Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom
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.
Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom puts you in the role of Zubaran, the new lord of Ishar, as you travel an archipelago of uniquely themed islands to confront the evil sorcerer Shandar. The game builds on its predecessor with a more ergonomic combat system, a day‑night cycle affecting shops and night life, and the ability to import your party from the original Ishar. Explore swamps, underground complexes, bustling cities, mountains, and treetop forests, each island named after a companion of the original hero. Manage gold with a new bank, enjoy a richer RPG experience, and save without losing wealth—all in classic 1993 fantasy action‑RPG style.
- Rich open‑world exploration
- Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
- Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
- Deep party customization
- Rich, varied island environments
- Improved combat ergonomics
- Day‑night cycle adds immersion
- Party import from the first game
- Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
- Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
- No multiplayer or co‑op options
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
- No multiplayer options
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are classic 1990s single‑player fantasy RPGs at the same price, but Abandoned Places offers a mixed 2D‑overworld/3D‑dungeon experience with real‑time combat, while Ishar 2 provides island hopping, turn‑based combat and a day‑night cycle.
Key differences
- •Perspective: Abandoned Places uses 2D top‑down overworld plus split‑screen 3D dungeons; Ishar 2 stays fully 2D across seven islands.
- •Combat style: Abandoned Places is real‑time click‑to‑attack with cooldowns; Ishar 2 uses streamlined turn‑based battles.
- •World design: Abandoned Places features a single open world; Ishar 2 offers distinct island environments and a dynamic day‑night cycle.
- •Party continuity: Ishar 2 lets you import characters from the original Ishar; Abandoned Places starts fresh each playthrough.
- •UI feedback: Abandoned Places notes limited UI feedback during cooldowns; Ishar 2’s turn‑based system gives clearer action cues.
Pricing & value
Both games cost $49.99 and are one‑time purchases.
Gameplay & fun factor
Abandoned Places blends 2D exploration with 3D dungeons and real‑time combat, offering more varied pacing.
Platform availability
Both are retro PC titles from the early 90s; no platform differences are specified.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Ishar 2 provides seven distinct islands, a day‑night cycle, and character import, increasing variety.
Difficulty & accessibility
Turn‑based combat in Ishar 2 is described as more ergonomic than Abandoned Places’ real‑time cooldown system.
Graphics & performance
Both are dated 1990s graphics; neither is noted as superior.
Choose Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes if…
Players who prefer mixed 2D/3D visuals and real‑time action combat.
Choose Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom if…
Players who value turn‑based combat, island variety, and continuity from the first Ishar.
Common questions
Is there any multiplayer or co‑op mode?
No. Both Abandoned Places and Ishar 2 are single‑player only.
Can I import characters from a previous game?
Only Ishar 2 supports importing characters from the original Ishar.
Which game offers more varied environments?
Ishar 2 features seven distinct islands with a day‑night cycle, while Abandoned Places has a single overworld plus 3D dungeons.