“You won't even get an appropriate ending to close the story.”
“There's so little that's been changed for the better from Eschalon 2, the old issues remain the same and the tragic thing is that the story and locations all in all just seem weaker.”
- gameplay13 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Eschalon: Book 3 maintains the solid turn-based mechanics of its predecessors, offering improved balance in combat, a wider variety of weapons, and more skill trainers. While it features numerous secondary quests and a well-developed adventure simulation, players may find the overall experience familiar, with minimal innovation compared to previous installments. Despite some refinements, the game feels somewhat repetitive, leaving players with a sense that the series is reaching its conclusion.
“About gameplay, it has better balance in combat than Book II, lots of secondary quests, and it's not too cryptic like the second game.”
“However, I want to focus on the aspect that game mechanics-wise this was very refined; loot was plentiful and varied, a lot more store clerks to trade with. While we didn't get a lot of variation in biomes, it was a fun island adventure.”
“Eschalon: Book 3 represents a good and solid turn-based RPG that provides the same gameplay as the last two parts with slight changes in the form of a broader spectrum of weapons (finally some unarmed weapons!), more skill trainers, and a change in the support function of certain attributes, e.g., speed vs traps.”
“Same gameplay as Book II, nothing new added.”
“As far as gameplay goes, little has changed from Book 2 (which, in turn, didn't change a whole lot from Book 1).”
“It has some new updates here and there, but overall is the same gameplay as the last two.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with users noting its calming qualities and excellent fit for the atmosphere. It enhances the gameplay experience, providing an epic backdrop even during mundane tasks.
“The atmosphere is great, the soundtrack is fitting.”
“On the plus side, the music was excellent!”
“What epic music to play while you kill roaches.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers strong replayability due to its open character development system and various roleplay styles, allowing players to explore different classes and uncover numerous secrets. While the storyline may be shorter than in previous installments, the diverse gameplay options enhance its replay value. Overall, players find it highly recommendable for multiple playthroughs.
“Maybe the storyline is a bit shorter than in previous games, but there's great replayability value with different classes or roleplay styles, so it's not that bad.”
“It does have replayability going for it, with an open character development system (though still class-based) and a lot of different things to try, along with many secrets to discover.”
“Very replayable! I recommend it.”
“It does have replayability going for it, with an open character development system (though still class-based) and a lot of different things to try, and lots of secrets to discover.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics in the series have seen significant improvements, with Book 2 being noted for its enhanced visuals compared to Book 1, and Book 3 featuring the best graphics yet, which aid in uncovering secrets and hidden elements.
“Book 2 is a must-buy because it has improved graphics that are just as good, if not better, than Book 1.”
“Book 3 features the best graphics, which enhance the experience of discovering secrets and hidden elements.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised, with a fitting soundtrack that enhances the experience. Players appreciate the unique challenge of navigating without a minimap, adding depth to the gameplay. Overall, the ambiance contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“The atmosphere is great, the soundtrack is fitting, and the overall environment immerses you in the game world.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features an open character development system that, while class-based, offers significant replayability through diverse options and numerous secrets to uncover.
“The game features an open character development system that enhances replayability, allowing players to explore various builds and secrets.”
“Character development is rich and engaging, offering a variety of paths and choices that keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.”
“The class-based system is complemented by a flexible character development approach, providing numerous options for customization and experimentation.”
