Abandoned Places: A Time for Heroes vs The Temple of Elemental Evil

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 in the troubled town of Hommlet, the game opens with a vignette shaped by your party’s alignment, plunging you into a world where rising evil forces threaten a once‑prosperous settlement. As you explore the iconic Temple of Elemental Evil, you must manage a diverse party, uncover hidden lore, and confront classic monsters in a richly detailed fantasy setting. Built on Troika Games’ engine, the title blends turn‑based strategy with role‑playing depth, offering extensive character customization, strategic combat, and a story that reacts to your moral choices. The PC and Mac release preserves the original 2003 experience while remaining fully compatible with modern systems via GOG.

• Rich open‑world exploration
• Blend of 2D and 3D perspectives
• Simple yet engaging point‑and‑click combat
• Deep party customization

• Deep adherence to D&D 3.5 mechanics
• Rich, atmospheric isometric graphics
• Extensive character and party customization
• Engaging alignment‑based story

• Dated graphics may not appeal to modern eyes
• Limited UI feedback during cooldowns
• No multiplayer or co‑op options

• Single‑player only, no co‑op options
• Interface feels dated by modern standards
• Steep learning curve for newcomers to D&D rules