DESCRIPTION

Explore the dark, dank depths of the Skullkeep dungeons in this follow-up to 1987's award winning first-person RPG. Torham Zed, a dutiful warrior, is asked to explore the tunnels underneath Castle Skullkeep. His mission? To stop an evil presence named Dragoth who threatens to destroy the world. The core play mechanics are identical to the first game, with players creating a party of up to four intrepid adventurers and engaging in real-time combat against an assortment of hand-drawn monsters. Instead of featuring 360° movement, however, the game has players taking small steps forward, backward, left, and right as in early titles like The Bard's Tale or Wizardry.

Experience is awarded not by defeating monsters, but by performing actions associated with a fighter, ninja, wizard, or priest. Using ranged attacks, for example, increases a character's "ninja skill," which primarily influences his or her dexterity. Actions can also tire out characters or make them hungry and thirsty, so players must bring rations and frequently rest to recover vital stats. New to Dungeon Master II is the ability to explore areas above ground, including villages, temples, and forests, with multiple shops available to purchase weapons and armor. As players delve deeper into the catacombs, they must keep an eye out for levers, pressure plates, and other potential traps or puzzles. Only by defeating Dragoth will the party emerge victorious. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide