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❤ Exploration and Mapping

Players form a party of up to 4 adventurers, choosing from a variety of races and classes such as human, elf, dwarf, cleric, fighter, mage, and thief. The game uses the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons 2nd Edition rule set, so combat and character progression follow those familiar mechanics. A key aspect of the gameplay is mapping out and navigating the sprawling, grid-based dungeon environments. The games do not provide an in-game automap, requiring players to manually map their progress on graph paper or use the included "All-Seeing Eye" mapping utility. This adds a layer of challenge and immersion as players must pay close attention to their surroundings to avoid getting lost or trapped. The dungeons are filled with hidden passages, traps, switches, and other environmental puzzles that players must discover and solve to progress. Careful exploration and keen observation are essential skills.

❤ Combat and Party Management

In combat, players issue commands to their party members to attack, cast spells, or use items. The AD&D 2nd Edition rules govern factors like hit points, armor class, and THAC0 (to hit armor class 0), adding a tactical depth to battles. Managing the party's resources, such as hit points, spells, and inventory, is crucial. Players must strike a balance between offense, defense, and utility to overcome the diverse array of enemies, from common monsters to powerful boss creatures.

❤ Difficulty and Replayability

The games are known for their challenging difficulty, especially in the later entries of the trilogy. Players must approach the games with caution, planning their moves carefully and making the most of their party's capabilities. Despite the high difficulty, the games offer a substantial amount of replayability. Players can create different party compositions, explore alternative paths, and experiment with various strategies to overcome the challenges. The ability to transfer characters across the trilogy also adds to the sense of continuity and investment in the party's progression.

❤ Quality of Life Improvements

The Steam release includes the "All-Seeing Eye" mapping utility, which can reveal secrets and provide helpful information, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the games are packaged with the original manuals and cluebooks, providing players with easy access to the necessary rules and supplementary information to better navigate the Forgotten Realms universe.