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Star Trail is one of the most complete fantasy role-playing games around. You are to lead a team of six adventurers who have been given the mission of retrieving the Salamander Stone. This ancient artifact was created years ago as a sign of everlasting friendship. But now the Elves and the Dwarves are in conflict. If the attack of the Orcs is to be stopped, it will only be when this internal quarrel ends. Their friendship now lies in your hands.
The game is entirely based upon a role-playing game called "Das Schwarze Auge". If you are familiar with this game you can play it in advanced mode. You can make every decision yourself, such as deciding which characteristic will be increased when you have enough experience points. For the non- connoisseurs you can play the game in novice mode. As in any other Heroic-Fantasy game, you create your own team from the various races and classes: warrior, dwarf, magician, green elf, and druid (there is always the possibility of the pregenerated players). Then you are ready for the real adventure!!
It is not a game of dragon slaying and opening doors to get to the treasure room. Of course there are combats, but there is also information to be found in a tavern or a temple, astral points and spells. You must choose the right way between different locations and by the way there is a very nice map of the land, also the city life, bargaining, cheating, doing your shopping, pick-pocketing, etc... you have organized shifts during the night to avoid nasty surprises in the camp. All the elements are there to make this game like a real fantasy role-playing game. The 3D presentation of the combat phase is very good. All the participants are represented in their respective places. First you have to move close to your enemy and only then can you hit him. Or you can choose the backrow fight with projectiles and magic. But if you are not that interested in strategies and tactics you can select to have the computer to fight in your place.
The automap option is very useful, and it is a must for a game of this type. You only have four directions (E.W.N.S) and you move from square to square with a smooth scrolling movement. This particular gimmick is a great addition to the game panel. Of course there are numerous sceneries, non-player characters, monsters, weapons by the dozen, armors and even magical items.
There are also some animations in 256 color VGA accompanied with speeches. The digitalized voices (CD included, Disk special package) give you a good feeling about the game.
Another interesting feature of the game is the logbook. You can record any information you received or conversation you make automatically. You can also add any personal comments anywhere inside it. This brings to an end the notes written on small sheets of paper that you lose when you need them.
The 256 color graphics are numerous and various with many animations and digitalized voices to accompany them. All the required features are present: automap, logbook, character review screens, magical powers, monsters, dwarves and elves.
Sir-Tech Software Inc.
GRAPHICS ------------------ 88% P.O. Box 245,
SOUND ------------------ 93% Ogdensburg Business Center, Suite 2E,
MUSIC ------------------ 95% Ogdensburg, NY 13669.
GAMEPLAY ------------------ 90% Tel: 800-447-1230
INTEREST ------------------ 92% 315-393-6451
OVERALL ------------------ 91%
