Iron & Blood: Warriors of Ravenloft

Iron & Blood: Warriors of Ravenloft is a 3D fighting game set in the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons universe, originally released for PlayStation in 1996. The game, developed by Take-Two and published by Acclaim, was ported to PC in 1997. The game attempts to blend traditional beat-'em-up gameplay with RPG elements in the dark fantasy setting of Ravenloft.

The most distinctive feature of Iron & Blood is its radically different control system compared to traditional fighters like Mortal Kombat or Street Fighter. Instead of complex combo inputs that require precise joystick movements and button sequences, the game opts for simpler, more accessible controls that are easier to learn. This approach divides opinion—some appreciate the clarity and straightforwardness, while others miss the technical execution challenges that define competitive fighters. The system offers a wide selection of attacks and freedom of movement in 3D arenas, though it lacks the precision and depth that fighting game enthusiasts expect.

The character roster is impressively large and diverse, exceeding even what Japanese console fighting games typically offered at the time. Drawing from AD&D lore, you can choose from warriors wielding massive swords, goblins, dwarves, executioners with axes, and various other fantasy archetypes. Each character feels genuinely different in both appearance and fighting style, with unique movesets and weapons that create distinct gameplay experiences. When the hefty executioner swings his cleaver, the impact is visceral and satisfying.

What sets Iron & Blood apart from pure fighters is the campaign mode with RPG progression. Characters gain experience points through battles, allowing you to improve their abilities over time. You can also acquire artifacts that enhance magical powers, adding strategic depth beyond simply mastering combos. This fusion of fighting game and role-playing elements was innovative for 1997, though the execution feels somewhat underdeveloped—the RPG elements are present but shallow compared to those of dedicated role-playing games.

The dark, gothic atmosphere fits the Ravenloft setting perfectly. Gloomy arenas, shadowy environments, and sinister sound design create an appropriately macabre ambiance. The lighting and shadow effects are particularly impressive, adding realistic depth to the 3D environments. The game engine supposedly pushes 225,000 polygons per second, and while visually ambitious, this created significant technical problems on PC at the time of release.

The implementation of control on PC is a bit problematic. Proper 4-button support requires a Gravis Grip controller—keyboard and standard gamepad configurations feel awkward and unresponsive. This is particularly damaging in a fighting game where control precision directly impacts enjoyment. The impossible controls drain much of the fun from the brawling, making even basic actions feel unnecessarily complicated.

The violence and gore are excessive, with pixel blood liberally splashed everywhere. Notably absent are spectacular fatalities or finishing moves that characterized contemporaries like Mortal Kombat.

The campaign mode and experience system add replay value for those willing to invest time, and discovering the nuances of different characters can be rewarding. Given patience, there's genuine fun to be found, particularly for players who appreciate the fantasy setting and aren't hardcore fighting game purists.

Iron & Blood: Warriors of Ravenloft is an ambitious attempt to merge genres. The AD&D license brings name recognition and thematic richness, but doesn't fundamentally transform the fighting game foundation. The innovative control system, large character roster, and RPG progression make it something unique. It's not the best beat-'em-up available, but it's not terrible either—a mediocre fighting game. Worth trying if you are a D&D fan.