Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two | Game Brain

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two Game Cover

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Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two is a single player role playing game with a fantasy theme. It was developed by Stormfront Studios and was released on March 29, 2022. It received positive reviews from players.

"Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two" is a PC game compiling RPG classics set in the Forgotten Realms universe. It features turn-based and real-time gameplay with adventure builders. The collection includes Pool of Radiance, where players must restore the city of Phlan by uncovering the identity of an evil force and finding the Pool of Radiance. Also included are Curse of the Azure Bonds, Hillsfar, Secret of the Silver Blades, Pools of Darkness, Gateway to the Savage Frontier, Treasures of the Savage Frontier, and Forgotten Realms Unlimited Adventures.

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Single-Player

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two screenshot

+10

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89%

Audience ScoreBased on 219 reviews

graphics8 positive mentions

grinding6 negative mentions

The collection offers a nostalgic experience, allowing players to relive classic D&D adventures with enhanced compatibility for modern hardware.
Quality of life improvements, such as the Gold Box Companion, streamline gameplay by providing features like automapping, quick access to journals, and easier character management.
The games maintain a rich storytelling experience and tactical depth, capturing the essence of early CRPGs while providing a sense of immersion in the Forgotten Realms.

The outdated controls and interface can be frustrating for modern players, especially those unfamiliar with the original AD&D mechanics and keyboard navigation.
Technical issues, such as bugs and crashes, can hinder gameplay, making some games in the collection feel unplayable or overly challenging.
Younger audiences may find the games difficult to enjoy due to their clunky mechanics and lack of modern conveniences, which may lead to a steep learning curve.

graphics
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
66%
9%
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated, reminiscent of the 80s, and while they may not meet modern standards, they evoke a nostalgic charm that some players appreciate. Many reviews suggest that the visuals, though antiquated, do not detract from the overall experience, as the engaging storyline and gameplay compensate for the lack of graphical fidelity. Players are encouraged to manage their expectations regarding aesthetics, as the focus is more on the depth of the game rather than its visual appeal.
- “The graphics are nicer, with the enemy sprites looking well-detailed.”
- “It's fun to play and the graphics were good for that time it was popular.”
- “Though everything is dated, it was cutting edge at the time of its release but the storyline makes up for any blemishes on the artwork.”
- “The graphics are ancient, and the sound is minimal.”
- “Graphically, these games are from the 80's.”
- “They are old and the graphics are extremely dated.”
story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
50%
14%
The story aspect of the game series is characterized by its nostalgic charm and simplicity, focusing on the adventures of a party of mercenaries tasked with the reconquest of the ancient city of Phlan. While the narratives are considered somewhat archaic and the gameplay mechanics clunky, players appreciate the engaging plots and the ability to create their own campaigns and quests. Overall, the storytelling, despite its dated presentation, remains a highlight, offering enjoyable fantasy experiences across multiple games.
- “The plot and gameplay is pleasantly simple: you are a party of adventurers who have answered an advertisement to come and participate in the reconquest and rebuilding of Phlan, an ancient city that has risen in greatness and been reconquered by evil twice.”
- “The series is absolutely huge, with lots of areas to explore, turn-based strategical combat, good story depth if you follow along with the journal entries, and since you get 8 full games for $10, its price vs content value is exceptional.”
- “Good games are not always about graphics, but good storytelling.”
- “Storylines are... pretty archaic too, I suppose.”
- “An important plot quest-giving NPC turned permanently hostile on me and I didn't have older saves before the bug.”
- “Fight monsters, take their treasure, sell it, and gain levels as you go through the story such as it is.”
gameplay
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
68%
14%
The gameplay of the Forgotten Realms anthology is rooted in the mechanics of first edition AD&D, which can feel clunky and outdated, particularly for modern players unfamiliar with these systems. While the mechanics may require some effort to master, the collection offers a nostalgic experience with a focus on narrative and player choice, enhanced by options to alleviate some of the friction. Overall, the gameplay is described as solid and engaging, though it may not appeal to everyone, especially younger gamers accustomed to contemporary design.
- “Forgotten Realms: The Archives – Collection Two is a robust anthology of classic computer RPGs that not only preserves a pivotal era in gaming history but also serves as a testament to the foundational mechanics that shaped the CRPG genre.”
- “These additions don’t alter the gameplay but do alleviate some of the friction, making the experience much more approachable without compromising authenticity.”
- “The game's aesthetic and gameplay kept my attention until the end.”
- “Unfortunately, the games are also weighed down by the mechanics of first edition AD&D with its misogynist strength stat.”
- “The games also pretty much demand that you mechanically maximize your party, making it more about roll playing than role playing.”
- “Even if I could overlook these problems, the game mechanics are just too clunky for me to enjoy.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
38%
24%
38%
The music in this collection is primarily sparse and midi-based, creating an immersive atmosphere despite its limitations, with some titles lacking memorable soundtracks. While the NES version of "Pool of Radiance" is noted for its soundtrack, many games in the collection feature minimal music and basic sound effects, disappointing audio enthusiasts. The Game Boy Color version offers the ability to customize music, enhancing the experience, but recent updates have disrupted this feature for some players.
- “The accompanying soundtracks are sparse and midi-based, yet still evoke a sense of place that’s surprisingly immersive when combined with the focused pacing and thoughtful scenario design.”
- “The GBC adds an automap, battle data, a JRPG-like character status bar, and perhaps the best part, the ability to add custom music for towns, dungeons, the world map, and even the victory screen!”
- “Definitely check out the NES version of Pool of Radiance if you can find it as well; that one has a soundtrack!”
- “Only drawback so far is the versions used for some selections; notably, 'Curse of the Azure Bonds' lacks the opening theme music, which was a masterpiece.”
- “Most games from this collection don't have any music, and the sound effects are very basic.”
- “The update killed my music mod, and I need music in an RPG!”
grinding
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and time-consuming, often feeling compelled to use the gold box companion to alleviate some of the monotony. While the game offers customization options to balance the experience, many still struggle with high difficulty and outdated mechanics, leading to frustration with the grinding required for progression. Overall, the grinding is seen as a significant hurdle that detracts from the enjoyment, despite some nostalgic appeal.
- “Good luck restraining yourself from using those though, since the game is so grindy and you'll definitely want to use the assistant for automap - so the cheats will always be dangling in your face.”
- “But monsters are so powerful outside that it seems reserved for a much higher level party, and I'm not up for a dozen more hours of grinding.”
- “Given that it has been 30+ years for some of this stuff, you'd think they would actually work on making it more balanced, but no they put together an app that may undo some things, but doesn't fix others (seriously unable to hold the required $$$ farming).”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game has been criticized for misleading advertising, as players feel that the simplicity of the plot and gameplay does not align with the expectations set by the publisher.
- “The publisher is advertising falsely.”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users report that while the game generally runs smoothly, there are notable glitches, particularly with treasure in "Pool of Radiance."
- “That said, there are some glitches.”
- “Pool of Radiance, in particular, has glitches with treasure.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Players note that recent updates, including a new map and character monitor, significantly enhance the game's replayability by improving navigation and overall playability without being intrusive. Many users feel these additions make the game more enjoyable and accessible, encouraging them to revisit it.
- “The update adds a map and a character monitor, which makes the game so much more playable without really intruding.”
- “I would never have gotten it myself if it did not come with an auto mapper and the app that made it more playable.”
- “The update adds a map and a character monitor, which make the game much more playable without really intruding.”
- “I would never have enjoyed it as much if it did not come with an auto mapper and the app that made it more playable.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Players generally report that the game runs smoothly, indicating effective optimization.
- “I'm really impressed with how smoothly the game runs.”
- “The optimization is top-notch, making for a seamless gaming experience.”
- “I appreciate the attention to detail in the optimization; it enhances overall performance.”

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85h Median play time

85h Average play time

85-85h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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Frequently Asked Questions

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two is a role playing game with fantasy theme.

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two is available on PC, Windows and Ms Dos.

On average players spend around 85 hours playing Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two.

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two was released on March 29, 2022.

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two was developed by Stormfront Studios.

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two has received positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its music.

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two is a single player game.

Similar games include The Bard's Tale Trilogy, Baldur's Gate, Baldur's Gate 2, Wasteland, Wizardry 8 and others.

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two

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