by JS Long

Created on: June 16, 2008   Last Updated: December 06, 2011

Eschalon: Book 1 from Basilisk Games is a well thought out RPG adventure game. The graphics are smooth and the sound is decent. The game is available by download from the vendor. The file is over 100mb in size so even with a broadband connection the download is going to take some time. Once downloaded the setup wizard runs quickly and the game is ready to play without any additional configuration. The vendor lists the following minimum system requirements:

• Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP or Vista.
• 1.8 GHz processor
• 256 MB RAM (512 recommended)
• 3D accelerated graphics card

I ran the game on a very middle of the road system, a dual core Vista machine with 1MB of memory. The game preformed well on my system.

As soon as you launch the game, the character creation screen is displayed. The game automatically rolls the character attributes for you. Attributes are the standard RPG types; Strength, Wisdom, Dexterity, to name a few. You can choose other player options like, where the character is from, the game offers five different regions a character can come from. Each region is described and has its own pros and cons. You can choose the character alignment good, neutral or evil, and the type of character you want to be, a fighter, ranger, cleric. Again, your standard RPG types. The character is allotted skill points that can be used to select different skills, weapons, magic or other skills. The character creation is quick and easy to complete. As soon as you're satisfied with the character you've created you can start the game.

Once in game you're greeted with a limited description of your surroundings and a vague idea of what's going on. Your character has little or no possessions and from the get go has to find supplies and weapons. Immediately your character has a large territory to explore. The interaction with the game is through text boxes, the text provides directions and clues for the character to follow. Character control is easy and smooth. The character follows the mouse pointer and changes direction quickly enough for you to avoid danger. Battle sequences are easy to follow on screen and the text box keeps a running total of damage statistics. The gore is limited and mild but still probably best suited for pre-teens and older.

With easy setup, quick character creation, smooth graphics and a large area to explore, this game rates a 4 out of 5 overall.

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