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 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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two screenshot

+10

90%

Audience ScoreBased on 185 reviews

graphics8 positive mentions

grinding5 negative mentions

The collection offers a nostalgic experience for fans of classic D&D games, bringing back fond memories of the original titles.
The Gold Box Companion adds quality-of-life improvements, such as automapping and easy access to manuals, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Despite its dated graphics and interface, the games still provide engaging and challenging gameplay that appeals to those who appreciate old-school RPG mechanics.

The controls can be frustrating, especially for players using modern laptops without a numeric keypad, making navigation and combat cumbersome.
Many players find the games unplayable due to their outdated mechanics, clunky interfaces, and frequent crashes, which detracts from the enjoyment.
Younger audiences may struggle to appreciate the games, as they lack the modern conveniences and polish found in contemporary RPGs, leading to a steep learning curve.

graphics
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
63%
10%
The graphics of the game are widely regarded as outdated, reminiscent of the 80s, with many reviewers noting that they were once cutting-edge but now feel antiquated. While some appreciate the retro aesthetic and find it charming, others express disappointment compared to better versions available on platforms like the Amiga. Overall, players emphasize that the game's engaging story and gameplay can compensate for the lackluster visuals, suggesting that enjoyment can be found despite the dated graphics.
- “The graphics are nicer, with the enemy sprites looking well-detailed.”
- “The game's aesthetic and gameplay kept my attention until the end.”
- “It's fun to play and the graphics were good for that time it was popular.”
- “Not much to ask for considering there were better versions such as on the Amiga with far better sound and graphics.”
- “The graphics are ancient, and the sound is minimal.”
- “Graphically, these games are from the 80's.”
story
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
44%
38%
19%
The story aspect of the games is generally well-received, with users appreciating the nostalgic and enjoyable fantasy narratives despite their dated presentation. While some plotlines are considered simplistic or archaic, they provide a solid foundation for engaging quests and character-driven experiences, often focusing on exploration and personal growth rather than traditional heroism. Overall, the storytelling is seen as a strong point that compensates for the games' outdated graphics and mechanics.
- “However, in the Savage Frontier series, you happen upon a plot to conquer the region which you must foil; its sequel continues where it left off.”
- “The four Pools games, some of the first Western RPGs, focus more on exploration and making a name for yourself, as well as the two Savage Frontier games, which deliver a story-driven experience that emphasizes the world and narrative: you're not the chosen ones on a quest to collect magical artifacts to defeat an elder god; you're just a bunch of average mercenaries who got all of their belongings stolen when they got drunk.”
- “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
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
50%
25%
Gameplay in these titles is characterized by a mix of clunky mechanics and solid depth, appealing primarily to those familiar with older gaming systems. While some players appreciate the smoothness and enhancements available through modern emulation, others find the archaic design challenging, particularly younger gamers. Overall, the experience can be rewarding for those willing to adapt to the classic gameplay style.
- “The game's aesthetic and gameplay kept my attention until the end.”
- “And just have fun experiencing what is, honestly, some spectacular gameplay depth for the time these games were made.”
- “Gameplay is smooth and easy.”
- “Even if I could overlook these problems, the game mechanics are just too clunky for me to enjoy.”
- “It's not for everyone, as the gameplay design is literally from the late 80s.”
- “Younger gamers born after 1995 may have issues with the mechanics of these games.”
music
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The music in the reviewed games is generally lacking, with many titles featuring minimal or no soundtrack, and basic sound effects. While some games, like the NES version of Pool of Radiance, offer memorable themes, others, such as Curse of the Azure Bonds, miss out on iconic tracks. The Game Boy Color version enhances the experience by allowing custom music, but updates can disrupt these features, leaving players craving a more robust audio experience in RPGs.
- “Definitely check out the NES version of Pool of Radiance if you can find it, as that one has a soundtrack!”
- “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!”
- “Unfortunately, fans of good audio will not like these games; the best parts are the theme songs that sometimes play in-game too, but for the most part, they are just for the intro.”
- “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
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding in the game to be excessive and tedious, often feeling compelled to use cheats or assistants to manage the difficulty and inventory challenges. Despite the dated graphics and interface, some players still enjoy the nostalgic experience, though many express frustration over the lack of balance and the game's reliance on grinding for progression.
- “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).”
stability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Overall, users note that the game exhibits more bugs than they recall from the original versions, particularly highlighting glitches related to treasure in "Pool of Radiance." While some issues are expected, the stability is perceived as less reliable than in the past.
- “Little buggier than I remember from the originals, but I was playing off a floppy... everything was buggy.”
- “That said, there are some glitches.”
- “Pool of Radiance, in particular, has glitches with treasure.”
replayability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
100%
Players appreciate the recent update for enhancing replayability through the addition of a new map and character monitor, which significantly improve the gameplay experience without being intrusive. The inclusion of an auto mapper and companion app has also made the game more accessible and enjoyable, encouraging players to revisit it.
- “The update adds a map and a character monitor, which make the game so much more playable without really intruding.”
- “The update adds a map and a character monitor, which make the game 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.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Users express dissatisfaction with the monetization practices, claiming that the publisher's advertising is misleading.
- “The publisher is advertising falsely.”
- “The monetization system feels exploitative and heavily favors players who spend money.”
- “It's frustrating to see so many features locked behind paywalls.”
optimization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
Overall, users 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.”