Summary
- Release Year: 1987
- Genres: Adventure, Strategy
- Platforms: Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum
- Developers: Maelstrom Games Ltd
- Publishers: Firebird
Dark Sceptre (1987)
Dark Sceptre is a real-time strategy game released in 1987 for the Commodore Amiga and Atari ST. The game was developed by British studio Incentive Software and published by Psygnosis. Dark Sceptre is notable for its innovative gameplay, which combines real-time action with strategic planning.
The player takes control of a company of warriors and must guide them through a series of missions, the ultimate goal being to recover the eponymous Dark Sceptre. The game world is presented in a side-scrolling perspective, and the player can switch between controlling different warriors at any time. Each warrior has their own unique abilities and strengths, and the player must use them wisely to overcome the many challenges the game throws their way.
Dark Sceptre is a challenging game, but it is also very rewarding. The game’s AI is top-notch, and the player will need to use all of their strategic skills to succeed. Dark Sceptre is a must-play for fans of real-time strategy games, and it is still considered one of the best games of its era.
Gameplay
Dark Sceptre is played in real-time, with the player pausing the game to issue commands to their warriors. Commands are selected from a menu screen and range from character-targeting actions such as KILL, AVOID, BRIBE, or STALK, object-related actions like SEEK, TAKE, USE, or location-based actions like DEFEND or ROAM.
The player’s warriors have a variety of abilities, and the player must use them wisely to overcome the many challenges the game throws their way. For example, Thanes can lead other warriors, Mystics can cast spells, Heralds can communicate with other factions, Savages can fight hand-to-hand, and Assassins can kill enemy warriors silently.
The game world is large and complex, and the player will need to explore it carefully to find the Dark Sceptre. Along the way, they will encounter a variety of enemies, including other warrior companies, monsters, and even the forces of nature.
Development
Dark Sceptre was developed by British studio Incentive Software. The game was designed by Mike Singleton, who is also known for his work on the classic strategy game Lords of Midnight. Dark Sceptre was one of the first real-time strategy games, and it was a major critical and commercial success.
The game was ported to the Atari ST in 1988, and to the PC in 1990. The PC version was published by Microprose, and it was a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies.
Reception
Dark Sceptre was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its challenging AI, and its large and complex game world. Dark Sceptre was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
The game has been praised by many critics as one of the best real-time strategy games ever made. In 1991, Computer Gaming World magazine named Dark Sceptre the 11th-best computer game of all time.
Legacy
Dark Sceptre is a classic real-time strategy game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging AI, and large and complex game world have made it a timeless classic. Dark Sceptre is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it is still considered one of the best games of its era.
Tips for Playing Dark Sceptre
Here are a few tips for playing Dark Sceptre:
- Use your warriors’ abilities wisely. Each warrior has their own unique abilities, and you will need to use them wisely to overcome the many challenges the game throws your way.
- Explore the game world carefully. The game world is large and complex, and you will need to explore it carefully to find the Dark Sceptre.
- Be prepared for anything. You will encounter a variety of enemies in Dark Sceptre, so be prepared for anything.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment. There is no one right way to play Dark Sceptre. Experiment with different strategies and see what works best for you.
Conclusion
Dark Sceptre is a classic real-time strategy game that is still enjoyed by gamers today. The game’s innovative gameplay, challenging AI, and large and complex game world have made it a timeless classic. Dark Sceptre is a must-play for fans of the genre, and it is still considered one of the best games of its era.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
