Dungeon Lords is perfect for hack and slash rpg lovers.
User Rating: 8.6 | Dungeon Lords PC
Before I begin, I am going to say that I am reviewing version 1.3. So lack of "the bugs ruin it" comments are justified, since many bugs are fixed in this version. I suppose the bets way to review this is to break it down into the categories: Gameplay- By version 1.3, most game hurting bugs are fixed, a mapping feature is added (so you dont have to constantly loo kat the paper map), and the quests are fixed (as far as I can tell). So thus, gameplay isnt hurt at all by bugs anymore. Because of this, you can enjoy the great gameplay with no problems. Basically, the plot behind the game isnt very original, an evil empire is out to destroy a weaker one, and only you can save him. But it does go a bit deeper. You need to play it to see what I mean. The combat system is great, catering to both button mashers and skilled users. Several different melee attacks, ability to switch between melee, magic, and ranged, plus easy blocking, and other such things make a well balanced easy to use interface. And that's good, considering you'll not take 5 steps before being swarmed by enemies. If you dont want to fight, just run, most enemies wont be able to catch up, and if you get to a town, guards will make quick work of them. The quest system is ok, but the journal really hurts it. Basically, you get a quick glance at what you need to know, and that isnt always enough. Thankfully, it tells you who gave the quest to you so you can go ask them about it again (in most cases). One bad thing is that there are very few people around towns and such, and the few that there are arent very friendly. Basically, only quest-involved characters interact with you. Or bandits, but that's a very different interaction. The difficulty system is kind of onn the hard side. If you dont want to be swarmed, you can move the counter in options to the left, and set it on less encounters, but then you wont have the experience for a boss. Likewise, if you try moving it to the right for more experience, unless you carry a plethora of healing potions or spells, you'll die and lose some stat points instead of gaining them. Graphics- At first glance, you'll think they are wonderful. The character models are very well done, though armor is mostly textured on. The weapons are beautiful, and the spell effects are spectacular. But then, you enter a magic shop, and see a TEXTURED book shelf, with a TEXTURED candle on it. It makes you want to be sick. if they had taken a few more months to work on levels instead of just pasting on a drawing, I could easily see myself giving the graphics a ten. Sound- Not much to say. It was very good. Spells, weapon clashes, monster sounds, talking, and the like are all very well done, with very few shortcomings. Value-Nice long game, with some guild side quests, and a couple others, and it's a nice long main quest if you go through at a steady pace. Though you cant just kill everyone if you're bored, which hurts realism, so that loses pints. There are also some boring points, or times where you can get stuck easily, and might need a walk-through. Tilt- Very actiony and fun, which would get it a ten, but the lack of realism and the lackluster towns make it lose a point. Bottom line is, this game is perfect for action-rpg lovers, though not something that everyone will find appealing. 
