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!
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game maintains the classic turn-based RPG mechanics that fans of the series will appreciate.
- It features beautiful isometric art and a nostalgic feel that resonates with old-school RPG fans.
- Despite some criticisms, many players found the gameplay enjoyable and engaging, with a good balance of challenge.
- The story is considered weak and anticlimactic, leaving players unsatisfied with the endings.
- Many reviewers noted that the game feels rushed and lacks the depth and innovation of its predecessors.
- There are significant engine limitations, including a low resolution that detracts from the overall experience.
- story56 mentions
- 18 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 5 % 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 divided on its narrative quality.
“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.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Eschalon: Book 3 maintains the core mechanics of its predecessors, offering a balanced combat system, a variety of skills, and an engaging grind, though it introduces some minor refinements such as a broader weapon selection and more skill trainers. While the game features plenty of secondary quests and a well-developed adventure simulation, it suffers from a lack of biome variation and tedious backtracking due to non-respawning enemies. Overall, fans of the series will find a solid, if familiar, RPG experience, but some feel the series has lost its innovative spark.
“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.”
“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.”
“The adventure simulation is quite well developed in the gameplay, and this is very rare in RPGs of the past 15 years.”
“Same gameplay as Book II, nothing new added.”
“As far as gameplay goes, little has changed from Book II (which, in turn, didn't change a whole lot from Book I).”
“Although there is a fast travel mechanic, backtracking is a dreadful experience since the enemies don't appear to respawn (by design, I imagine, since if they did you'd become too powerful).”
- music10 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. The soundtrack enhances the overall experience, making it enjoyable even during gameplay moments like battling enemies.
“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.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, allowing players to explore different classes and roleplay styles, despite a shorter storyline compared to previous titles. The open character development system and numerous secrets enhance the overall replay value, making it a recommended experience for players seeking variety.
“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.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that Book 2 features improved graphics compared to Book 1, making it a strong choice. Additionally, Book 3 is noted for having the best graphics in the series, which enhance the experience of discovering secrets and hidden elements.
“Book 2 is just as good, if not better than Book 1, and features improved graphics.”
“Book 3 has the best graphics, which enhance the experience of discovering secrets and mildly hidden elements.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, with a fitting soundtrack that enhances the experience. Players appreciate the immersive environment, although some note that the minimap feature adds a layer of skill to navigation.
“The atmosphere is great, the soundtrack is fitting.”
“The atmosphere is immersive and enhances the overall experience.”
“The game's environment draws you in, making every moment feel alive.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features an open character development system that, while class-based, offers significant replayability through various options and secrets to uncover. Players appreciate the flexibility in character progression, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.
“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.”
