Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance

Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes is a 1992 fantasy RPG where you control four heroes on a mission to stop the evil arch‑mage Bronagh and save the world of Kalynthia. The game blends a 2D top‑down overworld with 3D real‑time dungeon crawling reminiscent of Dungeon Master, offering a sandbox feel and plenty of side activities beyond the main quest. The interface lets you travel to towns by clicking symbols for services like healing or hints, while combat is point‑and‑click: select a weapon or spell, then click the monster, with cooldown timers after each use. This mix of exploration, party management, and real‑time action creates a deep, nostalgic adventure for solo players.

Set on the northern shore of the Moonsea, the city of Phlan has fallen to a horde of monsters led by a mysterious evil. Players create a party of adventurers, choose races and skills, and embark on a quest to uncover the leader’s identity and restore the city to its former glory, while searching for the legendary Pool of Radiance. The game blends role‑playing, strategy and turn‑based combat in an isometric fantasy world. Developed by Strategic Simulations and published by Pony Canyon, it offers a single‑player experience that defined early computer RPGs and remains a touchstone for fans of the AD&D system.

• Rich open‑world exploration
• Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
• Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
• Deep party customization

• Faithful adaptation of AD&D rules
• Deep character customization
• Strategic turn‑based combat
• Rich Forgotten Realms setting

• Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
• Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
• No multiplayer or co‑op options

• Dated graphics and UI
• Steep learning curve for newcomers
• Limited save system