The best way to learn medieval German history.
This is a fantasy game, make no mistake, but a fantasy game set in the most complex setting imaginable: our own world. Instead of the shadowy realms of white and black magic, of clerics and wizards, Darklands touches the roots of these ideas. Devoutly religious characters can pray to the Saints for intervention. Learned characters can brew alchemical compounds with any number of useful effects. The "magic"-type systems in this game have a thorough grounding in actual European history, and it shows in the depth with which they are presented.
In creating characters for your adventure, you walk them through life in a sequence of occupations designed to hone their skills. There are no simple names like "Warrior" and "Thief" to be branded with. Each character has his or her own distinct abilities and proficiencies. Although most alchemists have studied the art for years in large cities, it's easy enough to create a character with advanced alchemical understanding from years of solitary experimentation as a hermit. Character creation in Darklands is a rich experience, unlike many games where characters are defined simply by a single profession.
Gameplay is often text-driven, with the player choosing from a number of options when confronted with a given problem. Graphics through much of the game are still-frame images reminiscent of paintings, and very evocative of the story's mood. Players are free to move about Germany as they will, though there is ostensibly a goal to prevent Satan from rising and controlling the world (or something....) On occasion, the player is forced into combat, which is the game's only real weakness in my opinion. For the time it was released, I expect the graphics and combat system were adequate, but they have aged much worse than the rest of this game, and can be a trial to get through, especially the repetitive battles of city thieves the player must fight to build local prestige.
Nonetheless, I believe Darklands offers an all-around enjoyable gaming experience, and whenever I want to immerse myself in the atmosphere of medieval Europe (which is more often than you might think), this game is where I turn.