Similar to the Spiderweb Software games, Eschalon is a throwback to much older titles. Though sadly, it doesn’t feature the same graphical upgrades those do; 800×600 is the only resolution option.
The gameplay here is also turn-based, albeit with just a single controllable character, while the plot and dialog is significantly more sparse. Health and mana both regenerate, but they do it at such a glacial pace that progress through any dungeon area ends up a tedious stop-and-go affair… even when using a save editor to fully restore the mana pool between fights. I’ve read that the sequel significantly increases the regen rate, so I think I’m just going to stop playing this installment now (~5 hours in at 6th level) and jump to that one.
If you do decide to play this, here are a few tips:
– Pressing F3 displays the various hotkeys.
– Right-click on the map area to show the fast travel menu.
– Closing a portcullis on a monster instantly kills it.
– Loot is randomized the moment you open a container, so save beforehand and then reload until something useful appears.