Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Heroes of the Lance

Heroes of the Lance is a 1988 action game based on the Dragonlance setting of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. It was published by SSI and US Gold for home computers and later for the NES and Master System. It’s based on the Dragons of Despair module and the novel Dragons of Autumn Twilight.

The eight Heroes of the Lance travel to the ruined city of Xak Tsaroth to recover the Disks of Mishakal from the black dragon Khisanth.

Gameplay

Heroes of the Lance is a side-scrolling action game, not a traditional RPG, but it uses D&D statistics from the rulebooks.

• Eight heroes: Only one hero is on screen at a time; when they fall, the next steps in.
• Special abilities: Some heroes cast spells or heal.
• Combat: Swordplay and spellcasting against draconians and monsters.
• Exploration: Find your way through the ruins.

The graphics were impressive for the time, with large, detailed sprites. The controls are awkward, and combat is clunky.

Verdict

Heroes of the Lance is a fascinating but flawed licensed game. Its graphics and Dragonlance setting appeal, but its controls and design are frustrating. It sold over 88,000 copies in North America and was followed by Dragons of Flame.