Eye of the Beholder 2 represented a landmark in modern RPGs. Up until this point, games had been limited to either text-based or isometric "2D" graphics, with both requiring heavy amounts of imagination for good gameplay. Then came this series.
EOTB 1 was a huge step forward, with impressive "3D" graphics, in the style of Dungeon Master. It was, however, too complicated, with an almost impossible last fight if you hadn't followed the exact storyline as a good character. EOTB 3 proved to be far too expansive, with a complex set of maps and odd character design.
Eye of the Beholder 2 represented a landmark in modern RPGs. Up until this point, games had been limited to either text-based or isometric "2D" graphics, with both requiring heavy amounts of imagination for good gameplay. Then came this series.
EOTB 1 was a huge step forward, with impressive "3D" graphics, in the style of Dungeon Master. It was, however, too complicated, with an almost impossible last fight if you hadn't followed the exact storyline as a good character. EOTB 3 proved to be far too expansive, with a complex set of maps and odd character design. EOTB 2 was perfection.
In one fell swoop, the designers managed to create the perfect RPG. Starting with a party of 4 that could be of any make-up
of your choice, you start in the woods, and from there move through 4 towers, a dungeon, catacomb, and then finally up to the "dragon's" lair, so to speak. NPCs were common throughout the game, allowing modification of your original party, with a limit of 6 party members by the end. Fighting, as previously in EOTB 1, consisted of right-clicking the weapon in the hand of your chosen fighter, spells from mages or clerics, or potions for a range of effects. The monsters, too, were varied a lot more in this game, with it starting with just wolves and clerics, before progressing on to mighty ice-giants and basilisks. Puzzles were spread and out and surprisingly varied, considering that most are actually just bringing a certain item from one place to another, disguised and requiring a surprising amount of thought.
Experience is gained either from these puzzles or from fights, allowing leveling up and increased hit points and spells at your disposal. There are a number of drawbacks with the game however. Firstly, the game is a little slow, both in terms of leveling up and moving around levels, but this is not a complete setback, as it is a roleplaying game. Another problem is the lack of a map, which, in the modern days of self-mapping games, is very annoying, thus requiring either a good memory over the 15+ levels, or a large wad of paper and pencil to draw out where you are going.
Minor setbacks aside, this game is excellent. It was made about 5 years ahead of it's time and badly needs a modern sequel, with new graphics and characters.
