Return to Krondor

Infobox VG |title = Return to Krondor


developer = PyroTechnix
7th Level
publisher = Sierra Studios
designer =
engine =
released = 1998
genre = Computer role-playing game
modes = Single player
ratings =
platforms = Microsoft Windows
media = 2 CD-ROMs
requirements = 166 MHz processor, 32 MB RAM, 1 MB video card
input = Keyboard, mouse

"Return to Krondor" is a computer role-playing game set in Raymond Feist's fictional fantasy setting of Midkemia. A sequel to 1993's "Betrayal at Krondor", it was released for Windows 95 on the PC in time for the 1998 Christmas season. Within the game, the player commands a group of heroes with different attributes, strengths, and weaknesses which the player may upgrade over the course of the game.

Feist later wrote a novelization of this game, entitled '. It is the third part of his "Riftwar Legacy" trilogy; the first part of which was a novelization of "Betrayal at Krondor" entitled '. The game was originally being developed by 7th Level, but it was finished by Pyrotechnix, a game developer they acquired and later sold to Sierra On-Line while the game was in development.

Gameplay

Starting in the city of Krondor and eventually venturing out into other specific parts of the "Midkemia" world, the game focuses on battling humans and evil creatures of various kinds. Although the story is very linear in nature, the game offers a range of possibilities while the player is adventuring in Krondor. While the computer graphics of the game is now visually outdated by games like the plotwise very similar "", the game featured some unique or rarely seen features at the time of release, including elaborate alchemy and thieving. Using alchemical equipment, it is possible to brew custom potions from a variety of ingredients. In order to open locked or trapped chests and doors, a simulation of the process of disarming and lockpicking is initiated. Facing a variety of different mechanisms, it is necessary to pick the right lockpicking tools and then use them with care, simulated by carefully timed mouse clicking.

Characters

*James is the player character in the game. He is a thief who has become a squire by favor of Arutha, Prince of Krondor.
*Jazhara is a mage from a distant, Middle-Eastern-inspired land called Kesh.
*William is a fighter.
*Kendaric is both a mage and an alchemist.
*Solon is a priest using divine magic and a body that blocks all blows.

Development history

Dynamix, 7th Level, Pyrotechnix, Sierra

External links

* [http://www.gamespot.com/pc/rpg/returntokrondor/review.html 1998 Gamespot Review]
* [http://nealhallford.com Website of Neal Hallford, original writer and designer on "Return to Krondor"]
* [http://chazzle.tripod.com/rtklinks.html? chazzle.tripod.com]