Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom vs Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
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.
Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity continues the saga of the Citadel, pitting you against the resurrected spirit of Shandar and the ancient Black Dragon. Explore a vast world filled with day‑night cycles, animated cut‑scenes, and a unique time‑travel mechanic that lets you alter events across centuries. Featuring over 100 characters with distinct personalities, deep magic and combat systems, auto‑mapping, unlimited saves, and richly detailed graphics, this single‑player adventure offers countless hours of fantasy role‑playing excitement.
- Rich, varied island environments
- Improved combat ergonomics
- Day‑night cycle adds immersion
- Party import from the first game
- Extensive cast of characters with unique personalities
- Innovative time‑travel mechanic
- Rich, animated story sequences
- Unlimited save system for flexible play
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Limited platform availability
- No multiplayer options
- Outdated graphics by modern standards
- Steep learning curve for combat and magic systems
- Limited to PC platform only
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataIshar 3 offers deeper mechanics, more characters and a unique time‑travel system at half the price, but has a steeper learning curve; Ishar 2 is simpler, island‑focused, and costs more.
Key differences
- •Ishar 3 features a time‑travel mechanic affecting the world; Ishar 2 explores seven separate islands.
- •Ishar 3 includes 100+ uniquely scripted characters; Ishar 2 lets you import characters from the first game only.
- •Ishar 3 has a complex magic system with many spell combos; Ishar 2 uses streamlined, ergonomic turn‑based combat.
- •Price: Ishar 3 $19.99 vs Ishar 2 $49.99.
- •Release dates: Ishar 3 (1994) is newer than Ishar 2 (1993).
Gameplay & fun factor
Ishar 3 adds time‑travel, 100+ characters and deep magic, providing richer gameplay than Ishar 2.
Platform availability
Both are listed as single‑player PC titles with no other platforms specified.
Price & value
Ishar 3 costs $19.99, less than half of Ishar 2’s $49.99 price.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both games are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Ishar 3’s 100+ characters and time‑travel gates give more varied content than Ishar 2’s island set.
Difficulty & accessibility
Ishar 3 has a steep learning curve; Ishar 2’s combat is described as streamlined and ergonomic.
Graphics & performance
Both are noted as having dated graphics by modern standards.
Choose Ishar 2: Messengers of Doom if…
Players who prefer simpler, island‑based exploration with streamlined combat and don’t mind a higher price.
Choose Ishar 3: The Seven Gates of Infinity if…
Players who want deep RPG systems, many characters, and a lower price, and can handle a steep learning curve.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Ishar 3 costs $19.99; Ishar 2 costs $49.99.
Can I bring characters from the first Ishar into these games?
Ishar 2 supports importing characters from the original Ishar; Ishar 3 does not mention import capability.
Do either of the games have multiplayer?
Both are single‑player only.