Drakensang: The Dark Eye (German title: Das Schwarze Auge: Drakensang) is a 2008 role-playing video game developed by Radon Labs and published by dtp. It is the first video game in The Dark Eye universe since Attic's Northlands Trilogy (Realms of Arkania: Blade of Destiny, Realms of Arkania: Star Trail and Realms of Arkania: Shadows over Riva) from the 1990s.
Gameplay
The game is based upon The Dark Eye (Das Schwarze Auge) rules system, and the graphics are generated using the Nebula Device graphics engine developed by Radon Labs. The player begins the game by building a starting character. There are a total of twenty character classes from which to choose, with many familiar RPG staples such as "tanks" or unusual classes like dwarven prospectors. Each of the races can only choose from a subset of classes (or jobs). Thus an elf can be either a ranger, fighter, or spellweaver. The classes are not restricted as to what weapons they can use, although they have different starting skill levels.
The game begins with only the main character. Throughout the quest, the player will be able to recruit additional characters of different races and classes. The game allows players to create a party with up to four characters.
There are eight primary attributes, and an extensive array of talents. The broad categories are Combat talents (further divided into 13 talents with specific weapon types), Magic Talents (consisting of individual spells) and Regular Talents (containing 24 talents divided into 5 sub-categories, governing the character's non-combat skills, from crafting to social interaction).
As characters complete quests or kill enemies, they gain experience points, which can be used to increase attributes or improve talents. Each character starts with a different collection of talents, and more can be learned at trainers for a fee. During the game, the characters can learn various alchemical, archery and blacksmith recipes, then assemble materials to make weapons, ammunition, potions, lockpicks and so forth.
Most of the interactions in Drakensang require skill checking. When a character skins a slain wolf, for example, three rolls are made against the character's Cleverness, Courage and Intuition. If they pass the test (the rolled numbers are lower than the attributes), then the action is immediately successful. When one or more attribute tests fails, the points in Animal Lore talent are used to compensate for the missing points. If the test is still not passed, then the character fails to gain anything from the animal. Other actions, from picking locks to casting spells, also use the same mechanic. In case of spells, the amount of remaining talent points is also used to determine the spell's effectiveness.
Spell casting in Drakensang uses Astral Energy (AE). Each character has a certain amount of AE that can be used to cast spells, with the cost in AE dependent on the spell's power setting. AE is slowly regenerated or can be replenished by potions. The effectiveness of each spell depends on its power level and other factors.
Combat in Drakensang is executed in real time, with all characters acting at the same time. Each activity requires a specific number of time units to execute, and can be interrupted before it completes. The player can pause the action and queue orders to party members. While offensive spells never miss (they can still "fizzle" if the skill check fails), the result of physical attacks are determined by checking an attacker's chance to hit and the target's dodging or parrying ability. If the attack connects, the weapon damage and the target's armor are brought into question to calculate the amount of damage done. When a character sustains wounds from combat, their attributes are lowered. Each wound must be dealt with individually, either with bandages, spells or potions. When a character's hit point reaches 0, they are incapacitated. If the whole party is incapacitated, the game is over.
The evaluation of various actions (both combat and non-combat) are displayed in a console that can be viewed by the player.
Setting
The game takes place in and around the city of Ferdok, located in the Middenrealmian province of Kosh right in the center of the Aventuria. Drakensang is the name of a summit in the Anvil Mountains south of Ferdok. The fantasy game setting is based on medieval Europe. Although the designers intended to give a unique look and atmosphere, it has no unusual revisions over the conventional high fantasy setting. Magic is uncommon with only a few spells being available and enchanted items are relatively rare. Most gear upgrades come in the form of ordinary equipment, such as better armor.
Plot
The main character receives a letter asking for assistant from an old friend named Ardo, now living in Ferdok. On the way, the character arrives at the hamlet of Avestrue and finds that the word of two notables persons are needed to proceed to the city. The characters Rhulana the amazon and Dranor the thief are met here. Upon reaching Ferdok, the character learns of the reason for the access restrictions. Recently, Ferdok is shaken by a series of gruesome deaths, and Ardo is one of the victims. Thus begins a lengthy investigation to find the connection and put a stop to the murders. They turns out to be the work of the Dragon cultists, an ancient cult which serve Ardakor, an ancient evil dragon.
After inheriting Ardo's house, the main character is chosen by the oracle of Umbracor, the Dragon Emperor, to be champion of the Dragon Quest. At the marshes of Moorbridge, the party stops an infestation of undead and saves the Archmage Rakorium. In the Blood Mountains, the party retrieves Book of Serpent from a ruined castle where the Dragon cultists are planning dark magic. Finally, they travel to Grimtooth Castle, which has been overrun by orcs and dragon cultists, to obtain the Dragon Eye. Upon defeating the boss of each quest, the hero retrieves the components of a powerful suit of armor.
The character's next task is to find the Adamantine Heart. Doing so requires traveling to the underground dwarven city of Murolosh. However, to gain permission into the city, the party needs the assistant of an emissary named Gerling, who has traveled to the town of Tallon. In Tallon, the party is drawn into a struggle to save the town from a horde of orcs, then eliminate Jafgur, a young fire dragon raised by the Dragon Cultists. With the help of Dwarven Prince Aron, they manage to slay the dragon.
