by Teri Vance

Created on: June 15, 2008   Last Updated: May 18, 2011

Eschalon - Book 1, from the creators at Basilik Games, definitely has the potential to become a true classic in the RPG genre of video games.

Before gameplay begins, you must generate your character. You must choose the origin, axiom, and class of the character you want to create, then assign attribute points to make the character stronger, more intelligent, have more endurance, etc. You must also decide which 6 of the 24 available skills you want your character to begin with. There are almost unlimited options in developing your character, since each of the things you choose can, and will have a different effect on your character.

Gameplay begins with your character waking, not remembering who or where he is. As you begin to explore, he starts to think things look a bit more familiar. Be sure to have you character explore everything, as you never know if he may find something to help him on his quest, such as better weapons, better armor, food and water. At the same time, be very careful of hidden dangers also, such as disease, and enemies. Be sure to have your character talk to any people he might come into contact with, as they might be able to give him some clues. You must decide as you talk to the different people you meet, if they are giving you information you can use, or are trying to keep you from your destiny.

The 60 minute demo doesn't really give you much time to truly explore what seems to be a very vast and sprawling environment, but it does give you enough time to decide if you will like the game enough to want to buy it. The graphics are great, and the sound is awesome. Gameplay itself is a bit slow, as it seems to take your character awhile to get where you want him to go. The game is priced at around $28, which isn't bad considering similar games can run upwards of $50. If you are genuinely a fan of the RPG's, then you should definitely check this game out. You more than likely won't be disappointed.

Gameplay - 3/5
Graphics - 5/5
Sound - 5/5
Creativity - 4/5
Innovation - 3/5

Overall rating for Eschalon - Book 1 - 4/5

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