Particularly notable is the way that the game responds to character actions. As the game moves forward, the player learns about the land and its lore through conversations with NPCs and entries in the Adventurer's Journal. At the outset, the player knows the important history around the Moonsea and the circumstances that have led to the party's immediate quest. Dark Sun, Ravenloft, Planescape, and other settings are more interesting (if more confusing sometimes!).Įven judging solely by what is presented in the game, however, the game world is evocative, thorough, and well-built. It's a sort-of generic high fantasy realm, large enough to include derivatives from almost every mythology. I grant you that it is not the most exciting of D&D campaign settings.
It's tough to evaluate this, because Pool of Radiance is part of a larger Forgotten Realms campaign setting that has more history and lore than I will ever read in my lifetime.
Incidentally, I'm drinking an actual gimlet right now-a tradition I will continue when writing "final rating" postings from now on.ġ. The variety of encounters is rivaled only by Might & Magic, and the tactical combat system is unparalleled. I knew it would be from the second or third day. You don't need to read to the end to get to the important news: Pool of Radiance is the best game I've played since starting this blog.