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{{good article}} {{See also|Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor}} {{Infobox VG | width = | title = Pool of Radiance | collapsible = | state = | show image = | image = Pool of Radiance Coverart.png | caption = Commodore version of the box cover for the game | aspect ratio = | resolution = | developer = [[Strategic Simulations, Inc.]] | publisher = Strategic Simulations, Inc.<br />[[Pony Canyon]] (Japan) | distributor = [[Electronic Arts]]<ref name="Dragon143">{{cite journal | title=The Role of Computers | author=Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser | journal=Dragon | issue=143 | date=March 1989 | pages=76–78}}</ref> | series = | engine = [[Gold Box]] | version = | released = 1988<br />1992 (NES) | genre = [[Computer role-playing game|Role-playing game]], [[Tactical role-playing game|Tactical RPG]] | modes = [[Single player]] | ratings = | platforms = [[Amiga]], [[Apple II family|Apple II]], [[Commodore 64|C64]], [[MS-DOS]], [[Apple Macintosh]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[PC-9800]] | media = 3½" and 5¼" [[floppy disk]], NES cartridge | requirements = | input = }} '''''Pool of Radiance''''' is a [[computer role-playing game]] developed and published by [[Strategic Simulations, Inc]] (SSI) in 1988. It was the first adaptation of [[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]'s ''[[Editions of Dungeons & Dragons#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' (''AD&D'' or ''D&D'') [[fantasy]] [[role-playing game]] for home computers. It is the first in a four-part series of ''D&D'' computer adventure games. The other games in the "[[Gold Box]]" series used the [[game engine]] pioneered in ''Pool of Radiance'', as did later ''D&D'' titles such as the ''[[Neverwinter Nights (AOL game)|Neverwinter Nights]]'' online game. ''Pool of Radiance'' takes place in the [[Forgotten Realms]] setting, with the action centered in and around the city of [[Phlan]]. Just as in traditional ''D&D'' games, the player starts by building a [[Party (role playing games)|party]] of up to six [[Player character|characters]], deciding race, sex, class and [[Statistic (role-playing games)|ability scores]] for each. The player's party is enlisted to help the city by clearing out the marauding inhabitants which have taken over. The characters move on from one area to another, ultimately confronting the powerful leader of the evil forces. During play the player characters gain [[experience point]]s, which allow them to increase their capabilities. The game primarily uses a first-person perspective, with the screen divided into sections to display pertinent textual information. During combat sequences, display switches to a top-down perspective. Generally well received by the gaming press, ''Pool of Radiance'' won the [[Origins Award]] for "Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Computer Game of 1988". Some reviewers criticized the game's similarities to other contemporary games and its slowness in places, but praised the game's graphics and its role-playing adventure and combat aspects. Also well-regarded was the ability to export player characters from ''Pool of Radiance'' to subsequent SSI games in the series. ==Gameplay== ''Pool of Radiance'' is based on the same game mechanics as the ''[[Editions of Dungeons & Dragons#Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|Advanced Dungeons & Dragons]]'' rule set.<ref name="gmmag" /> As in many role-playing games (RPGs), each [[player character]] in ''Pool of Radiance'' has a [[character race (Dungeons & Dragons)|character race]] and a [[character class (Dungeons & Dragons)|character class]], determined at the start of the game. Six races are offered, including [[elf (Dungeons & Dragons)|elves]] and [[halfling]]s, as well as four classes ([[fighter (Dungeons & Dragons)|fighter]], [[cleric (Dungeons & Dragons)|cleric]], [[wizard (Dungeons & Dragons)|wizard]], and [[rogue (Dungeons & Dragons)|thief]]).<ref name="gmmag" /> Non-human characters have the option to become [[Character class (Dungeons & Dragons)#Multi-classing|multi-classed]].<ref name="C+VG" /> During character creation, the computer randomly generates statistics for each character, although the player can alter these attributes.<ref name="AA14" /> The player also chooses each character's [[Alignment (Dungeons & Dragons)|alignment]], or moral philosophy; while the player controls each character's actions, alignment can affect how NPCs view their actions.<ref name="C+VG" /> The player can also customize each character's appearance and clothing.<ref name="gmmag" /> Alternatively, the player can load a pre-generated [[party (role playing games)|party]] to be used for introductory play.<ref name="TGM" /> These characters are combined into a party of six or less, with two slots open for NPCs.<ref name="GameSpotAD&D">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/features/history_add/p4_02.html|title=GameSpot's History of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons|date=|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|accessdate=5 August 2009}}</ref> Players create their own save-game files, assuring character continuation regardless of events in the game. On an [[MS-DOS]] computer, the game can be copied to the hard-disk drive. Other computer systems, such as the [[Commodore 64]], require a separate save-game disk.<ref name="Dragon143" /> [[File:Pool of radiance panels.png|thumb|300px|Clockwise from upper left: conversation with a dragon; the party in combat; exploring the graveyard; sample character view]] The game's "exploration" mode uses a three-dimensional first-person perspective, with a rectangle in the top left of the screen displaying the party's current view; the rest of the screen displays text information about the party and the area.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> During gameplay, the player accesses menus to allow characters to use objects; trade items with other characters; parley with enemies; buy, sell, and pool the characters' money; cast [[Magic of Dungeons & Dragons|spells]], and learn new magic skills. Players can view characters' movement from different angles, including an aerial view.<ref name="Zzap" /> The game uses three different versions of each [[sprite (computer graphics)|sprite]] to indicate differences between short-, medium-, and long-range encounters.<ref name="HighScore" /> In combat mode, the screen changes to a top-down mode, where the player decides what actions the characters will take in each round. These actions are taken immediately, not after all commands have been issued (as is standard in some RPGs).<ref name="Gamasutra" /> Optionally, the player can let the computer choose character moves for each round.<ref name="Zzap" /> Characters and monsters may make an extra attack on a retreating enemy that moves next to them. If a character's [[hit point]]s (HP) fall below zero, he or she must be bandaged by another character or the character will die.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> The game contains [[random encounter]]s, and game reviewers for ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' magazine observed that random encounters seem to follow standard patterns of encounter tables in pen and paper ''AD&D'' game manuals. They also observed that the depictions of monsters confronting the party "looked as though they had jumped from the pages of the ''Monster Manual''."<ref name="Dragon143" /> Different combat options are available to characters based on class. For example, fighters can wield [[melee weapon|melee]] or [[ranged weapon|ranged]] weapons; magic-users can cast spells; thieves have the option to "back-stab" an opponent by strategically positioning themselves.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> As fighters progress in level, they can attack more than once in a round. Fighters also gain the ability to "sweep" enemies, effectively attacking each nearby low-level creature in the same turn.<ref name="GameSpy" /> Magic-users are allowed to memorize and cast a set number of spells each day. Once cast, a spell must be memorized again before reuse. The process requires hours of inactivity for all characters, during which they rest in a camp; this also restores lost hit points to damaged characters.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> As characters defeat enemies, they gain [[experience point]]s (XP). After gaining enough XP, the characters "train up a level" to become more powerful.<ref name="gmmag" /> This training is purchased in special areas within the city walls.<ref name="C+VG" /> In addition to training, mages can learn new spells by transcribing them from scrolls found in the unsettled areas.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> Defeated enemies in these areas also contain items such as weapons and armor, which characters can sell to city stores.<ref name="Dragon143" /> ==Plot== ===Setting=== ''Pool of Radiance'' takes place in the [[Forgotten Realms]] fantasy world.<ref name="HighScore" /> The main setting is the city of [[Phlan]], located on the northern shore of the [[List of regions in Faerûn#Moonsea|Moonsea]], situated between [[List of Forgotten Realms cities#Zhentil Keep|Zhentil Keep]] and [[List of Forgotten Realms cities#Melvaunt|Melvaunt]]. The party begins in the civilized section of "New Phlan" that is governed by a council. This portion of the city hosts businesses, including shopkeepers who sell holy items for each temple's worshipers, a jewelry shop, and retailers who provide arms and armor. A party can also contract with the clerk of the city council for various commissions; proclamations fastened to the halls within City Hall offer bits of information to aid the party. These coded clues can be deciphered by using the Adventurer's Journal, included with the game.<ref name="Dragon143" /> [[File:Pool of radiance area map.png|right|thumb|Once the party reaches the outer confines of Phlan, they can enter the external environment and move about this map. Phlan is located at the outlet of the river near lower center.]] There are three temples within Phlan, each dedicated to different gods. Each temple can heal those who are wounded, poisoned, or afflicted, and can fully restore deceased comrades for a high price. The party can also visit the hiring hall and hire an experienced NPC adventurer to accompany the party.<ref name="Dragon143" /> Encounters with NPCs in shops and taverns offer valuable information.<ref name="Dillon" /> Listening to gossip in taverns can be helpful to characters, although some tavern tales are false and lead characters into great danger.<ref name="C+VG" /> ===Plot summary=== At the start of the game, the adventurers' ship lands in the ruins of Phlan, and they receive a brief but informative tour of the civilized area.<ref name="GameSpy"/> The city is plagued with a history of invasions and wars and has been overtaken by a huge band of humanoids and other creatures. Characters hear rumors that one controlling force is in charge of these forces.<ref name="Dillon" /> A small settlement of humans is trying to build a new city from the ruins of old Phlan, and are hiring willing adventurers to reclaim the land.<ref name="Dragon133" /> The characters begin a block-by-block quest to rid the ruins of monsters and evil spirits.<ref name="GameSpotAD&D" /> Beyond the ruins of old Phlan, the party enters the slum area—one of two quests immediately available to new parties. This quest requires the clearing of the slum block and allows a new party to quickly earn experience points. The second quest available to new characters is to clear out Sokol Keep, located on Thorn Island.<ref name="Dragon143" /> The island fort was originally a defensive installation for the old city.{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}} This fortified area is inhabited by the undead, which can only be defeated with silver weapons and magic.<ref name="Dragon143" /> The characters' adventure is later expanded to the outlying areas of the Moonsea region.<ref name="GameSpotAD&D" /> Eventually, the player learns that an evil spirit named Tyranthraxus who has possessed an ancient dragon, is at the root of Phlan's problems.<ref name="Gamasutra" /> The characters fight Tyranthraxus the Flamed One in a climactic final battle.<ref name="GameSpotAD&D" /> ==Development== ''Pool of Radiance'' was the first official game based on the ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' rules.<ref name="gmmag" /> The scenario was created by [[TSR, Inc.|TSR]] designers [[Jim Ward (game designer)|Jim Ward]], [[David Cook (game designer)|David Cook]], [[Steve Winter]], and [[Mike Breault]], and coded by programmers from [[Strategic Simulations, Inc]]'s Special Projects team.<ref name="Dragon149">{{cite journal |title=The Envelope, Please! |author=The ''Dragon'' editors |journal=Dragon |issue=149 |date=September 1989 |pages=20–21}}</ref> The section of the ''Forgotten Realms'' world in which ''Pool of Radiance'' takes place was intended to be developed only by SSI.<ref name="Dragon133" /> The game was created on [[Apple II series|Apple II]] and [[Commodore 64]] computers, taking one year with a team of thirty-five people.<ref name="gmmag" /> This game was the first to use the [[game engine]] later used in other SSI D&D games known as the "[[Gold Box]]" series.<ref name="HighScore">{{cite book|last=DeMaria|first=Rusel|coauthors= Johnny L. Wilson|title=[[High Score!: The Illustrated History of Electronic Games]]|publisher=McGraw-Hill Osborne Media|year=2003|page=161|chapter=The Wizardry of Sir-Tech|chapterurl=http://books.google.com/books?id=HJNvZLvpCEQC&pg=PA161#v=onepage&q=&f=false|accessdate=14 July 2009|isbn=0072224282}}</ref><ref name="Allgame">{{cite web|last=Deci|first=T.J.|url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=11666|title=Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance|publisher=[[Allgame]]|accessdate=15 July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | first=Levi | last=Buchanan | date=March 6, 2008 | title=Dungeons & Dragons Classic Videogame Retrospective | publisher=IGN | url=http://retro.ign.com/articles/857/857143p1.html | accessdate=2009-10-08 }}</ref> The SSI team developing the game was led by [[Chuck Kroegel]].<ref name="C+VG" /> Kroegel stated that the main challenge with the development was interpreting the ''AD&D'' rules to an exact format. Developers also worked to balance the graphics with gameplay to provide a faithful ''AD&D'' feel, given the restrictions of a home computer. In addition to the core [[Dungeons & Dragons rulebooks|''AD&D'' manuals]], the books ''[[Unearthed Arcana]]'' and ''[[Monster Manual II]]'' were also used during development.<ref name="gmmag" /> The game was originally programmed by Keith Brors and Brad Myers, and it was developed by George MacDonald.<ref name="MobyGames">{{cite web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/game/c64/pool-of-radiance|title=Pool of Radiance|publisher=[[MobyGames]]|accessdate=15 July 2009}}</ref> The game's graphic arts were by Tom Wahl, Fred Butts, Darla Marasco, and Susan Halbleib.<ref name="MobyGames" /> ''Pool of Radiance'' was released in June 1988;<ref name="Dragon133">{{cite journal |title=The Game Wizards |author=[[Jim Ward (game designer)|Ward, James M.]] |journal=Dragon |issue=133 |date=May 1988 |page=42}}</ref> it was initially available on the Commodore 64, Apple II series and [[IBM PC compatible]] computers.<ref name="Allgame" /> A version for the [[Atari ST]] was also announced.<ref name="TGM" /> The [[Apple Macintosh]] version was released in 1989.<ref name="Allgame" /> The Macintosh version featured a slightly different interface and was intended to work on black-and-white Macs like the [[Mac Plus]] and the [[Macintosh Classic|Mac Classic]]. The screen was tiled into separate windows including the game screen, text console, and compass. Graphics were monochrome and the display window was relatively small compared to other versions. The Macintosh version featured sound, but no music. The game's [[Amiga]] version was released two years later.<ref name="AA14" /> The PC 9800 version 『'''プール・オブ・レイディアンス'''』 in Japan was fully translated (like the Japanese Famicom version) and featured full-color graphics. The game was ported to the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] under the title ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance'', released in April 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.gamespot.com/nes/rpg/advanceddungeonsdpor/index.html|title=Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance|work=gamespot UK}}</ref> The original ''Pool of Radiance'' game shipped with a 28-page introductory booklet, which describes secrets relating to the game and the concepts behind it. The booklet guides players through the character creation process, explaining how to create a party. The game also included the 38-page ''Adventurer's Journal'', which provides the game's background. The booklet features depictions of fliers, maps, and information that characters see in the game.<ref name="C+VG" /> The package also included a translation decoder wheel.<ref name="C+VG" /> After the title screen, a copy protection screen was displayed consisting of two pictures and a line. The player was required to use the decoder wheel to line up the pictures, then enter the word revealed on the decoder wheel. After three unsuccessful attempts, the game automatically shut down. ==Reception== {{VG reviews |rev1=''Amiga Action'' |rev1Score=79%<ref name="AA14" /> |rev2=''[[Commodore User]]'' |rev2Score=9/10<ref name="Dillon" /> |rev3=''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' |rev3Score={{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="Dragon143" /> |rev4=''[[G.M. The Independent Fantasy Roleplaying Magazine|G.M.]]'' |rev4Score=n/a<ref name="gmmag">{{cite journal|journal=[[G.M. the Independent Fantasy Roleplaying Magazine|G.M.]]|publisher=Croftward|issue=1|volume=1|month=September|year=1988|pages= 18–20|title=''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons''}}</ref> |rev5=''[[The Games Machine]]'' |rev5Score=89%<ref name="TGM" /> |rev6=''[[Zzap!64|Zzap]]'' |rev6Score=80%<ref name="Zzap" /> }} ''[[Computer Gaming World]]'' printed a preview of ''Pool of Radiance'' in its July 1988 issue, in which the reviewer noted a sense of ''deja vu''. He described the similarity of the game's screen to earlier computer RPGs. For example, the three-dimensional maze view in the upper-left window was similar to ''[[Might and Magic Book One: The Secret of the Inner Sanctum|Might & Magic]]'' or ''[[The Bard's Tale (1985 video game)|Bard's Tale]]'', both released in the mid-1980s. The window with a listing of characters was featured in 1988's ''[[Wasteland (video game)|Wasteland]]''; and the use of an active character to represent the party was part of ''[[Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny|Ultima V]]''.<ref name="CGW49">{{cite journal |title=Reflections on a "Pool of Radiance" |author=Wilson, Johnny L. |journal=[[Computer Gaming World]] |issue=49 |url=http://cgw.vintagegaming.org/galleries/index.php?year=1988&pub=2&id=49 |date=July 1988 |pages=20–21}}</ref> The reviewer also noted that the design approach for game play was closer to SSI's own ''[[Wizard's Crown]]'' than to the other games in the genre.<ref name="CGW49"/> ''[[G.M. The Independent Fantasy Roleplaying Magazine|G.M.]]'' called the game's graphics "good" and praised its role-playing and combat aspects. They felt that "roleplayers will find ''Pools'' is an essential purchase, but people who are solely computer games oriented may hesitate before buying it [...] it will be their loss".<ref name="gmmag" /> ''Pool of Radiance'' received positive reviews, with Tony Dillon from ''[[Commodore User]]'' giving it a score of 9 out of 10. The only complaint was a slightly slow disk access, but the reviewer was impressed with the game's features, awarding it a ''Commodore User'' superstar and proclaiming it "the best RPG ever to grace the C64, or indeed any other computer".<ref name="Dillon">{{cite journal |last=Dillon |first=Tony |year=1988 |month=October |title=Pool of Radiance |journal=Commodore User |url=http://amr.abime.net/issue_805_pages |pages=34–35 }}</ref> Issue #84 of the British magazine ''[[Computer and Video Games|Computer + Video Games]]'' rated the game highly, saying that "''Pools'' is a game which no role player or adventurer should be without and people new to role playing should seriously consider buying as an introductory guide".<ref name="C+VG">{{cite journal |title=Reviews |author=Wayne |journal=[[Computer and Video Games|Computer + Video Games]] |issue=[http://amr.abime.net/issue_1638_pages 84] |date=October 1988 |pages=18–19, 21 |isbn=0824785029}}</ref> Another UK publication, ''[[The Games Machine]]'', gave the game an 89% rating. The reviewer noted that the third-person arcade style combat view is a great improvement for SSI, as they had traditionally incorporated simplistic graphics in their role-playing games. The reviewer was critical that ''Pool of Radiance'' was not original in its presentation and that the colors were a little drab, but concluded that the game is "classic ''Dungeons & Dragons'' which SSI have recreated excellently".<ref name="TGM">{{cite journal |title=Pool Your Resources |author= |journal=[[The Games Machine]] |issue=12 |date=November 1988 |url=http://amr.abime.net/issue_825_pages |page=69}}</ref> A review from ''[[Zzap!64|Zzap]]'' was less positive, giving the game a score of 80%. The reviewer felt that the game required too much "hacking, slicing and chopping" without enough emphasis on puzzle solving. The game was awarded 49% for its puzzle factor.<ref name="Zzap">{{cite web |title=Pool of Radiance |url=http://www.zzap64.co.uk/cgi-bin/displaypage.pl?issue=044&page=127&thumbstart=0&magazine=zzap&check=1 |publisher=[[Zzap!64|Zzap]] |issue=44 date=December 1988 |page=127 |accessdate=21 February 2008}}</ref> In their March 1989 "The Role of Computers" column in ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'' magazine #143, Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser (often called "The Lessers") gave ''Pool of Radiance'' a three-page review. The reviewers praised ''Pool of Radiance'' as "the first offering that truly follows AD&D game rules", calling it a "great fantasy role-playing game" that "falls into the must-buy category for avid AD&D game players".<ref name="Dragon143" /> The reviewers advised readers to "rush out to your local dealer and buy Pool Of Radiance".<ref name="Dragon143" /> They considered it SSI's flagship product, speculating that it would "undoubtedly bring thousands of computer enthusiasts into the adventure-filled worlds of TSR".<ref name="Dragon143" /> The ''Dragon'' reviewers criticized the "notoriously slow" technology of the C64/128 system but added that the C64/128 version would become nearly unplayable without a software-based fastloader utility which Strategic Simulations integrated into the game. Conversely, the reviewers felt that the MS-DOS version was extremely fast, so much so that they had to slow the game operation down in order to read all the on-screen messages. They found that the MS-DOS version played at twice the speed of the C64/128 version when using the [[Enhanced Graphics Adapter]] (EGA) graphics mode.<ref name="Dragon143" /> In their July 1989 review of the game ''[[Hillsfar]]'', ''Dragon'' compared that game to ''Pool of Radiance''. They felt that the adventure of ''Hillsfar'' lacked depth and was less absorbing than ''Pool of Radiance'', but they considered it "a nice adventure to while away the hours while waiting for SSI to release [the sequel to ''Pool of Radiance'' nicknamed] ''Azure Bonds''". The reviewers also concluded that "If you enjoyed ''Pool of Radiance'', you'll like ''Hillsfar''".<ref name="Dragon147" /> ''Pool of Radiance'' was well received by the gaming press and won the [[Origins Award]] for ''Best Fantasy or Science Fiction Computer Game of 1988''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.originsgamefair.com/awards/1988 |title=1988 List of Winners |work=Academy of Adventure Gaming, Arts & Design |publisher=Origins Games Fair |accessdate=3 June 2009}}</ref> For the second annual "Beastie Awards" in 1989, ''Dragon'''s readers voted ''Pool of Radiance'' the most popular fantasy role-playing game of the year, with ''[[Ultima V: Warriors of Destiny|Ultima V]]'' as the runner-up. The Apple II version was the most popular format, the PC/MS-DOS came in a close second, and the Commodore 64/128 got the fewest votes. The primary factor given for votes was the game's faithfulness to the ''AD&D'' system as well as the game's graphics and easy-to-use [[user interface]] to activate commands.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Beastie Knows Best |author=Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser |journal=Dragon |issue=151 |date=November 1989 |page=36}}</ref> ''Pool of Radiance'' was also selected for the [[RPGA]]-sponsored Gamers' Choice Awards for the Best Computer Game of 1989.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Gamers Have Chosen! |author=The ''Dragon'' editors |journal=Dragon |issue=151 |date=November 1989 |page=85}}</ref> Alex Simmons, Doug Johns, and Andy Mitchell reviewed the [[Amiga]] version of ''Pool of Radiance'' for ''Amiga Action'' magazine in 1990, giving it a 79% overall rating. Mitchell preferred the game ''[[Champions of Krynn]]'', which had been released by the time the Amiga version of ''Pool of Radiance'' became available; he felt that ''Pool of Radiance'' was "more of the same" when compared to ''Champions'', but was less playable and with more limited actions for players. Simmons felt that ''Pool of Radiance'' looked primitive and seemed less polished when compared with ''Champions of Krynn''; he felt that although ''Pool'' was not up to the standard of ''Champions'', he said it was still "a fine little game". Johns, on the other hand, felt that ''Pool of Radiance'' was well worth the wait, considering it very user-friendly despite being less polished than ''Champions of Krynn''.<ref name="AA14">{{cite journal |title= |author=Simmons, Alex, Doug Johns, and Andy Mitchell |journal=[http://amr.abime.net/issue_87_pages Amiga Action] |issue=14 |date=November 1990 |pages=72–73}}</ref> Stan Stepanic of GameFreaks365 gave a highly positive, though somewhat reserved, review of the NES port of ''Pool of Radiance'', scoring it at 8/10. He commented, "...it's great to see a game like this on the NES because there really wasn't anything of this caliber at the time, RPG or otherwise. Adults were rarely given anything since nearly every title was aimed at younger audiences, so this is one of the few cases where programmers were trying to appeal to an older audience...if you're a fan of a true RPG, this is the game for you, you'll be thoroughly impressed and absorbed." <ref>http://www.gamefreaks365.com/review.php?artid=1265</ref> ===Legacy=== ''Pool of Radiance'' was the first in a four-part series of computer ''D&D'' adventures set in the Forgotten Realms campaign setting. The others were released by SSI one year apart: ''[[Curse of the Azure Bonds]]'' (1989), ''[[Secret of the Silver Blades]]'' (1990), and ''[[Pools of Darkness]]'' (1991).<ref name="Gamasutra">{{cite web | first=Matt | last=Barton | date=23 February 2007 | work=The History of Computer Role-Playing Games | title=Part 2: The Golden Age (1985-1993) | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070223b/barton_04.shtml | publisher=[[Gamasutra]] | accessdate=26 March 2009 }}</ref> The 1989 game ''[[Hillsfar]]'' was also created by SSI but was not a sequel to ''Pool of Radiance''. ''Hillsfar'' is described instead, by the reviewers of ''[[Dragon (magazine)|Dragon]]'', as "a value-added adventure for those who would like to take a side trip while awaiting the sequel".<ref name="Dragon147">{{cite journal |title=The Role of Computers |author=Hartley, Patricia, and Kirk Lesser |journal=Dragon |issue=147 |date=July 1989 |pages=78–79}}</ref> A player can import characters from ''Pool of Radiance'' into ''Hillsfar'', although the characters are reduced to their basic levels and do not retain weapons or [[Magic item (Dungeons & Dragons)|magical items]]. Original ''Hillsfar'' characters cannot be exported to ''Pool of Radiance'', but they can be exported to ''Curse of the Azure Bonds''.<ref name="Dragon147" /> A review for ''Curse of the Azure Bonds'' in ''Computer Gaming World'' noted that "you can transfer your characters from ''Pool of Radiance'' and it's a good idea to do so. It will give you a headstart in the game."<ref name="CGW63">{{cite journal |title=Curse of The Azure Bonds |author=Scorpia |journal=[[Computer Gaming World]] |issue=63 |url=http://cgw.vintagegaming.org/galleries/index.php?year=1989&pub=2&id=63 |date=September 1989 |pages=8–9, 46}}</ref> [[GameSpot]] declared that ''Pool of Radiance'', with its detailed art, wide variety of quests and treasure, and tactical combat system, and despite the availability of only four character classes and the low character level cap, "ultimately succeeded in its goal of bringing a standardized form of AD&D to the home computer, and laid the foundation for other future gold box AD&D role-playing games".<ref name="GameSpotAD&D" /> Scott Battaglia of [[GameSpy]] said ''Pool of Radiance'' is "what many gamers consider to be the epitome of ''Advanced Dungeons & Dragons'' RPGs. These games were so great that people today are using MoSlo in droves to slow down their Pentium III-1000 MHz enough to play these gems."<ref name="GameSpy">{{cite web|url=http://archive.gamespy.com/legacy/halloffame/por_a.shtm|title=The GameSpy Hall of Fame|date=|author=Battaglia, Scott|publisher=[[GameSpy]]|accessdate=5 August 2009}}</ref> In March 2008, [[Dvice.com]] listed ''Pool of Radiance'' among its 13 best electronic versions of ''Dungeons & Dragons''. The contributor felt that "The Pool of Radiance series set the stage for ''Dungeons & Dragons'' to make a major splash in the video game world."<ref>{{cite web|last=Hall|first=Kevin|url=http://dvice.com/archives/2008/03/10_great_forays.php|title=The 13 best electronic versions of Dungeons & Dragons|date=18 March 2008|publisher=[[Dvice.com]]|accessdate=14 July 2009}}</ref> The ''Dungeons & Dragons'' role-playing game [[Adventure (Dungeons & Dragons)|module]] ''[[Ruins of Adventure]]'' was produced using the same adventure scenario as ''Pool of Radiance'', using the same plot, background, setting, and many of the same characters as the computer game. The module thus contains useful clues to the successful completion of the computer missions.<ref>{{cite book|last=Ward|first=James|authorlink=Jim Ward (game designer)|coauthors=[[David Cook (game designer)|David "Zeb" Cook]], [[Steve Winter]], [[Mike Breault]]|title=''[[Ruins of Adventure]]''|publisher=[[TSR, Inc.|TSR]]|year=1988|page=2|isbn=088038588X}}</ref> According to the editors of ''Dragon'' magazine, ''Pool of Radiance'' was based on ''Ruins of Adventure'', and not vice versa.<ref>{{cite journal |title=The Role of Computers |author= |journal=Dragon |issue=159 |date=July 1990 |page=53}}</ref> A novelization of ''Pool of Radiance'', written by [[Jim Ward (game designer)|James M. Ward]], was released in November 1989. ''Dragon'' described the novel's plot: "Five companions find themselves in the unenviable position of defending the soon-to-be ghost town against a rival possessing incredible power."<ref name="Dragon141">{{cite journal |title=The Game Wizards |author=[[Mary Kirchoff|Kirchoff, Mary]] |journal=Dragon |issue=141 |date=January 1989 |page=69 |isbn=0880386053}}</ref> ==See also== * ''[[Pool of Twilight (novel)|Pool of Twilight]]'' ==References== {{reflist|2}} ==External links== * [http://www.weekendwastemonster.net/crpgs/pool/dragonbait/PoR.html Dragonbait's ''Pool of Radiance'' page], screenshots, info and pics of the original ''Pool of Radiance'' (1988) * [http://www.gamebanshee.com/poolofradiance/ ''Pool of Radiance'' at Game Banshee] - Contains a walkthrough and many in-depth specifics about the game * [http://www.c64sets.com/pool_radiance.html Images of Pool of Radiance package, manual and screen] for Commodore 64 version * {{moby game|id=/pool-of-radiance}} {{Gold Box games}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Pool Of Radiance}} [[Category:1988 video games]] [[Category:Apple II games]] [[Category:Commodore 64 games]] [[Category:DOS games]] [[Category:Fantasy video games]] [[Category:Forgotten Realms video games]] [[Category:Gold Box games]] [[Category:Mac OS games]] [[Category:Origins Award winners]] [[Category:Strategic Simulations, Inc. games]] [[Category:Tactical role-playing video games]] [[Category:Ubisoft Entertainment games]]
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