D&D Tactics: Four new screens and some gameplay details

Now-a-days, when people think of Dungeons and Dragons video games, they usually think of games like Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, or even Dungeons and Dragons Online. Well, it’s probably safe to say that most people who are fans of tabletop role-playing games are also fans of turn-based, grid-set, Japanese style Tactics RPGs. So perhaps this “tactical” addition to the D&D gaming library is a pre-determined eventuality.

Some people have posted on the comments section of previous coverage that this merging of grid-tactics based gameplay and third edition tabletop rules-sets could perhaps be one the geekiest combinations known to man. Perhaps he’s right. But, if you’re into that sort of thing (like most of us here in QJ) this game promises to be really fun. This is definitely a game targeted at a select group. Will the game fly though?

It’s safe to say that it all depends on the execution. Some people on the comments section have said that turn based games will be the downfall of the PSP. But when you think about it, how come turn-based grid-strategy games performed so well on other platforms like the GBA and the DS? Will D&D Tactics invite a whole new type (geeky) of crowd to the PSP scene? The more the merrier …right?

The full article awaits after the jump!

Now-a-days, when people think of Dungeons and Dragons video games, they usually think of games like Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights, or even Dungeons and Dragons Online. Well, it’s probably safe to say that most people who are fans of tabletop role-playing games are also fans of turn-based, grid-set, Japanese style Tactics RPGs. So perhaps this “tactical” addition to the D&D gaming library is a pre-determined eventuality.

Some people have posted on the comments section of previous coverage that this merging of grid-tactics based gameplay and third edition tabletop rules-sets could perhaps be one the geekiest combinations known to man. Perhaps he’s right. But, if you’re into that sort of thing (like most of us here in QJ) this game promises to be really fun. This is definitely a game targeted at a select group. Will the game fly though?

It’s safe to say that it all depends on the execution. Some people on the comments section have said that turn based games will be the downfall of the PSP. But when you think about it, how come turn-based grid-strategy games performed so well on other platforms like the GBA and the DS? Will D&D Tactics invite a whole new type (geeky) of crowd to the PSP scene? The more the merrier …right?

    

We’ll let you guys be the judge of how the game is shaping up overall. We’ve posted several screenshots and gameplay videos before, so here’s a minor update: Four new screens we found at IGN. Enjoy the screens. Oh, and the folks over there in Europe are probably playing this already as their release date for the product is October 27, 2006. People in North America will have to wait until the first quarter of 2007.

Also, below are some gameplay details in bullet form for easy readability:

• It is possible to beat the game with characters that reach level 15, but it is theoretically possible to reach level 20 by the end of the game.
• There will be no downloadable content for the game after it hits shelves. Developer Kuju decided to finish all the content early and put it in the game already. This means that while extra content isn’t likely, Kuju isn’t ruling the possibility out.
• There is a chess mode that allows players to skip animations and barrel through turns in a breeze.
• Creatures in game will actively use fog of war and environmental darkness to ambush and take cover. Torches have never been so important.
• Certain missions are only available to you depending on the alignment of your character.
• There’s 6 player co-op available for Tactics via Ad-Hoc.
• There are four separate mode of versus play: Last Man Standing, Dragon Kill (let’s see who kills Tiamat first or something like that), Gladiator, and Treasure Hunt. This is something for all the Timy-power gamers out there. You can finally figure out if your level 15 Paladin can take his level 15 Thief/Mage

Via IGN