Crystals of Arborea
| Industry | Video game development and publishing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Crystals of Arborea, Ishar series |
Crystals of Arborea is a medieval-themed role-playing game created and distributed by Silmarils, launched in 1990 for the Amiga, Atari ST, and MS-DOS platforms. It acts as a forerunner to the Ishar series, with both titles later bundled in the 2009 Ishar Compilation.
Gameplay
The storyline unfolds on Arborea, an island kingdom where the player’s mission is to retrieve four elemental crystals—representing earth, fire, water, and air—that safeguard the land from the chaos brought about by Mogroth, a deity who has been exiled. The protagonist, Jarel, is the final Prince of the elf-like Sham-nirs, entrusted with the task of returning these crystals to their sacred temples and defeating Mogroth.
Players assemble a team of up to six companions from classes such as wizards, fighters, and rangers, each offering distinct skills. The exploration system merges a 3D viewpoint with a 2D map of the island, enabling players to divide their group for scouting purposes. Information on crystal whereabouts is obtained from neutral non-player characters who provide riddles and puzzles. Silmarils estimates that roughly 16,000 locations can be discovered, although visiting all is not mandatory for completing the game.
Combat transitions into a 2D grid format where tactical positioning and line of sight are crucial; wizards and rangers can attack from distance, while melee fighters must be adjacent to their targets. The climactic battle against Mogroth also employs this tactical system—success allows Jarel to place the final crystal and bring peace back to Arborea.
Reception
Upon its debut, Crystals of Arborea garnered mixed critical feedback. Reviewers lauded its graphical presentation and user interface, noting detailed character designs alongside authentic background art. The soundtrack and sound effects received positive remarks for their quality. Amiga Action acknowledged Silmarils’ effort in merging strategic gameplay with role-playing mechanics, drawing inspiration from Dungeon Master. Nevertheless, opinions on the combat system were divided; some critics found battles repetitive and reminiscent of chess or draughts. While Amiga Action described the combat as "innovative," Amiga Power criticized it for being slow-paced and lacking excitement.
Following the release of Ishar: Legend of the Fortress in 1992, Silmarils reissued Crystals of Arborea as a budget title in 1993. This rerelease was met with less favorable reviews due to improvements seen in its successor.
The Amiga edition received an 86% rating from The One, which praised its straightforward and accessible interface that enhanced player immersion. The magazine also complimented the visuals and medieval-inspired musical score, describing the experience as "rich and rewarding."