Ixamyakxim: The game was fairly long but never really dragged on. I think I saw somewhere an absurd number (maybe even on the game page here?) of something like 60+ hours? It's NOT that - but it's long. I think I played it for a month plus running, and it's certainly longer than a 20 hour game, maybe even hitting that 30 - 40 hour? Wish I could remember more - I'll edit this and check my save game - maybe it records playtime.

Ixamyakxim: I haven't played Darklands (For shame! Despite considering myself a serious "golden age gamer" I had never heard of this one before here - and I have to admit I have a "baseline" when it comes to visuals. I don't need flashy, gorgeous visuals... but I have to be able to look at the game and enjoy it for long periods and Darklands falls below this threshhold. Unfortunately, Starflight does as well - a few oldies but goodies I think otherwise I'd love to play, but won't LOL).

I imagine, however Eisenwald shares a lot in common with the setting and feeling of living in a real world. Beyond that, my gut says that while the story, "puzzles" and rumor hunting and text questing of Eisenwald would fall a bit short of Darklands. Do I think Eisenwald will be a much loved forgotten gem / pseudo classic a few years from now? Yup, I sure do. Do I think it will be regarded as "one of the best, EVER" - no, sorry - and that is NO KNOCK on Eisenwald at all.

And to all comparing this game to HoMM - I really have to dissuade that. The overland map and troop management may seem to lend that comparision. But the tactics of combat play out differently and the game really is much more RPG than it is "4X" / Civ / empire building. Occupying towns is needed to garrison areas and establish a foothold and ESPECIALLY for gold generation but beyond that it's more about capturing for story advancement.

Text Doc Compiled... rolling of die imminent... FiercePuppy are you in? I'll add you to the list - if you come up first I'll roll a second just in case you weren't in but I'll PM you before announcing results.

XYCat: In Darklands you more or less make your own story. I mean the whole thing starts with a party of four deciding to go adventuring. That's it. You get dropped off in a completely random town and you're looking for stuff to do.

drealmer7: Nice! It also takes me longer to finish games than average, and I like a long game with some meat, so it's good to hear, thanks for bringing the game to my attention and for hosting the GA!