At a Glance

The world of Dungeons and Dragons is no stranger to adaption by computer games. But in the past it has been restricted to RPGs, most notably in the Forgotten Realms games. Other fantasy worlds have Real Time Strategy games, like Lord of the Rings for example, so why not D&D? Dragonshard is the new RTS brought to you by Atari. Set in the all-new world of Eberron, players must take command of enormous armies. But being a world created by the people at Dungeons and Dragons, there just has to be a certain amount of RPG-style gameplay. And they’ve manage to incorporate it, somewhat ingeniously, by including an underground world in which small groups of elite heroes quest while the conflict rages above. Experience and items gained in these adventures will help the cause above ground. Action revolves around the powerful Heart of Siberys, an artefact which can make or break the forces who possess it. The game’s story is written by the creator of Eberron, Keith Baker. A village grid system decides where sites chosen for buildings will best enhance the powers of units. Unit development is RPG style too, and they gain experience points according to their adventures. Four different styles of unit are available: champions, captains, henchmen and battlefield juggernauts. And using the ‘Hyper Terrain’ system, the ground is changed as units pass over it. Three different factions can be selected: the noble Order of the Flame, a coalition of different beings; the Umbragen, descendants of ancient elves; and the Lizardfolk, guardians of the Heart of Siberys itself. As well as these, there are all manner of destructive monsters who lurk beneath the ground, and whose only passion is the suffering of others. An innovative blend of fantasy RPG gameplay and real time strategy, Dragonshard should get D&D fans, and all fantasy fans for that matter, very excited indeed.