Players start their game by creating a character. The game provides three choices: players may select a pre-made character, create their own,[1]or import characters from previousStrategic SimulationsDungeons & Dragons computer games, such asPool of RadianceandCurse of the Azure Bonds.[2]When creating a character, players may determine the character's race (dwarf, elf, human or gnome),character class(cleric, fighter, magic-user or thief), andalignment. Various characteristics of the new character, such asstrength and intelligence, are assigned a random value by the computer.[3]
There are two aspects to the game:arcadeaction, where the player performs tasks (expressed asmini-games) such as searching for treasure and traveling between locations, andadventure, where the player completes quests.[4]The choice of character class affects the available quests, with three for each class. While the quests need to be completed in a set order, "what you do in your time off is up to you", and thus the player is free to explore other aspects of the game.[1]
The game is presented in three modes. When traveling, the scene is presented using a side-on view; once in the town of Hillsfar, the game converts to a "bird's-eye view" of the map; afirst-person perspectiveis employed within the caves. Interaction is handled through what Leslie Eiser ofCompute!magazine described as a "bump interface", which allows the player to trigger interaction with objects by bumping into them.[5]
Plot
The game takes place in the fictional town of Hillsfar. There are guilds for each class; Fighter, Cleric, Mage, and Thief. Depending on the class chosen by the player during their character's creation, the player must go to the appropriate guildmaster, who assigns them several missions. Upon completing all missions issued by the guildmaster, they will increase the player's gold andexperience points, and the character then retires.