role-playing

This is a very good RPG, but pretty light on the adventuring.

PROS * inexpensive * Decent graphics and sound * good variety of weapons and abilities * multiple character types with various difficulty levels * game can be saved in any location

CONS * slowest loading PSX game I've ever seen (3 loads just to turn it on and play your saved game!) * uses 6 blocks on the memory card! * only uses memory card slot #1 * some bad interface issues (must drop potions and pick them up to get multiple items to group together; must put scrolls on belt to use them, etc.) * the game will sometimes crash (when using Theft skill with Assassin in certain places)

Overall this is a very good game, and enjoyable to play repeatedly. When I played the same character in a harder difficulty mode after completing my first game, most of the quests were different, and it was definitely more difficult. Also, the items that you find and can buy get more elaborate the longer you play, with new attributes appearing in harder difficulty settings.

Although the quests are pretty difficult (or at least boring) sometimes, you are not limited to doing them in a linear order, so you can walk ahead to new lands and fight harder, more interesting things, which is nice.

For the money, this is a fantastic game, and the cheap price makes up for the few annoying issues that would be a bigger deal in an expensive game.

I really, really don't know why this game has gotten bad reviews. This is absolutely insane. This game is the most fun I've had since playing Diablo 1 on the PC. Don't believe the negative reviews! Try it for yourself. I've been gaming for over 20 years and I can with confidence say that this game is one of those underdogs that comes by every so often that I'm so glad to find.

GRAPHICS: Graphically, the game reminds me of a cross between Diablo and Gauntlet Legends. I think the graphics are very nice. The wilderness is colorful and woodsy and the dungeons are dark and sinister. There are neat lighting effects, such as magic spell effects and torches. The enemies are varied and well done, as are the character sprites.

SOUND: The sound effects are great, from the clink and clash of weapons to the thud of a club upside a goblin's head. The CD music is highly reminiscent of Diablo and really adds to the atmosphere, whether you're in a town, the wilderness, or a deep, dark dungeon. I like the tunes so much in fact that I wouldn't mind listening to them all on their own.

GAMEPLAY: Apart from being pleasing to the ears and eyes, the gameplay is where Darkstone really shines. The character classes are varied and include such professions as fighter, wizard, monk, and assassin, and both genders, so there's something for everyone. There are many different spells and weapons to acquire, as well as armor, potions, scrolls, and other various items. There are people you can interact with in towns and villages. There are quests and sub-quests and plenty of things to do. I can easily play this game for hours and often have to pull myself away -- it is very addictive, as much as Diablo was for me, I would say.

I also want to comment on the complaints I've been reading about this game having slow loading times. The longest load is when the game is booting up for the first time after choosing to start or continue a quest from the main menu (about 40-45 seconds). After that, entering a town or dungeon or returning to the wilderness doesn't take that long at all (maybe 20 seconds, tops), so I'm not sure what all the griping is all about, especially since the only time this game accesses the disc is when you are entering or exiting a dungeon level, town, or the wilderness, just like in Diablo.

Anyhow, to sum it up, Darkstone is a fantastic game, easily one of my Playstation favorites, and at its "bargain title" price it's an absolute steal. I'm so happy that Take2 Interactive released this game. Finally, an American, non-Anime PSX RPG! Sure, the storyline is pretty unoriginal but somehow I don't even notice. Please, do yourself a favor and buy this game. If you like Diablo or fantasy games in general I don't see how you won't really enjoy this one.

I saw this game in a store, and the screen shots looked decent. I figured it was worth a shot for the low price. It was definitely worth the money.

That being said, I will start off with the game's flaws. The most glaring (at least in my mind) was the playing character's inability to want to go through doors. I had no problems getting him/her through an archway, but they just loved walking/running into the space right next to the doors, and trying to get them through the door then was a lucky try. The character's movements were definitely a little herky jerky. And, as another reviewer pointed out, this must be the longest PS1 game in loading time. Finally, although it's hard to believe one character could fit all those items in their pack, the fact that they can only wear four rings on eight fingers and two thumbsmakes me wonder how deformed their hands are.

But I can't ignore the game's plusses. The ability to upgrade weapons, or acquire weapons/shields/armor/rings with enhancing powers is a very nice plus. The playability keeps it challenging, especially how some levels change when you move up from the Novice level. The mini quests can sometimes be frustrating, but they are all solvable. And is there an easy way to defeat the wizards?

Graphics: 4 -- The faces are a bit... off, but otherwise the different looking swords, shields etc. is nicely done.
Sound: 3 -- Though most liked the music etc., I found I had to play something else on my stereo to cover it up.
Playability: 4 -- That door problem could not be more frustrating, but otherwise the movement works well enough.
Difficulty: 4 -- Sure, some levels are quite easy, but the ones that are difficult keeps it challenging.

And for all those people who thought mashing the X button would get you through the game, try using your level 8 character on something higher than the 1st dungeon. And for crying out loud, if it's too dark in the dungeon, use a light spell!