Mageslayer is of the dungeon genre, featuring Ravengames’ (originally Raven Software) first attempt at a top-down shooter style videogame. The game contains fast-paced, action-packed levels with times of intense close combat.
One of the game’s best features is class selection. Instead of the boring D&D usual classes, players can choose from 4 original classes. These include the Arch-Demon, the Warlock, the Inquisitor, and the Earthlord; each with a host of different skills and attributes. Each class specializes in a sub-category of magic (i.e. Earthlord = earth, inquisitor = holy… etc.
). This adds a lot to the games overall flavor, allowing players to pick and try out these original classes.
Game play can be very fast pace, but usually comes up just short of button mashing. Players must decide when to use spells, regular attacks, or special attacks when facing the enemy. Ravengames did an excellent job in keeping the game intense, while shying away from a sheer bloodbath and the boredom that comes along with that.
Characters ‘level up’ their spells by reaching icons hidden around the map, and maximum life and spell power (mana) are leveled through the amount of creatures the player has done in. In playing this game, you can tell it fuelled further games such as Diablo I and II, Hexen, and several others
later to come in the genre.
The game also presents a large variety of individualized actions and movements not usually seen in dungeon games. For example, the player can zoom in, jump over objects and enemies, use many different items, and look around all while just using the keyboard (and mouse if you want to). Unfortunately, it does become a bit of a pain when an enemy shifts past your guard in your attempts to maneuver yourself to face him, but that only adds to the challenge in the game.
Creatures in the game start out small, as mutant rat creatures, and begin to evolve into full fledged demons, wizards, and witches as the game progresses. This created a lot of enjoyment in game play by simply wondering, “What could possibly be next?” (ok, well usually it’s eerie and demonic but nevertheless, eye appealing). Combined with a pleasant use of a semi 3-D environment, Mageslayer is a feast for the eyes, a struggle for wits, and a battle for courage.
