Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny Review (no fat)

by Virgin Interactive Platform: PC Genre: RPG	ESRB Rating: Everyone Release: 1997-09-27	Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny Features: Continuation of the Lands Of Lore Saga RPG with fast, exciting FPS combat Real-time 3D graphics 3D Graphics Brand new cast of friends and foes
	Egamer's Rating: 8 / 10. Reviewed on: 2006-01-31

Game Description

Remember all of the old werewolf movies? For perspective… how about Teen Wolf? There was the moment in all of those movies where your main character transformed into a gruesome other-beast, either because of a curse or an infected bite. Upon entering Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny, you realize Luther (son of Scotia, the arch villain from Lands of Lore I) is experiencing a similar problem. For reasons beyond his control, Luther is sporadically transforming into a dinosaur. Luckily, unlike Michael J. Fox’s cheesy adventure, we do not have to see Luther in skimpy eighties basketball shorts.

Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny Gameplay

Typical of the Lands of Lore adventure, Guardians of Destiny offers a unique twist on the typical RPG. It is so unique, in fact, that there is hesitancy in labeling it an RPG. The combat is fast and exciting. There are physical coordination tasks that bare a likeness to a sidescroller. However, the elaborate, gregarious cast and puzzling, tantalizing sorcery keeps Guardians of Destiny in the RPG category.

Luther needs help with his Transform-a-saurus rex issue. So naturally, your first goal in the adventure is to seek out a cure. From here, Luther meets a multitude of characters, most of which he can choose how he would like to interact. When meeting a minion, it is up to you to choose whether to slash him or befriend him. The flexibility makes everyone’s adventure unique.

To add some spice, Luther has another dilemma. The people of the kingdom are not terribly delighted with Scotia for her previous actions. There is the constant fear or retaliation from the common folk. But, Luther does pull assistance from a god or two and he does have a few handy magical powers that were inherited from his mother. After managing to control the dinosaur conundrum, Luther is off to stop Belial from taking over the kingdom that his recently deceased mother left behind.

There are so many secret passageways and hidden areas that you might want to shell out a little extra cash for that strategy guide. If you are determined to beat the game and not really enjoying the exploring aspect, then you will miss a great deal of exciting content.

Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny Controls

This point-and-click interface is a fantastic breath of fresh air. The controls are intuitively mapped and all windows are easily accessed. Your inventory or map can be accessed with a single click. Plus, every single control can be re-mapped. So anything that does not jive properly with your fingers can be customized to an alternative, more accessible location. The only downside of the controls is the combat system. Most of the combat is fairly automated, leaving little for quick reflexes to practice upon.

Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny Graphics and Sound

With its almost-three-dimensional graphics, Guardians of Destiny is entertaining. At times, the graphics can be pixilated and rather rough. Conversely, the graphics can be smooth and awe-inspiring sometimes. Overall, the graphics are not a factor that will pull you to the game or push you away from it. Your opinion of them will balance out in the end giving a feeling of pleasant neutrality. The sound in this game is fantastic, as usual. The musical scores and effects pull you into the adventure.

Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny Summing Up

When the internet is down and there are no pressing matters, this game hits the spot. Lands Of Lore II: Guardians of Destiny is chicken soup for the weary gamer’s soul. The adventure is so extensive and elaborate that it buys a week or so of entertainment for $1.15.