Difficulty:

Hard

Time Spent:

20 to 40 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Mixed reactions"

The gameplay pretty much stays true to the table top original, and while that may seem to be a strength in terms of authenticity and pleasing true D&D fanatics, it really is kind of a drag. Even for a table top D&D player, the control system is far from intuitive. It takes FOREVER to sort items and upgrade/equip after every adventure. My personal gripe is the fact that you can't simultaneously look at equipped items and shop for new ones -- and consequently, can't even "try on" different weapons and armor. Also, a "shared" backpack (for items picked up during adventures, for example) shouldn't be out of the question.

Overall, it is still a very enjoyable game, especially because characters can be tweaked to a surprising level (on facet of table top D&D which they kept). This makes for great strategizing, and also great replay value. For example, I'm playing using a lawful good lead character right now. I haven't tried yet, but when I'm done I'll play with an evil character and see how different the purported 100 hours of gameplay turns out.

I do realize that for people who haven't played table top D&D the counter intuitive controls plus the clunky system might be enough of a turn off to stop playing. However, I have become addicted to it precisely because i'm a D&D fan and i enjoy having my own party to control on a handheld console.