Serving as the “default” setting of the first few versions ofDungeons & Dragons, the campaign setting of Mystara gave players a “Known World.” This setting was a shared universe for adventure modules while also featuring nations based on historical cultures. Similar to the “default” setting of Nentir Vale forD&D 4th Edition, earlyD&D’s Mystara became an alternate setting at a time when Greyhawk was reserved forAdvanced D&D.
With the rise of gaming, it’s no surprise that Mystara became the setting of some of the earliestDungeons & Dragonsgames in the market. However, with only 5 video games under its belt, it pales compared to 50+ more popular Forgotten Realms of modern times. Regardless, certain Mystara-set games are worth a shot for players who want to look intoD&Dgames outside familiar settings.
5Dungeons & Dragons: Order Of The Griffon (1992)
The earliest game set in the Mystara campaign setting came in the form ofDungeons & Dragons: Order of the Griffon.This 1992 game tasked the player with exploring Mystara’s nation of Karameikos, while hunting the source of evil creatures roaming the lands. As with otherD&Dgamesunder the “Gold Box” banner,Order of the Griffontakes the form of a traditional dungeon crawler during exploration before transitioning to turn-based tactics during combat. Unlike other Gold Box games, however,Order of the GriffonfollowsBasic D&Drules instead of the usualAdvanced D&Dadapted by other titles.
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Despite the allure of creating characters and boasting straightforward mechanics,Order of the Griffonlags behind other RPGs in terms of both visuals and depth of story. Regardless, fans of classicD&Dsettings may want to try this title to see the first genuine attempt at a Mystara game.
4Dungeons & Dragons: Warriors Of The Eternal Sun (1992)
Despite being released in the same year asOrder of the Griffon, gameplay inDungeons & Dragons: Warriors of the Eternal Sunfeels more like a traditional fantasy RPG. Characters represent a group of mercenaries defending Duke Barrik’s castle from a goblin army when a mysterious force transports them into Mystara’s Hollow World, a separate subsetting characterized by an eternal sun. Players explore this new world to find allies and perhaps a way to return home.
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Gameplay takes place across three modes. Much of overworld exploration occurs in an isometric view, featuring sprites that boast more fluid movement compared tootherD&DRPGs. In outside combat, the game switches to a turn-based mode akin to other RPGs. When going into caves, the game has a faster-paced dungeon crawler mode. Although the overall game experience is still a far cry from the entertainment value of RPG classics such asFinal Fantasy,Warriors of the Eternal Sunoffered some of the best gameplay in aD&Dgame in the 90s.
3Fantasy Empires (1993)
While earlier attempts at an RTS set inD&D,such asWar of the Lance,failed due to lackluster mechanics, the improved performance of the MS-DOS gave room to a more vivid fantasy strategy experience viaFantasy Empires. Although set in Mystara, the game doesn’t offer much of a plot and instead tasks players with dominating the game world. Aftercreating aD&Dcharacterto lead their forces, players are taken to an overworld where they can make improvements to owned provinces via buildings and prepare troops or even send armies to battle.
In a siege, players must spread their available units across a preview screen before being taken to a top-down view of combat. The game is quite innovative despite its age, featuring abilities to create heroes, make truces, and even improve units based on performance. While it’s not strictly aD&DRPG,Fantasy Empirestraces back toD&D’s original roots in war gaming.
2Dungeons & Dragons: Tower Of Doom (1994)
UnlikeotherD&Dtitles,Dungeons & Dragons: Tower Of Doomstrayed from attempts to adapt the technical mechanics ofD&Dinto the limited processors of the 90s. Instead, it opted for a beat ‘em up set in Mystara. InTower of Doom, up to four players can take on the role of adventurers to protect the Republic of Darokin. The country’s defenders are a beefy but balanced Fighter, the spell-slinging slasher Elf, the shielding spellcaster Cleric, and the high-combo Dwarf.
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The more detailed visuals ofTower of Doomtransformed the game’s simple mechanics into an entertaining experience. Instead of stressing about cramming an in-depth narrative within the context of complex mechanics,Tower of Doomwas a stress-free action experience that boasts a lot of replay value.
1Dungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara (1996)
Following the success ofTower of Doom, Capcom created an improved hack ’n slash title in the form ofDungeons & Dragons: Shadow Over Mystara. Set after the events ofTower of Doom, players travel to the Broken Lands of Glantri to defeat the sorceress Synn, who is apparently behind the attack in the Republic of Darokin.Shadow Over Mystaraimplements many upgrades compared to its predecessor. Characters-wise, players now have access to the mobile Thief and the glass cannon Magic-User.
The side-scrolling game allows four characters to play at a time on, top of multiple combat options. Players have an active inventory that can improve their defense (helmet, shield) and can access special features with destructible gear. Likewise, up to two players can use the same character thanks to alternate sprites. The game makes a drastic improvement to overall gameplay, now boasting special moves such as Dashing Attacks, Rising Attacks, and even Megacrush to eliminate foes. WhileShadow Over Mystaraisn’t a “true”D&DRPG, its anime visuals give a look intohow creativeD&Dcan getwhen handled uniquely.
Baldur’s Gate 3was released in the PC and the PS5, with an upcoming Xbox Series X/S port.
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