Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder is a retro role-playing game released in 1991 for Super Nintendo. The game requires players to create up to six characters including fighters, magic-users, and other classes to explore the dungeons beneath the city of Waterdeep, where they will encounter various enemies, puzzles, and traps. The game features simple but engaging mechanics that require strategic thinking and quick reflexes to succeed. It may not appeal to all modern gamers due to outdated graphics and its lack of modern features, but its immersive atmosphere and rich story make it a classic gem of the genre.

Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder – A Retro Role-Playing Game Review

Introduction

Role-playing games have come a long way since the early days of Dungeons and Dragons. Today’s digital RPGs feature stunning graphics, immersive storylines, and complex gameplay mechanics. However, there is still something appealing about the simplicity of retro RPGs from the 1980s and 90s. Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder is one such game, released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo. Despite its age, the game remains a classic and has inspired countless other RPGs in the years since its release. This review will explore the game’s mechanics, story, and appeal to modern gamers.

Mechanics

The mechanics of Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder are straightforward but challenging. Players must create a party of up to six characters, including a mix of fighters, magic-users, and other classes. Each character has their own unique abilities and spells to master. Combat takes place in real-time, with players issuing commands to their characters such as attack, cast a spell, or use an item. The game also features puzzles that require the player to use logic and item management to progress. The level of difficulty is high, with many areas requiring the player to grind for experience and gold in order to progress. Overall, the mechanics are simple but engaging, requiring both strategic thinking and quick reflexes to succeed.

Story

The story of Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder is both sparse and immersive. The game begins with the player’s party arriving in the city of Waterdeep, where they are tasked with exploring the dungeons beneath the city. As the player progresses through the dungeons, they must contend with various enemies, puzzles, and traps. The ultimate goal is to defeat the Beholder, a powerful monster that resides at the bottom of the dungeon. While there is little in the way of character development or side quests, the game’s atmosphere is rich with lore and backstory. Players can uncover hidden rooms and messages, which provide clues about the game’s world and history. The story may not have many twists and turns, but it is compelling nonetheless.

Appeal to Modern Gamers

Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder, like many retro RPGs, may not appeal to all modern gamers. Its graphics are dated, its mechanics are challenging, and some may find its lack of modern features frustrating. However, for those who love classic RPGs, the game is a delight. Its immersive atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and rich story make it a true gem of the genre. Players who can look past its flaws will find hours of enjoyment in exploring its dungeons and uncovering its secrets.

Conclusion

Journey Through the Eye of the Beholder is a classic retro RPG that still holds up today. While its graphics may be dated and its mechanics challenging, its immersive atmosphere and rich story make it a true gem of the genre. Modern gamers who love classic RPGs should not hesitate to give this game a try. It is a journey worth taking.