DESCRIPTION

Incorporating both Norse mythology and Viking lore, Rune contains more than 30 single-player missions and 15 unique weapons. The game utilizes a significantly modified version of the Unreal Tournament engine but, unlike that game, Rune uses a third-person perspective so the hero is visible on screen at all times.

Players take on the role of Ragnar, a strong, young Viking destined for greatness. Ragnar's father has been killed by the evil Viking Conrad and makes retribution his quest. As the adventure progresses, Ragnar meets many enemies with various motivations and powers and finds many weapons, each of which offers its wielder a special power of its own.

The smaller, early-game weapons usually improve Ragnar's defense while some of the more advanced weapons can unleash enormously powerful attacks. Ragnar becomes stronger as he makes his way through the world and gains experience. With each violent confrontation his bloodlust grows, eventually allowing him to enter a berserk-like rage in which the damage he inflicts is greatly amplified.

Special dynamic lighting enhancements allow subtle transparencies and shadows that move with the characters, climbing up walls and disappearing around corners. Character models allow attacks and actions against a creature to have different effects on different body parts, thus, the well-publicized ability of Ragnar to not only sever an enemy's leg but to then pick it up and use it as a weapon against other foes!

The manual features a six part background story on Ragnar's trials and acceptance as a mighty Viking warrior who earns the right to wear the medallion that designates him as a member of the fierce Odinsblade contingent. The interface supports keyboard, mouse, and joystick, and gameplay includes an onscreen HUD that reflects the status of health, shield, rune power, breath and bloodlust.

Ragnar's arsenal includes both melee and throwing items, shields, food and drink (to restore health) and other objects such as keys to puzzles, switches, plungers, and dwarf-based machinery. During his adventure, Ragnar can discover four types of runestones (lesser, greater, health and strength), or vessels of power, that imbue him with enhanced abilities.

Gameplay in Rune is a mix featuring an estimated 30% exploration and puzzle solving and 70% action and combat. Multiplayer options allow cooperative battles and traditional death matches. The CD contains an optional non-supported (by the designers) level editor that allows construction of new variations or modification of pre-existing scenarios that can be exchanged over the Internet in accordance with the licensing agreement. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide