Act: Last Sorceror [by Terrapod]

Game Review: The Last Sorceror
Release: Jan 29, 2004
Genre: Action
Developer: Terrapod Games
System Requirements: PC running Windows 9x/XP/2000/ME or Linux and the X Window System, CPU of Pentium II class or better recommended, at least 64 MB RAM recommended, video adapter capable of 1024x768 resolution at 16bpp ("high-color") or 32bpp ("true-color"), Hard Drive with 100MB free space, Soundcard (optional), Gamepad / Joystick (optional)
Price: $19.95


The Last Sorceror is a game that takes classic arcade action and mixes in some decent story and features to freshen it up. Terrapod Games even took into account the tastes of players who might not want to bother with story and provided a nice "Smash Mode" to simply get in and start playing.

You play the role of the leader of the Order of Sorcerors. After defeating the Demon Horde, you retire to Haven, only to find that many years later that the demons have returned, and in great force. The rest of the Order has been slaughtered, and the Demon Horde is loose upon the world. You are not as strong as you were before you left for Haven, so you must improve your skills and regain your powers in order to banish the Demon Horde. No one else is left, so the burden falls on you.

The game starts you off on a grid map, where different types of terrain are represented on each square. You move about the map on a turn-by-turn basis, searching the different squares for one of three artifacts needed to continue on your quest using the Gnomon. You can also search for Spell Foci, which increase the number of spells you know, and also increase the quality of the spells you already know. Of course, also on the map are different members of the Demon Horde, searching you out and attacking you.

This is where the main game play takes place. The game switches to an action-filled Robotron-like fest, but The Last Sorceror actually provides some interesting improvements to the old game. Since you have different spells, you can switch between them as appropriate. Take out a large group at once with a fireball, or pick them off individually with your regular attack. It's your choice. Your enemies continue to arrive throughout the encounter, and you must take them all out in order to clear the area. This is especially important if you find an enemy flashing on the grid map screen, since that means that the Demon Horde is attacking a spell foci. They put up a much more concerted fight in these cases, making for some interesting battles.

Some of the spells are really awesome to see in battle too. You can have about 10 enemies bearing down on you, but then you whip out the fireball and its curtains for all of them in one blow. You can heal yourself by summoning some energy. You can stop time. You can create the illusion of yourself to also attack your enemies. One spell acts like a "Magic Bullet", taking out one enemy after another, even if they aren't all in one line.

Some of the terrains have cool features, like fissures that erupt magma, damaging anything nearby. You can use such parts of the environment to your advantage, getting the enemies nearby and in large groups to take them out with little effort. There are of course other dangers such as trees that send out attacks that follow you for some distance. The environment and the enemies can work in concert as well.

One of the cool features was the way the game changed difficulty to match your abilities. If you are blazing through your enemies, the game will detect this and increase the difficulty. If you are having troubles, it eases up on you just enough. Either way, the game remains challenging without being too easy or too hard. And this is on top of the difficulty settings you apply before you start. An awesome feature to say the least.

I would also like to make a special mention that this game is available on both Windows AND Gnu/Linux systems, so fans of Gnu/Linux such as myself have one more reason to love this game.

Graphics: 7/10
The variety of terrains you can play on show through in the graphics. The animation is interesting, as you watch weapons and body parts fly in a not-very-violent manner. While the graphics did not appear professionally done, there was a consistency throughout that brought its own charm.

Sound: 8/10
I liked that there were a number of different tunes, each with its own beat and each appropriate. The sound effects seemed limited, but there were enough different kinds to make it interesting.

Game Play:7 /10
I found that getting used to the controls took some time at first, but if you're a fan of Robotron, you'll quickly get used to it. In fact, you can configure your dual axis controls. Use a keyboard and mouse combo, use a joystick, use two of them, etc. You have some nice options. I just wish that you had as much control over your spells as your enemies do. You only get to shoot in eight directions while your enemies seem to have various angles to choose from.

Value: 8/10
There is a scoring system, so you can always try to improve upon your last game. Also, there is a Smash Mode for one or two players, which makes playing a quick game easy. Upon completing an area, it can always be fun to go back and try to do it faster.

Concept: 8/10
Being able to play Robotron with cool spells, various terrains, and a nice story is a good improvement on the old formula.

Fun: 8/10
I had a lot of fun playing this game, mostly because the Robotron-esque gameplay was improved upon, giving me options for different strategies. The story was interesting, compelling me to complete the area to see what happens next.

Overall: 8/10
The Last Sorceror is a good game that provides a combination of furious action and strategic thinking. While it may not look as polished as some games, the real gem is in the gaming. Give yourself a chance at some good fun, and try out the demo.

Added: March 4th 2004
Reviewer: Gianfranco Berardi
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