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Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs Challenge of the Five Realms

Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.

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Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes
Abandoned Places: A Time for HeroesEmbark on a classic 2D‑top‑down quest with real‑time 3D dungeons.
Challenge of the Five Realms
Challenge of the Five RealmsSave Nhagardia from Grimnoth's darkness in 100 days of epic adventure
Overview
Description

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.

Step into the shoes of the Prince of Alonia and embark on a quest across the multi‑dimensional world of Nhagardia. With a looming 100‑day deadline, you must battle the evil lord Grimnoth and his plague of darkness before the realm falls into eternal despair. This classic 1992 role‑playing adventure blends strategic combat, puzzle solving, and rich fantasy storytelling. Play solo on Linux, PC, or Mac and experience a nostalgic journey that still challenges modern gamers.

Pricing
Paid (One-time)
Paid (One-time)
Category
CRPG
CRPG
Best for
Fans of classic fantasy RPGs
Fans of classic fantasy RPGs
Specifications
General
msrp
$49.99
—
release date
1992-12-31
1992-01-02
Specifications
developer
ArtGame
MicroProse Software, Inc.
publisher
International Computer Entertainment, Electronic Zoo
Nightdive Studios, Retroism, MicroProse Software, Inc.
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Rich open‑world exploration
  • Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
  • Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
  • Deep party customization
  • Deep, story‑driven gameplay
  • Strategic time‑limit adds tension
  • Rich fantasy world with diverse realms
  • Available on multiple operating systems
Cons
  • Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
  • Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
  • No multiplayer or co‑op options
  • Dated graphics by modern standards
  • Limited save system can be unforgiving
  • No multiplayer or co‑op options
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
Not enough data
Not enough data

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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Both are classic‑style 1992 single‑player fantasy RPGs, but Challenge of the Five Realms focuses on a timed, narrative‑driven adventure, while Abandoned Places offers a larger open world with mixed 2D/3D exploration.

Key differences

  • •Challenge of the Five Realms imposes a 100‑day in‑game timer; Abandoned Places has no time limit.
  • •Abandoned Places blends 2D overworld with 3D dungeons; Challenge of the Five Realms stays fully 2D.
  • •Party size: Abandoned Places lets you control four heroes; Challenge of the Five Realms centers on a single character.
  • •Combat: Challenge of the Five Realms uses turn‑based combat; Abandoned Places uses real‑time click‑to‑attack.
  • •Pricing detail: Abandoned Places lists a $49.99 MSRP; Challenge of the Five Realms provides no price information.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Both offer classic fantasy RPG loops—exploration, combat, puzzles—but differ in combat style and party size, appealing to different tastes.

Tie

Platform availability

Challenge of the Five Realms is noted as available on multiple operating systems; Abandoned Places lists no platforms.

Challenge of the Five Realms

Price & value

Abandoned Places specifies a $49.99 MSRP; Challenge of the Five Realms does not disclose price.

Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only.

Tie

Content & replayability

Abandoned Places features a large open world and four‑hero party, offering more varied replay options than the single‑hero, timed story of Challenge.

Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes

Difficulty & accessibility

The 100‑day timer adds strategic pressure but may be unforgiving; Abandoned Places lacks such constraints.

Challenge of the Five Realms

Graphics & performance

Both are described as having dated graphics from the early 1990s.

Tie

Choose Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes if…

Players who prefer open‑world exploration, party management, and real‑time combat.

Choose Challenge of the Five Realms if…

Players who want a story‑centric, timed adventure with classic turn‑based combat.

Common questions

What is the combat system in each game?

Challenge of the Five Realms uses turn‑based combat; Abandoned Places uses real‑time click‑to‑attack with cooldowns.

Is there a price difference?

Abandoned Places lists a $49.99 MSRP; Challenge of the Five Realms does not provide a price.

Can I play with friends?

Both titles are single‑player only; no multiplayer or co‑op options.