Lands of Lore: Guardians of Destiny

The Good
Ever since switching to PC platform, I let Westwood be my guide towards the unforeseeable future. Basically, that summed up to real-time strategy genre. But being great as they are, main menu almost always featured some sneak peaks of their other titles, and so, Lands of Lore: Guardians of Destiny was spotted. Never being too keen on any type of role-playing games I was reluctant to give it a try at first, but the better side of me pleaded to give it a go. If words could only describe, it was a priceless journey.

Due to coming out in late 1997, graphic was still pixelized as it was the dawn of new age set by the graphics accelerators (though WS released support for some general cards soon after, the game was plenty rewarding even without it). But neglecting the fact this game was roughly four years under development, it was bound to keep something from forgotten age. On the other side, it was to be expected that details stretch above and beyond anyone's imagination. Worlds are so beautiful and rich to explore you never know what you'll see next, who you'll encounter, and what all can you interact with.

Cinematics are breathtaking and literally priceless, as is the soundtrack which was elevated to a whole new sphere of enjoyment with new age style and dynamic music change. 'Tis the first time WS brought another composer to make the music even more versatile. David and Frank did a pretty mighty duo considering music composition which was just as glorious in the trilogy's finale.

Live actors did great job, if sometimes funny, and along with pre-rendered characters and beasts it was something pretty original at such a quality. The main character was amazing. Not only was he funny (I remember I couldn't believe as he was whistling all the way down in that elevator, lol) but put quite a nice performance being either good or bad, aurally and visually via facial expressions. Oh, and that Dawn (Paige Rowland), she's something alright ;))

The story is awesome putting you in a role of Scotia's son, Luther, who was imprisoned only for the crimes of her mother. Still, she left him a gift (or a curse) which contains immense power but makes him shift into lizard or a beast at random, at least until you learn how to control that curse. And everyone seems to be in the game to get it... goodguys and badguys equally and it's pretty hard to set the limits of trust, giving you the possibility to be good or real bad which will eventually affect the ending.

The Bad
Out of the three, this was the best LoL game, imho, and the only one to be just perfectly balanced, although final battle seems a bit mysterious to say the least.

The Bottom Line
From box cover design to complete game interior, this game is a sight for all the senses. Intriguing to explore while following immense and captivating story until the end, this is an experience that very few RPGs can compete with.