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This post has been edited by Jewels: 15 October 2008 - 09:29 AM
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Druids of Krell 7.64 (8.2/6.0)
MultiQuote#2 TM
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:37 PM
Assuming this doesn't get destroyed by the EZBoard attacks...
DoK is fundamentally good. It is also aesthetically amazing- well, at least, for the first half (roughly).
In fact, everything quality-wise can be corellated with its height, save for the non-existent ending "sequence". At the very highest point of the scenario is the tree, which is truly and profoundly neato. The ground-level villages are all well-done, and the inner preserve is also neat. The lower point of the first half is the beginning "dungeon" (literally and not figuratively), which is underground. Also, there is the stupidly hidden "quest" to get Kendaro's blessings that the party is unaware of, but that fort is also one terrain lower than average. Everything aside from that is decent to good.
And then, the descent.
It's patently clear that Ephesos needed more time. Oddly enough, it continues the height = quality metaphor from before. Kharprev's castle is signifiantly below the rest of the scenario with a reason- it is its lowest point. The dragon's aerie and final encounter is not bad at all- which is why it is slightly elevated. It looks pretty good (although the use of balustrades is questionable), and is somewhat exiting- an achievement, considering how crammed it must have been. The most recent version has an ending sequence, and a lead-in to a sequel- the cliffhanger isn't entirely nonexistent, even if there have been better ones before.
Gameplay overall is very easy. The most challenging fight is the three mutant lizards, assuming you take 'em all on at once. The most recent version, thankfully, has removed the crazy-powerful wands it once had. Combat is moderate, although Klortis' attacks and the Pyromancer are overrated by the narratives- they're both pushovers.
But who am I? It's still a well-made adventure, and the sanctuary rivals Emerald Mountain for most gorgeous town in BoA. Play it- it's definitely good, just a bit rushed. The second version is considerably better. But remember to talk with everyone, everywhere- for instance, leaving the preserve and being confirmed have thier own stupid dialogue commitments. (Talk to so-and-so who you don't even know- just, ya know, because.) But it's still good- very good for a beginner effort. 8.2
EDIT: My previous score was a little low. Raising it by .5.
DoK is fundamentally good. It is also aesthetically amazing- well, at least, for the first half (roughly).
In fact, everything quality-wise can be corellated with its height, save for the non-existent ending "sequence". At the very highest point of the scenario is the tree, which is truly and profoundly neato. The ground-level villages are all well-done, and the inner preserve is also neat. The lower point of the first half is the beginning "dungeon" (literally and not figuratively), which is underground. Also, there is the stupidly hidden "quest" to get Kendaro's blessings that the party is unaware of, but that fort is also one terrain lower than average. Everything aside from that is decent to good.
And then, the descent.
It's patently clear that Ephesos needed more time. Oddly enough, it continues the height = quality metaphor from before. Kharprev's castle is signifiantly below the rest of the scenario with a reason- it is its lowest point. The dragon's aerie and final encounter is not bad at all- which is why it is slightly elevated. It looks pretty good (although the use of balustrades is questionable), and is somewhat exiting- an achievement, considering how crammed it must have been. The most recent version has an ending sequence, and a lead-in to a sequel- the cliffhanger isn't entirely nonexistent, even if there have been better ones before.
Gameplay overall is very easy. The most challenging fight is the three mutant lizards, assuming you take 'em all on at once. The most recent version, thankfully, has removed the crazy-powerful wands it once had. Combat is moderate, although Klortis' attacks and the Pyromancer are overrated by the narratives- they're both pushovers.
But who am I? It's still a well-made adventure, and the sanctuary rivals Emerald Mountain for most gorgeous town in BoA. Play it- it's definitely good, just a bit rushed. The second version is considerably better. But remember to talk with everyone, everywhere- for instance, leaving the preserve and being confirmed have thier own stupid dialogue commitments. (Talk to so-and-so who you don't even know- just, ya know, because.) But it's still good- very good for a beginner effort. 8.2
EDIT: My previous score was a little low. Raising it by .5.
#3 VCH
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:38 PM
A truly excellent scenario. I liked every aspect of the plot and game play. The plot towards the end plays as if your party was actually on an adventure not just randomly searching rooms for treasure. The cut scenes only serve to enhance the overall feel. Though nothing technically new is used in the scenario, many common elements are taken to a higher level. The use of hight for the Dragon platform was especially pleasing. BOA displays heights reasonably well why other people haven't taped into this feature is a mystery.
The outdoors were extremely well put together, the Valley seemed like a place people might actually live. Druids of Krell, is a very linear story the party is placed on a path that they must follow or leave the scenario.
Combat is not overly prevalent there are several large lizard battles. But overall the scenario is telling a single story. Therefore combat and such other elements of most BOA scenarios are not present to any large degree. The scenario is reasonably long. But the ending could use a bit more polish. Though as with books not everyone will be pleased by the same ending. Play this scenario for a well-told story involving your group as its central characters. Rating iz 8.1 ReSPek........
The outdoors were extremely well put together, the Valley seemed like a place people might actually live. Druids of Krell, is a very linear story the party is placed on a path that they must follow or leave the scenario.
Combat is not overly prevalent there are several large lizard battles. But overall the scenario is telling a single story. Therefore combat and such other elements of most BOA scenarios are not present to any large degree. The scenario is reasonably long. But the ending could use a bit more polish. Though as with books not everyone will be pleased by the same ending. Play this scenario for a well-told story involving your group as its central characters. Rating iz 8.1 ReSPek........
#4 Linthar
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:38 PM
This is a tough scenario to score. On one hand it is has some of the best looking towns I've seen in a boa scenario. Its plot is good, and the end sequence with the dragon is quite intresting. The backstories of the various characters were nice with all the small details put into them.
On the other hand this scenario feels lacking somewhat in substance. This is little combat, and a lack of stuff not related to the storyline. The ending also felt unsastifying in more then one way. It felt the victories at the end were won by the npcs with the party having little role, and one large threat was left still unresolved. I'm avoiding being more specific so I don't spoil the plot which is the scenarios strong point.
I give the scenario a 7.5.. Its good but the overall lack of gameplay prevents me from giving it anything higher.
On the other hand this scenario feels lacking somewhat in substance. This is little combat, and a lack of stuff not related to the storyline. The ending also felt unsastifying in more then one way. It felt the victories at the end were won by the npcs with the party having little role, and one large threat was left still unresolved. I'm avoiding being more specific so I don't spoil the plot which is the scenarios strong point.
I give the scenario a 7.5.. Its good but the overall lack of gameplay prevents me from giving it anything higher.
#5 miluk
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:39 PM
Somewhat uneven but entertaining.
Very good graphics, which were well used and enriched the world. The height differences also look very nice. The treetops were especially impressive.
I sometimes liked very much the cutscenes and things going forward, especially in the Winding Cave. Sometimes (especially in the beginning) I had trouble following who did what and why.
I agree with Linthar that the ending was not exactly as good as it might have been. For example, too many "CAPITAL LETTER!!!" lines. (Though the dragon was annoying, it was also mildly amusing.) Though the story was uneven at points, it was mostly interesting.
I almost got tired of doing errands just to prove myself worthy.
A couple of small bugs (like if you enter from the wrong direction in Relias, you miss half of the cutscene), and some personalities had blank dialogues. There was not much in Ouranil, just a couple of buildings and personalities, though it was architecturally interesting(ly described). The cutscenes tended to look better towards the end.
Many interesting details, like the druid shrine in Relias.
The artifacts were mostly unimpressive after Za-Khazi Run but on the other hand, there wasn't too much fighting. (The other sunstone had negative value.) 7.3
Very good graphics, which were well used and enriched the world. The height differences also look very nice. The treetops were especially impressive.
I sometimes liked very much the cutscenes and things going forward, especially in the Winding Cave. Sometimes (especially in the beginning) I had trouble following who did what and why.
I agree with Linthar that the ending was not exactly as good as it might have been. For example, too many "CAPITAL LETTER!!!" lines. (Though the dragon was annoying, it was also mildly amusing.) Though the story was uneven at points, it was mostly interesting.
I almost got tired of doing errands just to prove myself worthy.
A couple of small bugs (like if you enter from the wrong direction in Relias, you miss half of the cutscene), and some personalities had blank dialogues. There was not much in Ouranil, just a couple of buildings and personalities, though it was architecturally interesting(ly described). The cutscenes tended to look better towards the end.
Many interesting details, like the druid shrine in Relias.
The artifacts were mostly unimpressive after Za-Khazi Run but on the other hand, there wasn't too much fighting. (The other sunstone had negative value.) 7.3
#6 Smoo
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:39 PM
Druids Of Krell
General: The outdoors and towns look really pretty with the trees and all. I especially liked the town in the tree. I couldn't find any bugs with the version I was playing.
Combat: It wasn't interesting and personally I didn't like how Ephe handled the showdown with Klortis (or
Kharpev). Like in LP I don't get to kill the baddie, but unlike LP I didn't really feel like I wanted to anyway.
Plot/Characters: Plot wasn't all that intriguing for me. For one thing it seems that when things finally start
happening the scenario ends. Another thing, there is a valley of druids not in Empire's iron grip? How did they
pull that one off? Order of the Flame felt stupid from day one. There's something about a horde of vicious lizards that got me thinking: Huh?
Oakleaf was nice enough although I don't get how the other druids think so less of him. The villain is a crazy
dragon (or is it a drake lord?). What is it with crazy dragons? There's the one in Bahs and now this? Dialogue
was nicely written, although I would have hoped more pointless random talk with locals.
Overall: DoK is definitely worth a look. I just hope the sequel Ephesos is going on about does not include the
fantastic rise of Kharpev (or Klortis) the dragon.
7.2
General: The outdoors and towns look really pretty with the trees and all. I especially liked the town in the tree. I couldn't find any bugs with the version I was playing.
Combat: It wasn't interesting and personally I didn't like how Ephe handled the showdown with Klortis (or
Kharpev). Like in LP I don't get to kill the baddie, but unlike LP I didn't really feel like I wanted to anyway.
Plot/Characters: Plot wasn't all that intriguing for me. For one thing it seems that when things finally start
happening the scenario ends. Another thing, there is a valley of druids not in Empire's iron grip? How did they
pull that one off? Order of the Flame felt stupid from day one. There's something about a horde of vicious lizards that got me thinking: Huh?
Oakleaf was nice enough although I don't get how the other druids think so less of him. The villain is a crazy
dragon (or is it a drake lord?). What is it with crazy dragons? There's the one in Bahs and now this? Dialogue
was nicely written, although I would have hoped more pointless random talk with locals.
Overall: DoK is definitely worth a look. I just hope the sequel Ephesos is going on about does not include the
fantastic rise of Kharpev (or Klortis) the dragon.
7.2
#7 Salmon
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:39 PM
I liked this scenario for its stunning graphics and clever use of height. It prefers to direct your party in a linear path, but I was still able to do things out of sequence. I would have liked to see more use of conditional passage to block things that should happen after the explanation, rather than before.
The ending cutscene was a downer, but after we got it fixed up I understood exactly what happened. This is a real nice first scenario, and I look forward to more from Ephesos.
Again, 7.65
The ending cutscene was a downer, but after we got it fixed up I understood exactly what happened. This is a real nice first scenario, and I look forward to more from Ephesos.
Again, 7.65
#8 Nasarius
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:40 PM
The town design is nice. The scripted sequences weren't bad, but they weren't much fun either.
The story is okay, but the dialogue (particularly the cutscene dialogue) is awful. Too short, too linear, and too easy for all the loot and XP present. And without an interactive ending, it's quite anticlimactic.
7.0
The story is okay, but the dialogue (particularly the cutscene dialogue) is awful. Too short, too linear, and too easy for all the loot and XP present. And without an interactive ending, it's quite anticlimactic.
7.0
#9
Lazarus 
- Kakistocrat
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Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:41 PM
A great looking scenario, rivaled only by EM in that department. The town design is awesome, and the same applies to the outdoors, which really benefit from the custom graphics.
The plot is fairly linear, and is overall well presented. But at some points I thought it could have been better. This has been brought up before, but it still bugs me, why is Brother Oakleaf yanking my chain all the time and making me run errands? For a while I thought he might turn out to be a villain, it seemed that he tried to slow down the party at every opportunity. Plus the scenario just comes to a screeching halt at the end, hopefully things will get tied up when Ephesos writes DoK2.
The strange part about my above complaint was that I almost didn't mind the errands, as it was an excuse to wander about and see the sights. I don't know what else to say, that sums it up.
Play it -7.9-
The plot is fairly linear, and is overall well presented. But at some points I thought it could have been better. This has been brought up before, but it still bugs me, why is Brother Oakleaf yanking my chain all the time and making me run errands? For a while I thought he might turn out to be a villain, it seemed that he tried to slow down the party at every opportunity. Plus the scenario just comes to a screeching halt at the end, hopefully things will get tied up when Ephesos writes DoK2.
The strange part about my above complaint was that I almost didn't mind the errands, as it was an excuse to wander about and see the sights. I don't know what else to say, that sums it up.
Play it -7.9-
#10 Thralni
Posted 10 March 2008 - 12:42 PM
Design:
I mainly liked the design of this scenario. The tree-town was absolutely beautifull. The glowing flowers were very nice, and i liked how the height was used to simulate a tree. it looked very convincing. the outdoors was also quite nice, though I won't call it stunning.
Combat:
I liked the combat, for it was not to difficult. It shouldn't be too easy of course, but in general I don't like combat all that much, so there. the end-fight was somewhat interesting. Though I didn't like not being able to attack the dragon and receiving damage all the time, I really liked how Ephesos simulated the dragon flying over the party and attacking it. I thought it to be very convincing. I also liked the cutscene in which Brother Ephesos was rescued.
Plot:
Meh. That's how I viewed the plot. it wasn't very original, nor very dull. Somewhere in the middle, I guess, though the names of the orders were to be expected: "order of the flame."
Overall:
A enjoyable scenario. If you are not there to play, but to sightsee and get some inspiration for your own scenario, look at the capabilities of BoA, this is a perfect start.
8.0
I mainly liked the design of this scenario. The tree-town was absolutely beautifull. The glowing flowers were very nice, and i liked how the height was used to simulate a tree. it looked very convincing. the outdoors was also quite nice, though I won't call it stunning.
Combat:
I liked the combat, for it was not to difficult. It shouldn't be too easy of course, but in general I don't like combat all that much, so there. the end-fight was somewhat interesting. Though I didn't like not being able to attack the dragon and receiving damage all the time, I really liked how Ephesos simulated the dragon flying over the party and attacking it. I thought it to be very convincing. I also liked the cutscene in which Brother Ephesos was rescued.
Plot:
Meh. That's how I viewed the plot. it wasn't very original, nor very dull. Somewhere in the middle, I guess, though the names of the orders were to be expected: "order of the flame."
Overall:
A enjoyable scenario. If you are not there to play, but to sightsee and get some inspiration for your own scenario, look at the capabilities of BoA, this is a perfect start.
8.0
#12
Excalibur
- Filth Finder
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- Location:Winnemucca, NV
Posted 15 March 2008 - 02:21 PM
Druids of Krell
Combat - 9 - Appropriately leveled and fun, especially the final battle.
Visual design - 9 - Okay, so I didn't like some of the custom graphics, but everything else was superb.
Technical design - 10 - Very nice cut scenes, and the battle with the black dragon was very cool. The artifacts in the scenario are also quite awesome.
Writing - 7 - It was good, but not great
Story/Plot - 7 - I thought it went down a bit funny, with having to find Brother (Oak?) in so many places, and the lizard army just suddenly leaving their fortress practically unarmed.
Enjoyability - 7 - because of said things above.
Overall - 8.2 - Nice
Combat - 9 - Appropriately leveled and fun, especially the final battle.
Visual design - 9 - Okay, so I didn't like some of the custom graphics, but everything else was superb.
Technical design - 10 - Very nice cut scenes, and the battle with the black dragon was very cool. The artifacts in the scenario are also quite awesome.
Writing - 7 - It was good, but not great
Story/Plot - 7 - I thought it went down a bit funny, with having to find Brother (Oak?) in so many places, and the lizard army just suddenly leaving their fortress practically unarmed.
Enjoyability - 7 - because of said things above.
Overall - 8.2 - Nice
#13
BainIhrno
- BoEnthusiast
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Posted 16 March 2008 - 09:58 AM
A bit forced... But still a decent scenario. It had perhaps the best customized graphics for BoA yet, and it is pretty well coded. And the designer only included himself as a prisoner, not the Uber-Ultra Lord of All Universes:p
The story was interesting, as well. Some parts were pretty enjoyable. Sometimes it can be a little unclear what to do next.
I found the fights in this scenario to be a bit easy. (Okay, I played with a level 26 party, but he DID say 20-30, and I usually go somewhere around the middle.) But maybe the monsters need to be a bit more powerful, or the scenario should be rated lower in terms of difficulty.
The scenario seems to be a bit forced. You are just controlled by cutscenes, and get to make no choices. I also didn't like having to take damage repeatedly from the dragon. I don't find it a "challenge" to have to keep taking damage without any way to stop it, I find that just "annoying." (I used a similar sentence in my review of Isle of Boredom.) I would have liked it better if I could just fight the dragon, instead of take damage, and watch the Priests kill it.
I have to say though, even though it WAS forced, the cutscene with Oakleaf rescuing Ephesos WAS somewhat enjoyable.
Overall, worth a look (if you already own BoA), but not great. More gameplay and choices would have made it much better.
6
The story was interesting, as well. Some parts were pretty enjoyable. Sometimes it can be a little unclear what to do next.
I found the fights in this scenario to be a bit easy. (Okay, I played with a level 26 party, but he DID say 20-30, and I usually go somewhere around the middle.) But maybe the monsters need to be a bit more powerful, or the scenario should be rated lower in terms of difficulty.
The scenario seems to be a bit forced. You are just controlled by cutscenes, and get to make no choices. I also didn't like having to take damage repeatedly from the dragon. I don't find it a "challenge" to have to keep taking damage without any way to stop it, I find that just "annoying." (I used a similar sentence in my review of Isle of Boredom.) I would have liked it better if I could just fight the dragon, instead of take damage, and watch the Priests kill it.
I have to say though, even though it WAS forced, the cutscene with Oakleaf rescuing Ephesos WAS somewhat enjoyable.
Overall, worth a look (if you already own BoA), but not great. More gameplay and choices would have made it much better.
6
#14
Samson
- Gone Bunburrying
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- Location:England.
Posted 06 September 2008 - 11:49 AM
Can't believe I've not reviewed this yet!
Visually, its still one of the most beautiful scenarios we have. The tree-top town is just superb. The graphic choices were inspired, especially considering it was a first attempt.
The plot is well-presented, if a little weak in places. The progression seemed a bit off, as well. The "linear, but not really" style should be sorted, you can't have a linear scenario if you then let people wander around and do things out of order.
The end "fight" was probably the worst part. Just standing around as cinematics go off? Mmm. But this was only meant to be a prequel, and I look forward to Ephesos pulling DoK2 out of his ass, and showing us all up in terms of town design again.
Even though newer things have taken it's crown of prettiest BoA scenario, play it. You won't be disappointed.
7.5.
Visually, its still one of the most beautiful scenarios we have. The tree-top town is just superb. The graphic choices were inspired, especially considering it was a first attempt.
The plot is well-presented, if a little weak in places. The progression seemed a bit off, as well. The "linear, but not really" style should be sorted, you can't have a linear scenario if you then let people wander around and do things out of order.
The end "fight" was probably the worst part. Just standing around as cinematics go off? Mmm. But this was only meant to be a prequel, and I look forward to Ephesos pulling DoK2 out of his ass, and showing us all up in terms of town design again.
Even though newer things have taken it's crown of prettiest BoA scenario, play it. You won't be disappointed.
7.5.
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