Forgotten Realms: The Archives - Collection Two
- March 29, 2022
- Strategic Simulations
- 85h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
PC
Windows
Ms Dos
Reviews
- The Gold Box Companion adds significant quality of life improvements, such as auto-mapping, instant healing, and easy access to manuals, making the games more enjoyable for modern players.
- These classic games provide a nostalgic experience for those who played them in the past, with many reviewers expressing joy in revisiting their childhood favorites.
- The turn-based combat and deep gameplay mechanics remain engaging, offering a challenging experience that rewards strategic thinking and planning.
- The controls can be frustrating, especially for players using modern keyboards that lack a numeric keypad, making character movement and combat cumbersome.
- Many players find the graphics and interface to be outdated and clunky, which may deter younger gamers who are accustomed to more polished experiences.
- Some games in the collection, like Curse of the Azure Bonds, have been reported to be broken or unplayable due to bugs and issues with character creation and controls.
- graphics27 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely described as extremely dated, reflecting the style of the 1980s with retro aesthetics that may require some imagination to appreciate. While many players acknowledge the visuals are not up to modern standards, they often emphasize that the engaging gameplay and storytelling compensate for the lack of graphical polish. Overall, the graphics are considered a nostalgic element rather than a focal point, appealing primarily to fans of old-school gaming.
“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.”
“You will need an imagination, however, because the graphics are dated.”
“They are old and the graphics are extremely dated.”
“Graphically, these games are from the 80's.”
- story14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The story in the Savage Frontier series is characterized by its simplistic yet enjoyable fantasy plots, focusing on quests to thwart regional conquest and personal challenges, such as removing magical bonds. While the narratives may feel dated and the gameplay includes frustrating random encounters, they offer a nostalgic experience with solid storytelling that emphasizes exploration and character development over traditional hero tropes. Overall, the series provides a rich, expansive world with a compelling narrative, despite some technical flaws.
“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 defeat an elder god, you're just a bunch of average mercenaries who got all of their belongings stolen when they got drunk.”
“You're playing slowly through an absolute epic story with an RPG rule-set that is still the stuff of legend, with map and storybook in hand.”
“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.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is noted for its depth and solid mechanics, providing a smooth and enjoyable experience, especially for fans of classic RPGs. While the design reflects late 80s gaming, which may challenge younger players, enhancements like cheat options help mitigate some of the more tedious aspects. Overall, the gameplay remains engaging and retains the attention of players throughout the experience.
“And just have fun experiencing what is, honestly, some spectacular gameplay depth for the time these games were made.”
“Gameplay is smooth and easy.”
“The game's aesthetic and gameplay kept my attention until the end.”
“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.”
“The DOSBox has been amended to run in different ratios and has options to enhance gameplay, including a series of cheat buttons to get around some of the archaic system mechanics that could make this too much of a grind.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in this collection is generally considered lacking, with many games featuring minimal or no background music and basic sound effects. While some theme songs are appreciated, they are often limited to intro sequences. However, the GBC version allows for custom music, which enhances the experience, though updates have disrupted this feature for some users.
“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!”
- grinding5 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and frustrating, with high difficulty levels and tedious inventory management contributing to the experience. Despite the dated graphics and interface, some players still enjoy the challenge, though many express a desire for better balance and less reliance on grinding to progress. The presence of cheats and automation tools is noted, but they often feel necessary due to the grind-heavy nature of the gameplay.
“A good example of what is now a money farming practice.”
“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).”
“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.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Overall, users report that while the game generally runs smoothly, there are notable glitches, particularly with treasure in "Pool of Radiance," which can detract from the overall experience.
“That said, there are some glitches.”
“Pool of Radiance, in particular, has glitches with treasure.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
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 makes 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.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users 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 effort put into optimizing the game; it runs flawlessly on my system.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
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.”
