King's Bounty

That last point - the password system - is an appropriate metaphor for King's Bounty's flaws (sticky note version: "everything but gameplay & control"), since I not only still completed what a broken password system ought to prevent, which is the game, but also enjoyed it more than, say, Chrono Trigger or Ogre Battle in the process. And while some may decry a comparison to those venerated titles, may I suggest that you know you've got a solid product on your hands when it can't even fail convincingly? I keep remembering the words of Prince Barrowpine, in the plot summary that comes packaged with the game: "Really Magus, you shouldn't go around destroying my illusions like that." Wise words for a critic, Prince, though I am unable to take them to heart.

The game's four continents had randomly generated treasure locations and recruit placements, so it offered near limitless replay value, but also a long freakin' password system. King's Bounty sits atop the 16-bit strategy throne, and is just as addictive as ever.

Until this day, King's Bounty remains one of my favorite games. Offering rather limited gameplay but enormous replay value, the game has never left my hard drive, ever since I have gotten it in the 1980s.

What about the graphics? Well, let us not forget how old this game is … and although the most popular colour in the game is Ultra Green, some of the scenes and backgrounds are incredibly well-made and a real treat to watch. The sound is average, but the gameplay is EXCELLENT and more than makes up for the sound quality! So if you are a fan of Heroes of Might & Magic and want to see where it all began, or if you simply like old games … this is the game for you.

King's Bounty is a decidedly different sort of role-playing game. Its unusual money system based on a weekly salary, its self-mapping features, the contract-based bounty system and the large armies yield a game with a lot of depth. However, unlike many role-playing games, this one is more a treasure hunt than an unfolding story.

Un jeu qui m'a vraiment marqué, ce n’est pas hyper beau, mais sur le plan stratégique c'est varié, au niveau du challenge c'est sympa et puis les jeux de ce genre ne sont pas vraiment légion sur console. Je le recommande très chaleureusement si vous appréciez la stratégie au tour par tour ou si vous êtes fan de la série Heroes of might and magic. Sus au sceptre et mort au Vilains !!!!

A few minor complaints: the most significant was the terrible music that plays over and over. Fortunately, that can be shut off. I found that King's Bounty was best played with the TV turned down and the stereo turned up. The graphics won't blow you away either, but overall, they work well with the theme. Also be aware that this is a "password save" game, and the password is 56 characters long. Unless you plan to play in long sessions, this becomes quite a nuisance. Overall, though, this is a complex (but not complicated) adventure that will keep you thinking for a long, long time.

I thought this was going to be an average RPG, but in fact it's not at all bad. I especially like the straightforward combat system, and though the graphics are hardly likely to win any awards, they do convey all the information. I'm not sure that this will sell too well (considering the hefty price tag), but I like it anyway. The only thing you should watch out for is the compatibility problem with Japanese Megadrives, so think twice before buying if you don't own an official machine.

Aber hoppla, was ist denn das? Wer von New World Computing ein neues Rollenspiel im "Might & Magic"-Stil erwartet, wird ganz schön überrascht. Nach anfänglicher Skepsis über das Gebräu aus Rollenspiel, Taktikelementen und ein bißchen Action hat mich "Kings Bounty" nach einigen Spielesitzungen kalt erwischt. Nächtelanges Suchen nach dem verlorenen Zepter waren die Folge. Neben den, unter EGA und VGA, bunten und animierten Grafiken sorgt das Rekrutieren der Monstertruppen (endlich ein paar Drachen in der Armee) und das taktische Kampfsystem für Abwechslung im Rollenspieleinerlei. Zwar stehen dem eigenen Charakter nur eine Handvoll verschiedener Gegenstände zur Verfügung, aber fast zwei Dutzend zu lernende Zaubersprüche machen dieses Manko wieder wett. Einziger Knackpunkt: Mit viel Glück kann man Kings Bounty schon in einer guten Stunde lösen. Danach fängt man aber gerne wieder von vorne an, weil der Spieler noch lange nicht alles vom Programm gesehen hat.

Das etwas ungewöhnliche Strategie- und Rollenspielgemisch beim Fantasy-Modul "King's Bounty" hinterläßt auch auf dem Mega Drive einen angenehmen Eindruck. Ihr steuert einen Helden auf der Suche nach einem magischen Zepter durch Fantasy-Ländereien, rekrutiert Monster, sammelt Schätze und löst kleinere Aufträge.