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An Exclusive Preview of Grimoire
Corwin, 2004-09-09

Several years ago, independent game developer Cleve Blakemore began work on the game that was to make him either famous, or notorious, (depending on your point of view) Grimoire. Now, after multiple changes, the game is nearing completion and will soon be released as a shareware title.

This is undoubtedly a niche title in a niche market (CRPG's), but with the success and later demise of games like Might and Magic, Lands of Lore, Eye of the Beholder, and the incomparable Wizardry, Cleve seems to have this market all to himself. In fact, if you enjoyed any of those �Old School' games, then you're going to love Grimoire. In many ways, it might well be the only Wizardry 9 we'll ever see. Cleve is determined to see it released this year. He's got this idea for a Fallout clone he wants to start work on, not to mention Grimoire 2. The good news is that neither of these games should take anywhere near as long to produce as this one.

I have been playing and testing a Beta copy of the game for the past few weeks, and having a blast. Yes there are still bugs and areas that are not working properly, or which need the addition of a few more encounters, but this is going to be a great game when all the problems are resolved. With a few more months of scheduled testing and balancing before its release, the final product should please (and silence) all of those who said the game would never be released.

The closest game I can compare it with, is Wizardry 8. They bear striking similarities everywhere you look. The style, feel, and humour of the Wizardry series is all there and it looks and plays like a classical Wizardry game. There's character creation for your party of up to eight adventurers, though some of the Super classes cannot be created at the start of the game, but may be chosen after a character reaches level 10. All the usual races and classes are there, plus a few additional ones. Some of these will take patience to develop, but Cleve assures me that this will pay dividends eventually.

The game offers multiple beginnings, like Wiz 8 and multiple endings as well, which will add to its replay value. Borrowing from the Might and Magic series, there will even be a few SF elements towards the end of the game. Included here, will be two optional surreal SF areas your characters can visit. For those not familiar with these games, let me give you a brief insight into the gameplay.

As you can tell from the screenshots, it's a party based old school game viewed from a first person perspective. After completing character creation, you are launched into the game, usually in the normal starting area of a small wood. Here you will meet a few monsters, some deadly flowers and a couple of small training dungeons which will garner you experience, some equipment and probably a level or two, which allows you to improve your stats, skills and learn new spells.

The turn based combat allows you to employ your choice of strategy and believe me, for some battles you'll need it. You have multiple choices during combat, from types of attack; choice of spell; defence; or even the option to flee. After winning the battle, you will be rewarded with gold, experience points, and sometimes an increase in your skill levels.

For many people, it wouldn't be an RPG without magic and there's an abundance of that available in Grimoire. I'm currently employing four different types of spellcasters in my party, and while there are some overlapping spells, most have a fairly unique collection of offensive, defensive, healing, or miscellaneous non-combat spells. The variety available to the player is most impressive and there are some spell schools I haven't yet been able to access. This game is a feast.

Movement is grid style, something that's an accepted part of old style RPG's. But don't worry, there's plenty to explore. You'll do a LOT of walking; the game is not merely huge, it's massive. Keep notes; it's easy to get lost, even with an automap and journal. Many areas have several exits, each of which leads to different other areas that also have many new exits. It's very easy to lose track of where you are and how you got there.

This will be a long game. According to Cleve, if you take a strictly linear path through the game, you can complete it in about 200 hours. If you want to fully explore every area, then be prepared to spend upwards of 600 hours completing the game. I won't mention that even then, there's areas you won't see, since they're only available if you then choose to re-start the game in one of the optional starting areas. Another plus for its replay value.

The interface is very easy to use once you work it out. There are assorted icons that perform most tasks, but if you're not sure what an icon does, you simply right-click on it, and it changes to a written description. Nearly every action can be completed with one or two mouse clicks, though there are a few keyboard commands and conversations with NPC's usually require you to type in some key words. Messages are clearly presented in a message window and the full party inventory is on a rotating display for quick and easy access.

The game has a journal, maps and auto-mapping, plus an excellent autowalk feature that enables you to move quickly to any point on a map that you have already visited. Add in fun little touches like Acme Vending machines, that really work and you have a delight of a game that will keep you playing till late into the night.

I could talk about all the spells that are available, the quests you need to complete, the conversations you can have with NPC's, some of whom will even join your party, but if you've played any of the Wizardry games, then you already know all about that. The story I'll leave for you to discover yourself.

Finally, let me mention time lines. Currently, the game has just finished Pre-beta. In September 2004 the official beta will begin and by November Cleve hopes to be able to add the final polish that will see a December release.

PS. I hope you enjoy the screenshots which are exclusive to RPGDot. Be sure to check in here for all the latest news on this long awaited game.

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