Zzap


Galdregon's Domain

Publisher: Pandora
Machine: Amiga 500

 
Published in Zzap #48

Galdregon's Domain

Azazael, once dead, now resurrected, can destroy whole armies at the wave of a wand - his little finger contains more magic ability than a sorceror's apprentice can make a mess of learning in a year (and none of those walking broomsticks either). Worse still - yep, there's more! - he's gathering his forces for a massive assault on King Rohan and Galdregon's Domain.

Unless you - one nasty, iron-wielding, mean-man barbarian - manage to recover the five gems of Zator, no-one, but no-one, is going to be able to stop him. Aargh!

The action is shown in first person perspective 3D and you can pick up objects, talk, drink potions, check your status, fight etc, using the icons at the base of the screen.

Galdregon's Domain

Not that all this is *just* yer usual gory hack and drink blood sort of stuff. This may be a bit unusual for a barbarian, but it might help if you try talking to people and helping them out when they ask you a favour.

You never know - you might actually enjoy the odd two minutes being nice. Make a nice change, anyway...

Kati

It's no good, I can't keep my mouth shut any longer - I've just got to say it, Dungeon Master!

Galdregon's Domain

There. It's out. That's basically the trouble with Faldregon's Domain - it's so similar to Dungeon Master in design (3D, inventory screen and all that) so it's a bit of a disappointment to find that it's not as good.

For a start there's only one character, little animation, the fighting options are much less complicated and the 3D graphics are a bit confusing.

Once you've got over that, though, Galdregon's Domain actually turns out to be a pretty nifty game in its own right. There are plenty of puzzles, loadsa magic, more than enough people to bash and an enormous environment to explore.

Galdregon's Domain

Think you're a well-hard barbarian? Then check this out.

Gordo

I've been waiting for this with baited breath ever since I first heard about it last year. Is it as good as I expected?

Erm... no. Not really. I was hoping for something with interactive graphics, nifty icons and brilliant first person perspective 3D. OK, so it hasn't got those, but it has got some substantial gameplay: a huge game map, plenty of characters and lots of magic.

Galdregon's Domain

It's pretty hard to get into though, so I reckon it's been designed to appeal more to specialised RPG freaks than your average arcade player.

If you've got an A500 and you just can't wait for your own version of Dungeon Master, don't rush out and buy this straightaway. Keep calm, take a deep breath and *try it first*.

C64 Update

A disk-only C64 version is being programmed by Digital Light and Magic. It should have all the sprites, features and backdrops of the Amiga version and will retail at around £14.95.

Galdregon's Domain

No tape version is planned.

Verdict

Presentation 78%
Easy to access icon control method plus helpful inventory screen and manual. Awkward scrolling messages and slightly confusing fighting mode though.

Graphics 73%
Detailed location, inventory and map graphics, but the 3D is confusing and badly implemented.

Sound 47%
Atmospheric title music with sparse and basic in-game effects.

Hookability 59%
It looks very nice but it's easy to get lost and takes a while before you start to progress.

Lastability 85%
Once you've got into it, there are more than enough puzzles and locations to keep you pumping iron.

Overall 70%
An absorbing, if disappointing, complex 3D-style RPG.