Even though combat is a big part of the game, it certainly isn't the only aspect of PoR that deserves attention. The RPG system found in the game is none other than the infamous Dungeons and Dragons 3RD edition ruleset, which is the newest ruleset available. It will allow for even more variety than the 2nd edition ruleset, so that usually means it's actually an improved version of its predecessor and not a dumbed-down one (like certain versions of a popular OS named after glass panes arranged in the holes of a wall…). Once again, where we lack the eloquence to explain some aspect of PoR, Stormfront comes through for us:
"The majority of the 3rd Edition ruleset will be supported in Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor. There were certain facets of the game's combat and feat rules that just didn't make sense for this adventure (e.g. mounted combat, creating magical items). However the bulk of the combat, spell, and skill system will be represented in the game. 3rd Edition really allows for a more streamlined and easy to learn game system, which we feel will make new players to the D&D rules system feel more comfortable about joining. Using 3E we are able to capitalize on new spells, classes, races, feats, and combat rules that no one else has yet, which definitely brings an attractive quality to the game. Also, the fact that we have interactive environments plays a large part in the tactical decisions the player can make while in and out of combat."
Yes, you heard right, PoR will feature fully interactive environments. You can push tables around to seal off an entrance to a hideout or hop up on a table to get a bonus to your hit ability. Sounds cool, right? It gets better, because this feature will make sure the strategy in combat won't be limited to fighting on a single plane. Elevation will play a role in battle, and smart (or really really lucky) players can use it to their advantage.
That's about enough on gameplay for now, let's talk eye candy! When I'm looking at the specs for game engines, I usually can't make sense of them. Sometimes I forget what bilinear filtering is and I wonder if it involves the editing of swear words from a player's text in a multiplayer game. Because of that, I try to simplify things as best as possible, and after looking at screenshots for the game I ask myself…
Who can render the fluffiest sheep?
I think that might even be one of those questions that has been asked by man since the beginning of time. Except for the fact that games with 3D graphics are relatively new. Regardless, if I saw a sheep in Pool of Radiance, I'd likely squeal with glee, because the characters in the game look really neat. The graphics engine is fully 3D, meaning all of the character models are rendered in 3D and will have very smooth animation. That makes me happy. Where sprites at one point or another show their limitations by being forced to be displayed only at predefined angles, a 3D character can be seen from any angle. Even the very environments are 3D, so you can expect them to look pretty sharp too.
When I see graphics like PoR has, I think about how much easier it would be to become immersed in a game with an engine like that rather than an ASCII RPG. Still more impressive is Stormfront's desire to make the monsters and players take up a good chunk of space so you can easily view their detail. Some of the larger monsters in the game could take up quite a bit of screen space, and the faint of heart among you should make sure your Huggies ™ are strapped on extra tight when you load up PoR.
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