Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs Crystals of Arborea
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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 island kingdom of Arborea, the last refuge after a cataclysmic flood, players uncover a world where the deity Mogroth spreads chaos among orcs and black elves. The four elemental crystals—earth, fire, water, and air—stand as the only barrier against total subjugation, and the hero must master them to restore balance. Developed and published by Silmarils in 1990, this single‑player RPG blends turn‑based combat, isometric exploration, and puzzle‑solving within a richly mythic fantasy setting. Its retro pixel art and branching narrative offer multiple endings, rewarding players who delve deep into its lore.
- Rich open‑world exploration
- Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
- Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
- Deep party customization
- Deep fantasy lore and world‑building
- Strategic elemental combat system
- Multiple endings increase replay value
- Authentic retro graphics and sound
- Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
- Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
- No multiplayer or co‑op options
- Dated user interface may feel clunky to modern players
- Limited save system can make progress unforgiving
- Sparse documentation on crystal mechanics
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic‑style fantasy RPGs from the early 90s, but Crystals of Arborea offers turn‑based elemental combat and multiple endings, while Abandoned Places gives an open world with a party of four and real‑time point‑and‑click battles.
Key differences
- •Combat style: turn‑based elemental system (A) vs real‑time click‑to‑attack (B).
- •Perspective: isometric view throughout (A) vs 2D top‑down overworld plus 3D dungeons (B).
- •Party size: solo hero (A) vs four‑hero party with unique abilities (B).
- •Replay value: branching story with several endings (A) vs large open world with side quests (B).
- •Save system: limited save points making progress unforgiving (A); B’s save system not described.
Gameplay & fun factor
A offers strategic turn‑based combat; B provides fast real‑time point‑and‑click action—appeal depends on player preference.
Platform availability
No platform information provided for either title.
Pricing & value
Both are one‑time purchases; B lists $49.99 MSRP, A’s price is not specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
A has multiple endings; B features a large open world with side quests—each offers distinct replay incentives.
Difficulty & accessibility
A’s limited save points make it unforgiving; B’s UI gives limited cooldown feedback, both present accessibility challenges.
Graphics & performance
A uses retro pixel art; B mixes 2D top‑down and early‑90s 3D dungeons—both are dated by modern standards.
Choose Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes if…
Players who want an open world, party management, and fast real‑time combat.
Choose Crystals of Arborea if…
Players who prefer strategic turn‑based combat, deep lore, and multiple story endings.
Common questions
What is the price of each game?
Both are one‑time purchases; Abandoned Places lists an MSRP of $49.99, while Crystals of Arborea’s price is not specified.
Is the combat system complex?
Crystals of Arborea uses turn‑based elemental combat requiring strategic element matching; Abandoned Places uses simple click‑to‑attack real‑time combat with cooldown timers.
How forgiving is the save system?
Crystals of Arborea has limited save points, making progress more unforgiving; Abandoned Places does not specify its save system.