Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs The Black Onyx
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.
The Black Onyx is a retro role‑playing game originally developed by Bullet‑Proof Software in the early 1980s. It brings turn‑based combat and pixel‑art exploration to modern PC players, preserving the charm of its original SG‑1000 and MSX releases. Despite its age, the game offers a deep fantasy narrative and strategic gameplay that still appeals to fans of classic RPGs. Its single‑player focus lets you immerse yourself in a quest to uncover the secrets of the titular black onyx.
- Rich open‑world exploration
- Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
- Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
- Deep party customization
- Authentic 1980s graphics and sound
- Deep turn‑based combat system
- Rich fantasy storyline
- Single‑player focus ensures immersive experience
- Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
- Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
- No multiplayer or co‑op options
- Limited color palette compared to modern games
- No save‑anywhere feature; relies on old‑style checkpoints
- Sparse documentation for modern players
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View all →The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataBoth are retro single‑player RPGs, but Abandoned Places offers a hybrid 2D/3D world and real‑time combat, while The Black Onyx delivers classic turn‑based gameplay and 1980s pixel aesthetics.
Key differences
- •Combat style: real‑time click‑to‑attack (A) vs turn‑based strategic (B).
- •Visual presentation: 2D top‑down overworld with 3D dungeons (A) vs pure 2D pixel art (B).
- •Release era and graphics fidelity: 1992 with early‑90s PC hardware (A) vs 1984 8‑bit style (B).
- •Customization: party of four with unique abilities and equipment (A) vs single‑hero focus (implied, not specified).
- •Audio: not described for A vs synthesized 1980s sound effects (B).
Gameplay & fun factor
A offers real‑time combat and 3D dungeons; B offers deep turn‑based strategy; both appeal to different play styles.
Platform availability
A runs on classic PC hardware from the early 90s; B requires emulation for modern OS, not specified for native support.
Price & value
A lists MSRP $49.99; B price not specified, making A’s cost transparent.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
B features randomized enemy encounters and a bestiary, encouraging repeated exploration.
Difficulty & accessibility
A’s simple click‑to‑attack with cooldown may be easier for newcomers than B’s strategic turn‑based system.
Graphics & performance
A mixes 2D and 3D, offering more visual depth than B’s limited 1980s pixel palette.
Choose Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes if…
Players who prefer real‑time combat, mixed 2D/3D visuals, and clearer pricing.
Choose The Black Onyx if…
Players who love authentic 1980s pixel art, turn‑based strategy, and randomized encounters.
Common questions
What is the cost of each game?
Abandoned Places costs $49.99 (MSRP). The Black Onyx price is not specified in the provided data.
Can I play either game on modern Windows without extra software?
Abandoned Places runs on classic early‑90s PC hardware; The Black Onyx requires an emulator for modern OS compatibility.
Which game offers more visual variety?
Abandoned Places combines 2D top‑down overworld with 3D dungeons, while The Black Onyx uses a single 2D pixel style.






