Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor Review Summary

Runs smoothly with helpful modern enhancements that make it enjoyable for first-timers, but this minimal-effort re-release suffers from clunky controls plus bugs and crashes.

Runs smoothly on modern systems: Multiple reviewers report that the game runs flawlessly on modern PCs with no errors, including Alt+Tab functionality and demo performance. It is optimized and apparently bug-free.

Enjoyable for first-time players: Even as a first-time player, the reviewer had great fun and found the game easy to get into without tinkering. It is fun to play and exactly what they were looking for.

Modern enhancements improve usability: The definitive version includes quality-of-life improvements such as interface polish, reworked camera, crisp 4K visuals, updated tooltips, and quick access menus. Ultra-wide display and HUD scaling work out of the box.

Nostalgia and classic appeal: The game delivers amazing nostalgic value, especially for those who played the original or other Goldbox games. It matches memories and is a nostalgic return to Faerûn and Myth Drannor.

Appeals to Goldbox and D&D fans: The game is a good example of older world style gameplay and is recommended for fans of the Goldbox series. It is an all-time favorite AD&D game for some.

Minimal effort re-release: The re-release is seen as low-effort, with minimal improvements and little work done for the price. It is essentially the same game as the original with only a UI update.

Clunky and janky controls: The game feels clunky and has janky controls that are badly explained. The control system is a product of its time and remains unintuitive.

Bugs and crashes: The game has bugs that allowed moving into black areas off the map and crashes. A 25-year-old bug where Helena's conversation doesn't trigger can leave the character stuck.

Character customization gutted: Almost all character customization is removed; players cannot pick spells for their classes, and the Wizard class is seemingly missing or gutted. Intelligence stat has no use for skills or classes.

Poor UI and navigation: The interface is still clunky and unintuitive, and the map is not good. There is a lack of screen rotation, causing issues clicking on the character.

Uses D&D 3rd Edition Rules: The game is built on the D&D 3.0 ruleset, with clusters noting it as the first D&D video game to feature this system. This defines the core mechanics and character options.

Old D&D Game Experience: The game provides an old D&D game experience, appealing to fans of classic RPGs.

Character Development System: Reviewers highlight the character creation and development system as a key feature. It allows for detailed customization and progression.

Janky and Clunky Gameplay: The gameplay feel is often described as janky and clunky, especially due to its age and controls. This can affect the overall experience.

Singleplayer Only, No Multiplayer: The game includes a singleplayer mode but lacks any multiplayer functionality. This is a notable limitation for some players.

Xbox Ally X 13w mode performance: The game runs well on the Xbox Ally X Z2 Extreme in 13w mode, indicating good optimization for low-power handheld configurations.

Ultra-wide display support out of the box: Ultra-wide monitors are supported natively without additional configuration.

HUD scales to modern resolutions: The HUD properly scales for modern screen resolutions, ensuring readability on high-resolution displays.

Stutter after adjusting settings: One player experienced mild stuttering after changing graphics settings, suggesting potential optimization issues with certain configurations.

Game crashes: A player reported that the game crashes, which may indicate stability issues on some systems.

Overpriced for most buyers: Several reviewers feel the game is not worth its current price, with some suggesting it should cost much less or advising waiting for a significant sale. The sentiment is that the value proposition is weak at full price.

Appeals to fans of old-school games: The game is recommended for players who enjoy janky, older-looking games and classic turn-based combat. Fans of the Goldbox series and D&D enthusiasts who don't mind clunky mechanics will find value.

Mixed to negative overall sentiment: Some players gave soft not-recommendations or immediate refunds, indicating dissatisfaction. Others heartily recommend against wasting time, showing a split in opinion.

Faithful release for purists: Players seeking a 1:1 faithful release of the original, including its limitations, are pleased with this version. It appeals to CRPG purists and those who want an authentic experience.

Positive for some buyers: Despite criticisms, several reviewers are glad they bought the game and recommend it for another playthrough. It also works well as a handheld game.

Session length: 3.0h.

Some players report enjoying the first hours and moving quickly without a slog, while others are blocked immediately by missing or incomplete tutorials or absent multiplayer.

Friction: Missing or incomplete tutorial; Useful class abilities and options buried and unexplained; No multiplayer mode.

Nostalgic Forgotten Realms Veteran: Returns to classic D&D encounters, uses restored UI conveniences, and may toggle modern options off for the original feel. Motivation: Reliving fond Forgotten Realms and D&D memories from earlier years. Stance: buy.

Old-School Turn-Based CRPG Traditionalist: Plays turn-based tactical combat, tolerates dated graphics and jank, and enjoys Goldbox-style dungeon crawling. Motivation: Experiencing authentic old-school D&D combat and exploration. Stance: buy.

Price-Conscious D&D Newcomer: Learns 3rd Edition rules, attempts a first full playthrough, and waits for discounts before committing. Motivation: Trying a classic D&D CRPG at a low price without prior nostalgia for it. Stance: deep sale.

Release criticized as low-effort port: Reviewers compare this re-release to the low-effort Temple of Elemental Evil Steam release, citing minimal enhancements and stretched graphics rather than a proper remaster. The port is seen as a copy of a 20-year-old game with only UI and quality-of-life changes.

SNEG's support and patches praised: SNEG is noted for supporting their releases with patches and fixes, and reviewers anticipate ongoing updates. Their work on The Temple of Elemental Evil is also referenced as a positive sign.

HD and modern PC compatibility: The game includes HD graphics enhancements and runs on modern PCs, but graphics appear stretched rather than remastered. Old mods still work on the updated version.

Lacks modern game feel: Reviewers note it does not play like a modern game, and some compare it unfavorably to modern titles like Solasta in graphics and overall advancement. It is seen as a predecessor to such games.

Compared unfavorably to Circle of Eight mod: The Circle of Eight community version is cited as having added new content, quests, and features, making this official release seem lacking in comparison. Reviewers feel the community mod set a higher standard for added value.