Return to Krondor
- December 15, 2016
- PyroTechnix
Get on Steam"Return to Krondor" is a captivating RPG set in the world of Midkemia, where you must recover the sacred Tear of the Gods. The game features a complex character development system, surprising plot twists, and an immersive soundtrack. As you navigate through Krondor's Palace, the city's sewers, and haunted temples, you'll become embroiled in a dangerous battle over the relic with ruthless pirates and shadowy sorcerers.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game evokes strong childhood nostalgia and features an engaging story with well-developed characters.
- Combat is exciting and varied, with a satisfying turn-based system that allows for strategic gameplay.
- Despite its age, the game offers a fun RPG experience with memorable moments and a charming atmosphere.
- The game suffers from significant technical issues on modern systems, including crashes and missing files, making it unplayable for many users.
- There is a lack of flexibility and exploration, with linear gameplay and few side quests compared to its predecessor, Betrayal at Krondor.
- Controls and user interface are dated and not user-friendly, leading to frustration during gameplay.
- story22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The story of "Betrayal at Krondor" is highly praised for its engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building, drawing players through a journey filled with adventure and intrigue. While the game lacks extensive side quests, it offers a tightly written plot that remains consistent with the source material, providing a mix of thrilling and sometimes creepy moments. Overall, the storytelling is considered a standout feature, making it a memorable experience despite some minor navigation challenges.
“You are taken on a journey from the streets of Krondor to haunted villages to ancient temples, with an entertaining story pulling you along.”
“The best kept secret in early PC RPGs, this game is a 1998 gem with compelling characters, an incredible story plot, and a thrilling but comfy turn-based fighting system.”
“The story is tightly written, characters remain consistent with the books (where relevant), and everything feels well put together in the world building.”
“Most critically, there are no side quests to find here, or really anywhere.”
“Sometimes vague directions for the story progression.”
“There is a story being told, and if you're not involved in it, you can miss or not understand where to go next.”
- gameplay10 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 40 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The gameplay is a mixed bag, featuring satisfying yet frustrating mechanics that some players describe as "the best worst mechanics." While the turn-based combat and storyline are praised, issues like unresponsive controls, poor graphics rendering, and cumbersome inventory management detract from the overall experience. Suggestions for improvement include enhancing the lock-picking minigame and addressing linear gameplay and random drops.
“The gameplay holds up pretty well.”
“Awesome storyline, great turn-based combat and magic mechanics, with fantastic characters.”
“Linear gameplay and random drops are what makes or breaks the game.”
“The game mechanics are the best worst mechanics I think I’ve ever seen.”
“Keep the weight mechanic that ruined my hoarder arse, but make it so I don’t need to scroll through 19 miles of the same potion.”
“Unfortunately, the graphics do not render properly on my state-of-the-art equipment, and the gameplay itself is unresponsive.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The graphics are described as aged yet charming, with a unique artistic style that enhances immersion and storytelling. However, some users report issues with rendering on modern equipment and express a desire for a graphical reboot to modernize the visuals.
“But great immersion, great storytelling, I love the style of artwork where most of it actually looks like someone drew it at times.”
“I really liked the visuals in the game, especially when you're in the chapter heading to Haldon Head.”
“Graphics are aged but pleasant.”
“Unfortunately, the graphics do not render properly on my state-of-the-art equipment, and the gameplay itself is unresponsive.”
- music3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music and voice acting are praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere, though some players find the soundtrack can become repetitive over time. While the initial nostalgia is impactful, it may diminish with extended play.
“The music and voice acting are well done, giving a good dose of atmosphere, though it can be a little repetitive.”
“The soundtrack was pretty cool, too.”
“The nostalgia I felt upon first hearing the music is ruined by this.”
“Music and voice acting are well done, giving a good dose of atmosphere, though it can be a little repetitive.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is enhanced by well-executed music and voice acting, which effectively contribute to the game's immersive experience, although some players note that the music can become repetitive over time.
“The music and voice acting are well done, providing a strong sense of atmosphere, though it can be a little repetitive.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players.”
“Despite some decent sound design, the overall ambiance fails to create a compelling environment.”
“The game struggles to establish a cohesive atmosphere, leaving players feeling disconnected from the world.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been criticized due to numerous bugs and functionality issues, leading to a significant number of negative reviews from users who feel it does not perform as intended.
“I loved the game when I was younger, but this version is buggy and does not appear to be working as intended, which is reflected in several negative reviews.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
“I encountered numerous glitches that ruined my experience and made me question the game's stability.”
