Pools of Darkness

Pools of Darkness is the fourth and final chapter of SSI’s Forgotten Realms “Gold Box” saga, and it brings the series full circle. Your party returns to the Moonsea region, where Pool of Radiance began, only to find that a dark god’s forces have struck and the lands you once saved are in grave danger. It’s the biggest, hardest and most epic game in the series.

Gameplay

The core is the familiar Gold Box formula of first-person exploration, party management and turn-based tactical combat on an overhead grid. This time, though, everything is bigger:

• Very high levels: Imported characters from Secret of the Silver Blades reach levels far beyond the earlier games, with the most powerful spells in the series.
• Massive battles: Fights often include huge groups of enemies, powerful demons and mighty spellcasters, so positioning and area spells are crucial.
• Travel beyond the Realms: The campaign takes your party beyond familiar Forgotten Realms locations into stranger, more dangerous places.
• Updated presentation: VGA graphics make it the best-looking game in the Forgotten Realms Gold Box series.

The game expects a seasoned party. A new party can be created, but the game’s real reward is finishing the saga with heroes who have been with you since Phlan.

Verdict

Pools of Darkness is a grand, punishing finale for players who have been through the whole series. It looks better and feels more epic than its predecessors, but its length and its many huge battles can wear down even dedicated fans.