Info about Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor:

Official game description:
Malevolence is afoot in the Forgotten Realms world: a new Pool of Radiance has been discovered beneath the city of New Phlan, and a wave of pure evil now emanates from it, cursing all it touches. Answer Elminster’s call, descend into the ruined Elven city of Myth Drannor and stop the sorceress and the dracolich before they turn the power of the Pool against the realm.
Create up to four heroes and recruit two more along the way, for a party of six. The game features the Dungeons & Dragons rules, with different races, classes and spells. Players may choose between the genuine turn-based style of role-playing and a more action-focused, timed-turn style of play. The optional turn timer makes for more engaging, higher-pressure fights.
Originally released in 2001, Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor revived one of the most storied names in cRPG history. Now it’s available digitally for the first time, with a full suite of enhancements. The re-release runs smoothly on modern hardware, includes sharper visuals, fixes numerous original game bugs and adds widescreen support, including 4K.
The improved UI adds an action bar and tooltips. It comes with full controller support and reworked camera control.
*   Return to the legendary Pool of Radiance - back to where the legacy began
*   Save Faerûn: answer Elminster’s call and stop the sorceress and the dracolich from using the power of the Pool of Radiance against the realm
*   Party of six: create up to four heroes and recruit two more along the way
*   Deep progression: level up characters to 16th level and cast 8th-level spells
*   Includes over 90 spells
*   Tactical turn-based combat and classic dungeon crawling for anyone hungry for more Dungeons & Dragons gameplay
*   Optional turn timer for more engaging, higher-pressure fights
*   Runs smoothly on modern hardware
*   Fixed numerous original game bugs
*   Widescreen support, including 4K
*   Sharper visuals
*   Improved UI with the addition of the action bar and tooltips
*   Adjustable combat animation speed
*   Optional "Legacy" mode that preserves original gameplay and visuals
*   Full controller support
*   Reworked camera control
*   Customize the scope of the enhancements with the in-game settings
*   Other Quality of Life improvements

Release date: Nov 6, 2026

Categories: CRPG, Turn-based Tactical Combat, Dungeon Crawler, Dungeons & Dragons inspired RPG, Party Management, Forgotten Realms Setting, Single-player Story


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The only concrete playtime figure is the reviewer's statement that they spent three hours trying to find gameplay, which can be treated as a single-session estimate of about 3 hours. Other comments mention early playtime markers such as the first 30 minutes and the first few hours, but they do not provide completion, story-completion, or endgame hour totals. The ambiguous multiplayer 'hundreds of hours' comment was excluded because it may refer to another game or context.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: 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.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Missing or incomplete tutorial; Useful class abilities and options buried and unexplained; No multiplayer mode
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Whether multiplayer is available or required; Whether players can tolerate incomplete or missing tutorials; Whether players can independently discover buried class abilities and options
- Player Archetypes:
  - Nostalgic Forgotten Realms Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: Reliving fond Forgotten Realms and D&D memories from earlier years.
    - Playstyle: Returns to classic D&D encounters, uses restored UI conveniences, and may toggle modern options off for the original feel.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Old-School Turn-Based CRPG Traditionalist (buy)
    - Motivation: Experiencing authentic old-school D&D combat and exploration.
    - Playstyle: Plays turn-based tactical combat, tolerates dated graphics and jank, and enjoys Goldbox-style dungeon crawling.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Goldbox series
  - Price-Conscious D&D Newcomer (deep sale)
    - Motivation: Trying a classic D&D CRPG at a low price without prior nostalgia for it.
    - Playstyle: Learns 3rd Edition rules, attempts a first full playthrough, and waits for discounts before committing.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: deep sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition; Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
  - Co-op Multiplayer Veteran (no buy)
    - Motivation: Playing the campaign cooperatively with friends as in past multiplayer sessions.
    - Playstyle: Organizes group multiplayer runs and expects functional co-op support.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Runs smoothly on modern systems (weight 0.81): 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 (weight 0.65): 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 (weight 0.61): 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 (weight 0.61): 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 (weight 0.59): 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.
- Excellent controller and handheld support (weight 0.51): Controller implementation is surprisingly good and easy to understand, playing really well. The game also runs well on handheld devices in 13W mode.
- Faithful classic D&D experience (weight 0.43): Reviewers praise the game as a faithful recreation of the original, capturing the quirky early D&D feel and old-school charm. It is described as a great D&D clone that feels refreshing.
- Challenging tactical combat (weight 0.4): Combat is turn-based and requires careful planning, preserving authentic turn-based crunch. It can be challenging, which adds to the enjoyment for fans.
- Improved graphics and presentation (weight 0.39): HD graphics look great with enhancements, and decent graphics are noted. Flashy graphics are not needed when gameplay is good, but the visual upgrades are appreciated.
- Good dungeons, loot, and story (weight 0.39): Dungeons and loot are well-designed, and the story is decent. The Forgotten Realms lore adds to the enjoyment.
- Authentic old-school feel with modern options (weight 0.39): Modern options can be turned off to experience the original feel, and changes over the original are mostly UI and quality-of-life improvements. The game avoids feeling like a slog.
- Lack of hand-holding encourages exploration (weight 0.3): The absence of hand-holding and the need to explore is refreshing and enjoyable for players who appreciate discovery. The jank and difficulty are considered part of the fun.
- Polished interface and camera (weight 0.3): The reworked camera and updated tooltips make dungeon crawling intuitive, and quick access menus are amazing. Interface improvements enhance the experience.
- Good value and availability (weight 0.27): The game is widely available and priced well, offering good value for the price. It is also optimized for modern PCs.
- Improved stability over original (weight 0.27): The updated version does not nuke your hard drive, unlike the original, and legacy bugs with object transparency and interactables on modern GPUs are fixed.
- Overcame bad reputation (weight 0.16): Despite the game's bad reputation, the reviewer enjoyed the first hours, indicating the game has merits beyond its reputation.
- Compatible with old mods (weight 0.15): Old mods still work on the updated version, which is a pleasant surprise for long-time fans.
- Reminiscent of Icewind Dale (weight 0.15): The game is reminiscent of Icewind Dale, with less emphasis on story and lore and more on combat, appealing to fans of that style.
- Polish language version appreciated (weight 0.14): The inclusion of a Polish language version is appreciated by reviewers.
- Nostalgic easter egg song (weight 0.14): An in-game song serves as a nostalgic easter egg, delighting long-time fans.

Common complaints:
- Minimal effort re-release (weight 0.78): 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 (weight 0.61): 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 (weight 0.59): 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 (weight 0.59): 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 (weight 0.43): 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.
- Hard and unbalanced difficulty (weight 0.4): The game is not easy, with tough first few levels and players getting one-shotted by orcs. Old level design and balance problems are likely.
- Graphics not remastered (weight 0.4): Graphics are stretched rather than remastered, making them look cruder. There are no colored armors, shiny weapons, or variety in visuals.
- Combat frustrates due to misses (weight 0.39): Enemy armor classes can be so high that players constantly miss, leading to rounds of combat taking five minutes or more. Players are left using magic missile repeatedly.
- Not worth the price (weight 0.39): The price is too high for a game that was once free, and it may not be worth it if you have access to the original. It is considered junk for the price.
- Tedious travel and inventory (weight 0.37): Travel within the game takes ages, and going up and down stairs is tedious. Players constantly have to return to sell gear.
- Ruleset not as advertised (weight 0.35): The game is not the true 3.0 D&D ruleset as advertised, and the D&D 3.0 ruleset is burdensome. Character development is simplified and resembles 5e more.
- Lacks tutorial and explanations (weight 0.27): There is no tutorial, and useful class abilities and options are buried and unexplained. The interface is still clunky and unintuitive.
- No multiplayer mode (weight 0.27): The game only includes a singleplayer mode; there is no multiplayer mode, making it uninteresting for some players. A refund was requested due to the absence of multiplayer.
- Little new content (weight 0.26): There is very little here you couldn't get running the abandoned game on DOSBox. The game rehashes the old look and feel instead of modernizing.
- Light story, heavy dungeon crawl (weight 0.24): The story is light, and the game focuses heavily on dungeon crawling. This may not appeal to all players.
- Technical stutter and settings (weight 0.22): Players experienced a bit of stutter and had to adjust a couple settings in the options. These are minor technical issues.
- Dice rolls can be brutal (weight 0.14): Dice rolls can produce long stretches of horrible rolls, so players should save often. This adds to the frustration.
- Not best D&D game (weight 0.13): It is not the best game based on the D&D franchise, according to some. This reflects a general disappointment.

Gameplay feedback:
- Uses D&D 3rd Edition Rules (weight 0.51): 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 (weight 0.32): The game provides an old D&D game experience, appealing to fans of classic RPGs.
- Character Development System (weight 0.3): Reviewers highlight the character creation and development system as a key feature. It allows for detailed customization and progression.
- Janky and Clunky Gameplay (weight 0.28): 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 (weight 0.27): The game includes a singleplayer mode but lacks any multiplayer functionality. This is a notable limitation for some players.
- Dungeon Crawl Focused Gameplay (weight 0.27): The gameplay is heavily focused on dungeon crawling, with less emphasis on story and lore.
- Dungeon Exploration and Loot (weight 0.26): Dungeon exploration and looting are core activities, providing rewards and progression.
- Turn-Based CRPG (weight 0.26): The game is a turn-based CRPG, with combat and actions resolved in turns.
- Controller and Keyboard/Mouse Support (weight 0.24): The game supports switching between keyboard/mouse and controller, offering flexibility in input methods.
- No Quest Markers, Exploration Required (weight 0.15): Players must rely on quest logs and exploration instead of quest markers, encouraging thorough exploration.
- Challenging Combat (weight 0.15): Combat is challenging, requiring strategic thinking and careful management of resources.
- Tutorial Lacks Full Detail (weight 0.14): A tutorial exists but does not explain all game mechanics in full detail, leaving some aspects for players to discover.
- Travel and Navigation Between Areas (weight 0.14): Travel and navigation between areas are part of the game, though some find it tedious.
- Armour Class-Based Hit Chance (weight 0.14): Combat uses an armour class-based hit chance system, typical of D&D rules.
- Old-School World Style Gameplay (weight 0.14): The game features an older world style gameplay, reminiscent of classic RPGs.
- Class Abilities Unexplained (weight 0.14): Class abilities and options exist but are not fully explained in-game, requiring external knowledge.
- Inventory Selling and Vendor Returns (weight 0.13): Selling items to vendors and managing inventory returns are included, but some find the process cumbersome.
- Old Mods Remain Compatible (weight 0.13): Existing mods from older versions remain compatible, extending the game's longevity.
- Charting Areas on Graph Paper (weight 0.13): Players may chart areas on graph paper, as in old D&D style, adding a nostalgic element.
- AD&D Based Ruleset (weight 0.13): The game is based on AD&D rules, which may appeal to fans of that edition.

Performance notes:
- Xbox Ally X 13w mode performance (weight 0.16): 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 (weight 0.15): Ultra-wide monitors are supported natively without additional configuration.
- HUD scales to modern resolutions (weight 0.15): The HUD properly scales for modern screen resolutions, ensuring readability on high-resolution displays.
- Stutter after adjusting settings (weight 0.14): One player experienced mild stuttering after changing graphics settings, suggesting potential optimization issues with certain configurations.
- Game crashes (weight 0.14): A player reported that the game crashes, which may indicate stability issues on some systems.

Recommendations:
- Overpriced for most buyers (weight 0.61): 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 (weight 0.5): 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 (weight 0.5): 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 (weight 0.4): 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 (weight 0.37): Despite criticisms, several reviewers are glad they bought the game and recommend it for another playthrough. It also works well as a handheld game.
- Recommended for first-time players (weight 0.28): Those new to the game are advised to try it, though some suggest waiting for a sale if they haven't played the original. It offers a stable way to revisit the Forgotten Realms.
- Not needed if you own original (weight 0.17): Owners of the original game see little reason to purchase this version again, as it offers no significant improvements for them. Some explicitly state there is no need to get it twice.
- Only for those accepting retro style (weight 0.17): Buyers should only purchase if they accept that this is not a modern game and are comfortable with outdated graphics and mechanics. It is a niche product for a specific audience.
- Historical interest for D&D 3.0 (weight 0.15): The game is recommended for those curious about the first D&D video game featuring the 3.0 rule set. It holds value as a historical curiosity for enthusiasts.
- Gameplay tip for early levels (weight 0.14): One reviewer advises remembering CC spells for the first few levels, which can help new players. This is a specific gameplay tip for those starting out.

Other player notes:
- Release criticized as low-effort port (weight 0.7): 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 (weight 0.5): 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 (weight 0.5): 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 (weight 0.39): 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 (weight 0.3): 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.
- Controller support works well (weight 0.28): Controller implementation is reported to work well on handheld devices, with smooth performance on Xbox Ally X Z2 extreme. This adds convenience for portable play.
- Forgotten Realms setting and rules confusion (weight 0.28): The game is based on the Forgotten Realms setting, but it was developed for 2.0 rules then swapped to 3.0 at the end of development. This rules shift may confuse players expecting consistency.
- Desire for modernized multiplayer (weight 0.28): The reviewer plans to return to the original game using DgVoodoo2 to handle bugs and crashes, and would immediately buy again if a modernized multiplayer part were added. This highlights a demand for improved multiplayer features.
- Polish language version included (weight 0.16): A Polish language version is included, which is a positive for Polish-speaking players. This localization effort is noted as a plus.
- Combat focus over story like Icewind Dale (weight 0.16): The game is compared to Icewind Dale, with less emphasis on story and lore and more on combat. This appeals to players seeking tactical battles.
- High score despite criticisms (weight 0.16): Despite issues, the reviewer gave the game a 9/10, indicating overall satisfaction. The score reflects appreciation for the core game.
- Compared to indie developer efforts (weight 0.16): Reviewers compare this release to efforts of indie developers who build games from scratch, implying this port lacks similar effort. The comparison underscores perceived minimal work.
- Port widely available (weight 0.15): The port is widely available, making it accessible to a broad audience. This availability is a positive aspect noted by reviewers.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.2): Players are disappointed by the lack of character customization and spell selection, feeling the update is a bare re-release rather than a polished version. The minimal improvements over the original and the absence of multiplayer also contribute to unmet expectations.
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Frustration stems from technical issues like stutter, bugs, and a clunky interface, as well as combat that drags due to constant misses. The game is also seen as an overpriced minimal effort re-release, adding to player irritation.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.14): Nostalgia is triggered by memories of playing the original game in childhood or adolescence, often linked to early tabletop D&D experiences. Revisiting Faerûn and encountering easter eggs for long-time players also evoke fond memories.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.09): Players enjoy experiencing the Forgotten Realms lore for the first time, and the game runs smoothly and is fun to play. It also meets expectations for those who remember it, especially on handheld devices.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.07): Satisfaction comes from the faithful recreation of the original game, allowing players to finally try an improved version. Getting the classic to run effortlessly on modern setups is particularly gratifying.
- Love (weight 0.05): Players love the game's older world style gameplay and consider it their all-time favorite AD&D game.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement arises from the quirky situation of carrying a dead party member's body around after they died early.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Players appreciate the effort to keep older classics alive and accessible to modern audiences.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance is caused by slow travel and the need for constant backtracking to sell gear.
- Disrespect (weight 0.02): Some players feel the game is an insult to indie developers due to its low effort.
- Gladness (weight 0.02): Gladness comes from the game working on modern PCs and matching players' memories of the original.
- Refreshed (weight 0.02): Players feel refreshed by the quirky early D&D mechanics that offer a unique experience.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Surprise is expressed at how well the controller implementation plays.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is generated by improvements to the UI and quick access menus.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from being able to play the game again after many years.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Excitement was sparked by the project announcement and demo, which brought back old feelings.
- Pleasant surprise (weight 0.02): Players are pleasantly surprised that the game is a classic old-school CRPG reminiscent of Icewind Dale.}