| Redemption | |
| By Ian Alcritas Klinkhamer (alcritas@att.net) | |
| Simmic’s Review | |
Redemption has one very powerful strong point (well, of course, everything in Redemption is a strong point, but this one is particularly good): atmosphere.
Redemption has achieved a good atmosphere better than any other scenario. Redemption’s atmosphere is a masterpiece, like the rest of Redemption. It has one of the most mysterious, foreboding, and even gruesome atmosphere I have ever encountered. and it’s a lot better than some movies I’ve seen.
How was this atmosphere achieved? I can make a pretty good guess. A lot of hard work and a VERY good mastery of the scenario editor. As I wouldn’t want to spoil it for anybody, I won’t describe any particular part.
But on to other aspects. The storyline is strong throughout and shows no failings or weak points; despite the fact that many towns you may visit won’t add in the slightest to the plot, this is, in some ways, a good thing. They all have something to do, or a reward to get.
Like many of Alcritas’ scenarios — in fact, all of them as far as I’m aware — this one, too, ends in tragedy. A nice change from the usual thank-you and good-bye you get at the end of many scenarios!
Although Redemption is not at all combat-oriented, you do have to do some. And this is a minor failing in Redemption: any major combats you must perform are quite frequently laborious. I’m no sure, but I don’t believe anyone likes to slog it out against a 600 (or even 1000?) hp boss-monster who repeatedly hammers you and heals himself. Sometimes, but rarely, the monsters are illogical — a Ratmaster casts spells??
However, I must commend Alcritas for designing the Wizards’ Bazaar — that must have been very difficult and time-consuming. However, it seems to be balanced up by the Damp Cavern — a town which, unlike all the others, seems to have absolutely no purpose. This, however, was a one-off.
At least one special node is extremely well-executed — the portal in McNemier’s tower is a singular masterpiece of a special node. It must have taken a very long time to make. Once again, I congratulate Alcritas for designing that!
And, last but not least, the realism of Redemption is almost perfect (except for the Ratmaster!). All of this balanced up, the odds are well in favour of Redemption.
Redemption is designed for High level parties and is rated R.
My score — 10 (I am forgiving of some difficulties if everything else is good...)