Summary

• Release Year: 1989
• Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Turn-based strategy (TBS)
• Platforms: Amiga, Apple II, Atari ST/STE, Commodore C64/128/MAX, DOS, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
• Developers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)
• Publishers: SSI (Strategic Simulations, Inc.)

Curse of the Azure Bonds: A Forgotten Realms Classic

Released in 1989, Curse of the Azure Bonds is a classic dungeon crawl adventure game based on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons ruleset. Developed by Strategic Simulations, Inc. and published by SSI, the game is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting and follows a group of adventurers who have been cursed with magical bonds that threaten to control their actions.

The game begins in the frontier town of Tilverton, where the player characters are ambushed and captured by a group of orcs. The orcs brand the characters with five magical bonds, each of which represents a different element (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). These bonds have dangerous magical powers that can take control of the characters’ actions, forcing them to attack their allies or even commit suicide.

The characters’ quest in Curse of the Azure Bonds is to search the Realms for the source of the bonds and rid themselves of the bonds’ terrible curse. This journey will take them across the Dalelands, through the Underdark, and into the heart of the Shadowfell. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including deadly traps, powerful monsters, and cunning villains.

One of the things that makes Curse of the Azure Bonds so memorable is its strong cast of characters. The player characters are all well-developed and have their own unique motivations and backstories. The non-player characters are also well-written and add depth to the game world.

Another highlight of the game is its combat system. Curse of the Azure Bonds uses a turn-based combat system that is both challenging and rewarding. Players must carefully consider their actions and use their characters’ abilities strategically in order to succeed.

The game’s graphics are also impressive for the time. Curse of the Azure Bonds uses a 3D engine to create a detailed and immersive world. The character models are well-animated and the environments are lush and varied.

Overall, Curse of the Azure Bonds is a classic adventure game that still holds up today. With its engaging story, challenging combat, and memorable characters, it’s a must-play for any fan of DnD or RPGs in general.

Gameplay

Curse of the Azure Bonds is a dungeon crawl adventure game played from a first-person perspective. The player controls a party of up to six characters, each of whom has their own unique abilities and skills. The party travels through a variety of environments, fighting monsters, solving puzzles, and completing quests.

The game’s combat system is turn-based, with each character taking their turn to move, attack, or cast spells. Characters can attack with a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, bows, and crossbows. They can also cast spells from a variety of schools of magic, including evocation, alteration, and necromancy.

Curse of the Azure Bonds also features a number of puzzles that must be solved in order to progress through the game. These puzzles can be challenging, but they are also fair and logical.

Setting

Curse of the Azure Bonds is set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, which is one of the most popular and well-developed campaign settings for Dungeons & Dragons. The game takes place in the Dalelands, a region of the Forgotten Realms that is known for its rolling hills, dense forests, and ancient ruins.

The Dalelands are home to a variety of human and non-human races, including dwarves, elves, and halflings. The region is also home to a number of powerful monsters, including orcs, goblins, and dragons.

Characters

The player characters in Curse of the Azure Bonds are all experienced adventurers who have been ambushed and captured by a group of orcs. The orcs brand the characters with five magical bonds, each of which represents a different element (earth, air, fire, water, and spirit). These bonds have dangerous magical powers that can take control of the characters’ actions, forcing them to attack their allies or even commit suicide.

The player characters must work together to find the source of the bonds and rid themselves of the bonds’ terrible curse. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of challenges, including deadly traps, powerful monsters, and cunning villains.

Reception

Curse of the Azure Bonds was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its strong story, challenging combat, and memorable characters. It was also praised for its innovative use of the Forgotten Realms campaign setting.

Curse of the Azure Bonds has been consistently ranked as one of the best Dungeons & Dragons video games ever made. It was inducted into the Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts & Design’s Hall of Fame in 2004.

Legacy

Curse of the Azure Bonds has had a significant impact on the Dungeons & Dragons video game franchise. The game’s success helped to establish SSI as a leading developer of Dungeons & Dragons video games. It also helped to popularize the Forgotten Realms campaign setting, which has been used in numerous Dungeons & Dragons video games and novels.

Curse of the Azure Bonds is still played and enjoyed by fans today. The game is available for purchase on GOG.com and Steam.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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