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Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva

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.
Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva
Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over RivaSinister forces haunt Riva in this classic 3D fantasy RPG.
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.

Explore the sprawling seaside town of Riva, where an evil presence has corrupted its leaders and lurks beneath the streets. Dive into detailed 3D environments, from bustling markets to dark sewers and mysterious underwater chambers, all while uncovering a sinister plot. Adjustable difficulty lets you tailor the experience, whether you prefer a straightforward adventure or a deep, tactical challenge. Classic turn‑based combat and rich role‑playing elements bring the 1996 masterpiece to modern players on Linux, PC, and Mac.

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
1996-12-31
Specifications
developer
ArtGame
Attic Entertainment Software
publisher
International Computer Entertainment, Electronic Zoo
Fantasy Productions, Sir-tech Software, TopWare Interactive, United Independent Entertainment GmbH
multiplayer
Single player
Single player
age rating
—
ESRB T
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Rich open‑world exploration
  • Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
  • Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
  • Deep party customization
  • Rich 3D environments for a 1996 game
  • Adjustable difficulty caters to all skill levels
  • Unique underwater and sewer exploration areas
  • Deep, turn‑based combat system
Cons
  • Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
  • Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
  • No multiplayer or co‑op options
  • Graphics are dated compared to modern titles
  • Interface can feel clunky by today’s standards
  • Limited save system may frustrate some players
Community & Metrics
Upvotes
0
0
User rating
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The Verdict

AI-generated from listing data

Both are classic single‑player fantasy RPGs; choose A for a retro 2D/3D hybrid with real‑time combat, or B for a fully 3D city with turn‑based, adjustable‑difficulty combat.

Key differences

  • •Combat style: A uses real‑time click‑to‑attack; B uses turn‑based strategic combat.
  • •World design: A mixes 2D top‑down overworld with 3D dungeons; B is a fully 3D city with underwater and sewer areas.
  • •Difficulty options: B offers adjustable difficulty levels; A has limited UI feedback and no difficulty settings.
  • •Release era: A released 1992 with early‑90s graphics; B released 1996 with more advanced 3D graphics for its time.
DimensionWinner

Gameplay & fun factor

Both offer deep party customization and exploration, but differ in combat style (real‑time vs turn‑based).

Tie

Platform availability

Both run on classic PC hardware; no specific platform details beyond early‑90s PC.

Tie

Price & value

A lists a clear MSRP of $49.99; B's price is not specified.

Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes

Multiplayer / co‑op

Both are single‑player only.

Tie

Content & replayability

A offers open‑world, side quests, hidden items; B offers a massive 3D city, underwater/sewer zones, adjustable difficulty.

Tie

Difficulty & accessibility

B provides adjustable difficulty levels; A lacks difficulty settings and has limited UI feedback.

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva

Graphics & performance

B's 1996 3D graphics are generally more advanced than A's 1992 2D/3D hybrid, though both are dated.

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva

Choose Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes if…

Players who prefer retro 2D/3D mix and real‑time combat.

Choose Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva if…

Players who want fully 3D exploration with turn‑based combat and difficulty options.

Common questions

What is the cost of each game?

A costs $49.99 (MSRP). B's price is not specified in the provided facts.

Which game has adjustable difficulty?

Realms of Arkania III (B) offers adjustable difficulty; Abandoned Places (A) does not.

Do either of the games support multiplayer?

Both are single‑player only.