Ackeron

Ackeron:Dark Sun

Ackeron by Gasgorf is simply a fantastic game!  Not only is it a lot of fun, it has such variable gameplay that you really can play it again and again!  Be warned though, this game is not easy, and you will go through batteries as well as lives.  Ackeron boasts an open ended format that allows you to choose your adventures and allow you to play your 'character' in a variety of different ways through a guild system.  Gasgorf has put alot of work into this game, and it really does show.

After a lengthy and interesting backstory, you start out in a cave and must find your way out.  Once you do that, you will find yourself in a town.  This is where the game really begins.  You will find that you need to sleep, eat, earn money and explore.  All of this is accomplished at various locations within town as well as outside of it.  Along the way, you can fight terrible monsters, pick up rumors, take on dangerous tasks and gain experience.  It's all up to you.

All the basic functions and vital character statistics are visible on the right side of the screen.  Additionally, there is a scrolling box at the bottom of the screen that provides updates, depending on what is happening.  You can tell at a glance if you are hungry, tired, or injured.  You can also easily access your inventory, weapons, spells and other items.  The graphics are great and gameplay is easy enough to get the hang of, yet full of enough options to keep you busy for a long time.  There's  a variety of weapons, spells, potions and other objects to find and use.

The best way to get acquainted with the game controls and the game itself, is to wander around the town.  There, you will learn how to survive.  This includes getting odd jobs at the inn and the merchants, fighting for pay in the arena, as well as learning that you need to eat and sleep in order to function efficiently. While managing the mundane skills that keep you alive, you will pick up rumors, tasks and skills from the townsfolk that you come across.  Pay attention to everything.  You never know when it will come in handy.

Combat is where most of the action takes place in this game, and it is one of the most challenging and varied aspects.  Thankfully, there is an auto-combat feature that manages all the fighting for you.  Otherwise, you can do it yourself.  I tried.  I didn't last very long. One of the neat this about combat is that you never really know just how strong your opponent really is.  There are clues to how well you are fighting in the text, and the creatures stamina levels are shown next to it's picture, but you still end up keeping your fingers crossed every time you go into battle.

Ackeron:Dark Sun is great fun at a great price.  It is a large game that will take up some space in your Palm, however it is well worth it.  If you have played all the levels that are available for Kyle's Quest give this RPG a try.  You won't be disappointed.

Ackeron:Dark Sun is available at PalmGear and costs $19.95

What I like
Great graphics
Great Gameplay
Open ended and variable adventures

What I don't like
3/4 view can be difficult to maneuver sometimes.
For some reason, I die easily and often.

5 out of 5 rating