Dark Sun: Shattered Lands

Dark Sun: Shattered Lands is a computer RPG set in the AD&D universe, created by Strategic Simulations Inc in 1993 for DOS only.

Being based on the AD&D campaign known as Dark Sun, it is set in the desert world of Athas. In this hot and desolate land, not much is flourishing. You and your companions are stuck in the life of gladiators, so of course, you need to get out of there. You start by creating your party of 4 either manually or have the computer generate a team randomly. There are multiple classes to choose from, including classics ones like Thief and Fighter and interesting ones like Psionicist and Preserver, among others. You can even pick Gladiator if you’re feeling ironic. There are also several exotic races to try out. The game itself plays pretty openly, and you can explore the world in any order after completing the introductory sections.

Your final goal will be convincing the neighboring towns to work together to overthrow the evil Wizards who have destroyed Athas.

Shattered Lands uses a point-and-click interface, a top-down view, and offers multiple types of responses to conversations with NPCs. Unlike previous SSI games, it doesn't use the so-called Gold Box engine, which means it has a gameplay much more based on role-playing and exploration (not just dungeon crawling).

Combat is turn-based, and it's one of the best aspects of the game since it requires strategy and tactics. You will have to manage your party very well if you want to win the most difficult battles.

Dark Sun: Shattered Lands did well upon release, even making it to number 3 in PC Data’s computer game sales chart in October of ‘93. It even went head to head against Betrayal at Krondor for the title of the RPG game of the year in 1994, ultimately being beaten out.

Anyway, with a deep story, plenty of spells and stats, and superb implementation of the Dark Sun AD&D settings, this is a game that every RPG fan cannot miss. A sequel was done the following year titled Dark Sun: Wake of the Ravager.