Darkstone ships

Delphine Software International’s Darkstone Action Role-Playing Game Hits Stores Nationwide Gathering of Developers Ships Diablo-style 3D Action Role-Playing Game Featuring 22 Quests, Eight Characters and Seamless 3D World Dallas, TX, July 26, 1999 - Developer Delphine Software International, the makers of Fade to Black, Flashback & Moto Racer Series, today announced the nationwide release of Darkstone, a Diablo-style action role-playing computer game. Darkstone touts 22 adventurous scenario-led quests, dual character control, endless replayablity, seamless full 3D environments and real-time lighting. Darkstone was published in the U.S. by developer-driven computer and video game publisher Gathering of Developers and is available for .95 "It’s been both a challenge and a joy for us to produce Darkstone, an intricate game that incorporates our favorite RPG elements with a dynamic universe and ever-changing quests," said Denis Mercier, Delphine Software. “Players will be able to experience our enthusiasm for Darkstone through its gameplay and highly detailed world.” In pure heroic fantasy tradition, Darkstone immerses gamers into a medieval world in pursuit of seven magical crystals to empower a mystical orb. Attaining the crystals empowers a mystical orb essential to the ultimate defeat of Draak, the evil horrific dragon that is attempting to annihilate the world’s population. To reach this goal, players must solve scenario-led quests that mix action and adventure experiences with emotion, reflection, and depth. Through 32 unique dungeons, players confront monsters and creatures such as lizardmen, poisonous scorpions, and vampires, as well as underworld bosses like the Prince of Darkness. “We’re getting a tremendous press and retail response to Darkstone, “ said Mike Wilson, CEO of the Gathering. “This game is definitely going to keep RPG fans busy for a long time.” In Darkstone, players simultaneously control two heroes on their gothic journey. Gamers can assume either the female or male role of a knight, magician, thief or priest, for a total of eight interchangeable characters. These characters have several skills, such as concentration, trade and metamorphosis, with ranging levels of expertise. Gamers are challenged to develop and manage their characters’ attributes, in terms of food, rest, and resistance. Through combat and allocated level points, characters evolve and gain skills and experience to aid them in their quests. Each time a new game is started, the gamer plays through eight randomly chosen quests from the game’s 22 quests. Darkstone’s Quest Generator ensures that every time a game is played, the quests, enemies and objects differ. Darkstone’s features include: 100 different enemies based on 30 creature types such as spiders, skeleton captains and a Medusa. 22 types of weapons including hammers and two-handed swords to ward off diabolical enemies. 22 character-oriented skills such as the Magician’s ability to detect magical objects. 32 spells such as language, which allows players to decrypt chat messages during multi-player games, and transformations to cast upon evil creatures and opponents. Night mode in the second half of the game to test gamers’ nocturnal skills. Full camera control (orientation and zoom) and three starting-point options, giving players a great deal of control over how they view the game. Simultaneous control of two characters with the option to set the secondary character on either offensive or defensive mode. 37 levels to explore. A real-time 3D engine supporting intense particle effects, real-time colored lighting, and transparency effects. Optimization for the Pentium III chip. Ability to team with up to eight players to duel over the Internet or a LAN.