Actual Game

The Game
Return to Krondor is a somewhat different game than its predecessor. Betrayal took place in a vast world in which the player navigated his or her (damned women's lib makes me change my writing style) party using an overhead map, punctuated by quasi-3D tactical combat or trap evasion at key points. Return, however, takes place entirely in third-person and in a much smaller, more focused area. The game works much like an adventure game in that you move 3D characters over pre-rendered backgrounds. The combat now is seamlessly incorporated into the gameplay.

The plot involves an almost immortal pirate (bad man) who is after a sacred artifact called the Tear of the Gods. Following in the tradition of bad men throughout history and fantasy, this bad man wants the Tear of the Gods in order to create some very serious bad mojo. It is now up to you and a party of 5 to stop him. Your party includes Squire James (Betrayal fans remember him as the thief Jimmy the Hand), Jazhara the court mage, a Priest-Warrior named Solon, Kendaric of the Wreckers Guild (everyone's favorite afternoon tea-club), and William, the guard of Krondor.

There are several new aspects of Return to Krondor's gameplay that differ largely from Betrayal. An extensive alchemy system requires your mages to transport much equipment, which allows you to make you own spells. Also, the game gives you an option of how you want to deal with traps and booby traps. You can let it be a chance roll of the dice based on your 'skill at traps,' much like Betrayal. The other choice is 'reflex,' which incorporates an innovative system of actually controlling your tools with the mouse to pick locks and disarm defense systems.

The graphics in Return to Krondor are exceedingly well done. The pre-rendered backgrounds are some of the most detailed settings yet seen in this style of game. They actually manage to go head to head with the excellent Grim Fandango. Also, the 3D characters are very well modeled and animated for late 90s fare. There are some very tasty special effects for fire and spells that add nicely to the eye-candy. The game also features some very well rendered cut scenes now and then.

The sound is also very adept. Return to Krondor uses high-quality CD audio to set the background tones to the game. Return also uses 3D positional Environment Audio to add to the atmosphere of the game and the story. In a fairly refreshing display of production values, Return features some of the best voice acting seen in a RPG. Overall, the sound does an excellent job of setting the tone and plays a significant role, like in a movie, of carrying the story.

The story itself was actually written by Feist. As such, the story is highly involving and well-paced. The characters are good, the settings are fantastic, and the climax is invigorating and leaves you wanting another sequel. Return to Krondor was one of the most invigorating and addictive RPGs to come out since Diablo rocked the PC gaming world way back in 1996. Krondor has some of the best plot, gameplay, and production values of its era.