DESCRIPTION

Although playable in single player mode, Shattered Light is designed especially for multi-player participation (up to eight people) over the Internet. The game is unique in that it was designed from the ground up to be a fantasy role playing game in which nearly every single aspect of game play is fully customizable. Even so, the boxed version of Shattered Light contains more than 100 built-in quests and monsters, over 700 maps, 300 spells and literally hundreds of magic items to get you started.

There are eight different character classes available, each with special attributes and abilities as well as strengths and weaknesses. Shattered Light contains both a World Builder and a Map Editor that allows you to modify or create from scratch a fully customized fantasy role playing game. An astounding number of terrain, building and other tiles (more than 4,000) are available on three levels.

Other options include the ability to write your own quests, create riddles and puzzles, invent unique magic items, place non-player characters (NPCs) on maps and write their dialogue. Further customization can be found in the process of adjusting all basic factors or values used in creating heroes, monsters, spells, mana and health regeneration rates, monster appearance by location and much more. Another option, known as the Peacemaker, is available in both playing and design mode that prevents combat (player killing) that basically turns the game into a fast-paced treasure hunt.

Additionally, if you are hosting the multi-player version online, you have the ability to modify player character statistics, change the amount of gold belonging to each character or even change hero values. The main object of both the solo and multi-player versions of Shattered Light is to collect ten shards of a giant ruby and then use them to hunt down and eliminate an evil creature that is slowly but surely destroying humanity in the game world of Delos. The interface is mouse intensive and the CD contains a 137-page extremely detailed electronic manual that covers every aspect of game play as well as world building and map modification tools. ~ Michael L. House, All Game Guide