Realms of Arkania 2 - Star Trail Classic

73%
Game Brain Score Based on 43 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • music
Realms of Arkania 2 - Star Trail Classic Game Cover
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"Realms of Arkania 2 - Star Trail Classic" is the second installment of the acclaimed Realms of Arkania trilogy, based on Germany''s popular pen & paper RPG. The game features a rich fantasy world with elves, dwarves, and orcs, and offers over 70 spells, 50 skills, and 350 types of items. With an autodiary and sophisticated automap, Star Trail was hailed as the best RPG of 1994 by multiple publications for its depth and complexity.

  • Mac OS
  • PC
  • Windows
  • Linux
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

73%
Audience ScoreBased on 43 reviews
story10 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • A timeless classic that captures the spirit of old-school RPGs with a deep and engaging story.
  • The game features well-developed character progression and a dynamic world filled with secrets and challenges.
  • Fans of hardcore RPGs will appreciate the intricate micromanagement and the nostalgic atmosphere.
  • The game feels outdated, with confusing mechanics and a lack of tutorials that can overwhelm new players.
  • Frequent bugs and technical issues, such as freezing during intro videos, detract from the experience.
  • The steep learning curve and tedious micromanagement may frustrate players who are not familiar with the genre.
  • story16 mentions

    The story is generally praised as engaging and well-crafted, particularly appealing to hardcore and old-school gamers, with detailed dungeons and towns that enhance the narrative experience. However, some players note that the gameplay can be average, and the need for a walkthrough is emphasized due to potential frustrations from missed cues that can hinder story progression. Overall, the narrative serves as a continuation of the first game, adding depth to the experience.

    • “Hardcore and old-school gamers will likely find it to be an engaging story with mechanics they may not be used to.”
    • “It has about five multi-level dungeons and five towns (one of these is quite big), each handcrafted with great attention to story detail and puzzles.”
    • “The story is a continuation of the first game.”
    • “If you're playing this for the first time, I would definitely suggest using a walkthrough, as there are many things that can prevent you from completing the story if missed or done incorrectly. This can be frustrating, as these cues aren't obvious or even mentioned.”
    • “The biggest issue I always had to deal with was the stepwise error when trying to complete a quest in the swamplands.”
    • “The story is a continuation of the first game, but it doesn't feel as engaging or well-developed.”
  • graphics7 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players noting that they may feel outdated, particularly for younger audiences unfamiliar with older styles. However, others appreciate the refined visuals and beautiful artwork that contribute to a dynamic and immersive world. Overall, while the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are complemented by engaging gameplay and a rich atmosphere.

    • “Star Trail follows in the tracks of the original game released two years earlier but is still different in several ways, with the graphics and general gameplay being slightly more refined.”
    • “World of Arkania is very alive and dynamic, featuring beautiful artwork and fairy music, with a lot of secrets to uncover and mysteries to reveal.”
    • “The graphics in this game are stunning, creating an immersive experience that truly enhances the gameplay.”
    • “I can recommend this game only to those who liked the first part, or to those old-timers who once played it on old computers in the last century; today's youth will hardly like it due to the outdated graphics.”
    • “The graphics are a significant step back, making it hard to appreciate the gameplay.”
    • “The visuals feel dated and lack the polish expected from modern games.”
  • music6 mentions

    The music in the game is highly praised for its atmospheric quality, evoking a sense of nostalgia and enhancing the immersive experience of the dynamic world. The combination of beautiful artwork and enchanting melodies contributes to a vibrant environment filled with secrets and mysteries to explore. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature that complements both the gameplay and the setting.

    • “The atmospheric soundtrack literally takes you back to childhood.”
    • “Great soundtrack and combat system too.”
    • “World of Arkania is very alive and dynamic, with beautiful artwork and fairy music, a lot of secrets to uncover and mysteries to reveal.”
  • gameplay6 mentions

    The gameplay of Star Trail offers a refined experience compared to its predecessor, appealing particularly to hardcore and old-school gamers with its engaging story and unique mechanics. While the save mechanic can be frustrating, it is manageable with access to a complete manual, making it a minor issue overall.

    • “Hardcore and old-school gamers will likely find it to be an engaging story with mechanics they may not be used to.”
    • “Star Trail follows in the tracks of the original game released two years earlier but is still different in several ways, with the graphics and general gameplay being slightly more refined.”
    • “The save mechanic can be annoying, but it isn't a major issue if you have a proper/full copy of the manual (I'm lucky to have the original paper manual).”
    • “Star Trail follows in the tracks of the original game released two years earlier, but it is still different in several ways, with the graphics and general gameplay being slightly more refined.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is characterized by its deliberate focus on micromanagement and realism, appealing to players who enjoy a more tedious and detailed RPG experience. However, those who find such mechanics aggravating may want to avoid it.

    • “If such details sound tedious and aggravating, then pass by this game.”
    • “For all people who like RPGs that are deliberately tedious in their micromanagement and realism, this is a must-have played.”
  • stability3 mentions

    The game's stability is notably poor, with frequent freezes during the intro video and issues preventing players from progressing past character creation. Users report confusion due to unclear instructions and potential bugs, leading to frustration and the need for restarts.

    • “Besides the fact that the game is very old, it unfortunately also often freezes during the intro video, so you have to restart it.”
    • “I couldn't get past character creation and I don't know if it is because it's buggy, if it just breaks when doing things out of order somehow - since the order is unclear - or because there is nothing that lets you know where you're supposed to click and I just can't figure out what the game expects of me.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere is heavily praised for its nostalgic soundtrack, which effectively evokes feelings of childhood, enhancing the overall immersive experience of the game.

    • “The atmospheric soundtrack literally takes you back to childhood.”
  • character development2 mentions

    The character development in the game is praised for being well-crafted, contributing to an engaging and immersive world. Players appreciate the depth and complexity of the characters, enhancing their overall experience.

    • “Well-developed character development and an interesting world.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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