Greetings fellow RPG players, please allow me draw your attention to a very promising kickstarter project called "IceBlink Engine". It's an engine and toolset for turn based party RPGs (coming with a demo adventure). It's in the vein of the SSI Gold box series and focuses greatly on story telling. The project is already funded (it will come!) and just 500 $ shy of the next stretch goal (with 5 days left). Come on over and have a closer look, if you please: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1719196889/iceblink-engine Here's what Jeremy alias slowdive (part of the developing team) has to say about it: "IceBlink Engine Overview This project will develop a Role Playing Game (RPG) 2D engine and toolset as well as a demo adventure game module created with the toolset. The game is inspired by a few of my favorite games; The Bards Tale, SSI Gold Box series games, Baldurs Gate, and Neverwinter Nights (1 and 2). The intent is to create a game engine that results in a virtual table top, Pen and Paper type feel in a single player computer game. The game engine will be free once completed, but the toolset will initially only be available to backers of this Kickstarter project. The toolset will allow anyone to create their own adventures to share with the rest of us. Please help us complete this wonderful project. We really appreciate any support you have to offer. Thanks again!" Thanks for checking it out, youngneil1/Karl

Big update: The project reached the big 2.000 $ stretch goal - this means that classes, races, skills, spells, etc. will be customizable by the users of the toolset. We will be able to design truely unique and personalized RPGs like Pool of Radiance with this. A dream for RPG fans. The project now enters the final 48 hours - hope to see you over there in the kickstarter thread :). http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1719196889/iceblink-engine

The grid based approach is indeed less shiny, but it allows for very tactical gameplay as well as super easy and fast level design.It also allows for side and ego perspective when used creatively - cool stuff.