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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 0:28:04 GMT -5
Post by derboo on Feb 4, 2016 0:28:04 GMT -5
www.hardcoregaming101.net/albion/albion.htmA sci-fi fantasy RPG made by demoscene veterans that combines elements of both Western and Japanese genre conventions, with a great setting on a fascinating alien planet but somewhat tiring gameplay.
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 4:52:38 GMT -5
Post by Sac (a.k.a Icaras) on Feb 4, 2016 4:52:38 GMT -5
I recall having a demo of this game some time back, that gave a decent amount of game play. I think it cut off when you arrive on the 1st planet, tho I can't remember if the demo stopped there or if it just started to crash, heh. This is a game I've been meaning to give a full play to for ages, I really should track it down some time. BTW: just looking at the main screenshot, the graphics scream "AMIGA!" to me, heh ' edit: oh the articles notes the game is on GoG? Noice!
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 6:20:10 GMT -5
Post by TΛPETRVE on Feb 4, 2016 6:20:10 GMT -5
I think I remember the game mostly for how fucking uncanny valley those cat people were . Seriously, they look like Bill the Cat from Bloom County.
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 9:13:38 GMT -5
Post by Gendo Ikari on Feb 4, 2016 9:13:38 GMT -5
I've waited for years to see this on HG101! And the article is spot-on on everything, including the similarities with Avatar (but Cameron's movie never was a paradigm of originality anyway) and the long fighting and grinding sessions, which can make especially the central part of the game extremely slow. The 3D engine is also much more problematic in "natural" environments like caves, although the general art direction (I especially like the colors) is consistently good. However, I think the last third or so is worth the previous slog; the Kenget Kamulos dungeon is awesome because it's really long, complex and challenging (of course, you must get in prepared). I also liked that you can't play hoarder - even every single coin has a weight, so at times I was forced to literally throw money away. Strenght-enhancing accessories will probably become some of the most sought items. And despite the heavy-handed ecologism the plot was really interesting in explaining the origins of the civilizations on Albion and the different philosophies about life and death of the populations.
The article misses a character, Harriet, a mage that takes Rainer's place in the party; she can use some teleports on the game world and a later spell of hers is devastating, consumes a lot of spell points but by then you should be well stocked with potions.
The Iskai characters are overpowered compared to the others, and are also convenient to put in the lead as they see better in darkness, to the point you can save a lot of torches this way; it's evident the developers really liked that race, as it receives a lot of characterization.
A nasty oversight from the devs, at the end of Kenget Kamulos, can screw the game: Sira's Fungification spell literally dissolves the enemy if it's the killing blow. This can be done with the boss there too... Who has one of the objects needed to finish the game, which is then not dropped. Whoops indeed.
Still, it's one of the few old CRPGs I really enjoyed, probably because it manages a good average between accessibility and complexity.
Seems to maintain a small but dedicated fanbase in its native Germany, at least a few years ago I found websites with P&P campaigns and characters based on the game's world.
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 9:43:57 GMT -5
Post by tadabola on Feb 4, 2016 9:43:57 GMT -5
I would love to know more about the story of this game, is there a place with a overview or something?
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 10:19:23 GMT -5
Post by elektrolurch on Feb 4, 2016 10:19:23 GMT -5
I always thought this one felt more than an amiga than a DOS game, know I have an idea why, thank you. Like many amiga RPGS of the 90ies, it is fantastic to look at, sounds great-but is not so much fun to play. I never got far in it but i love it anyway for what it is.
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 11:33:46 GMT -5
Post by Maciej Miszczyk on Feb 4, 2016 11:33:46 GMT -5
The article misses a character, Harriet, a mage that takes Rainer's place in the party; she can use some teleports on the game world and a later spell of hers is devastating, consumes a lot of spell points but by then you should be well stocked with potions. damn, you're right. I prepared a portrait but somehow forgot about writing a bio. I would love to know more about the story of this game, is there a place with a overview or something? here's one. spoilers, obviously.
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Albion
Feb 4, 2016 19:02:18 GMT -5
Post by tadabola on Feb 4, 2016 19:02:18 GMT -5
Thanks Maciej Miszczyk !!!
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Albion
Feb 5, 2016 2:48:55 GMT -5
Post by personman on Feb 5, 2016 2:48:55 GMT -5
I remember someone linking a video about this one right around when I began to post here. I thought it looked real interesting because it just screams 90s so much. The whole theme of colorful yet darkly themed whimsy seems to be a thing that hasn't been around for awhile right? Bummed to hear its so grindy though, sounds like it could give Phantasy Star 2 a run for its money. Still though I think I'm going to keep it on my GOG wishlist because its just seems so odd structure wise, like a jrpg designed by westerners. Only other time I can think of that happening (and being legitimately published) is with that one DS game Black Sigil.
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