Let me start by saying that I was a big fan of the Might and Magic series (both RPG and Heroes games). Dark Messiah looked like it would be a great edition to the M&M legacy….it’s not. Sure the graphics are stunning. Great spell effects, plenty of splattering blood, very detailed monsters and environments. I also loved the finishing moves to take down a stunned enemy. (ok, they are not Mortal Combat spine ripping moves but they are a nice touch). Having to finish off Undead monsters so they don’t come back to life was very cool. Also kicking enemies into a fire and watching them burn up was just plain awesome.

However being presented as a FPS fantasy RPG I also expected an Oblivion style of game, wrong again! Dark Messiah is a very linear game. No open world to explore and find your way in. NPC says go here and you do. Freedom is a four letter word in Dark Messiah. You also spend a lot of time collecting hidden “artifacts” (not sure why since I didn’t notice any difference when I finished a segment if I had all of them or not) and weapons that you cannot use or sell. In fact I did not see where money is even used in the game.

Ok now a bit about character advancement. It’s linear, automatic and takes the RP out of the RPG part of the game. Hit a new level and if there is a skill slated for that level you get it. Wow true excitement there…..be still my beating heart.

Pros: looks great, fun ways to kill monsters and I liked the finishing attacks

Cons: Linear game play, no real character advancement and anything not listed under Pros.

Rent or Buy: Rent it, play it for as long as you can and then send it back for something better.

Prof Venatus, went looking for the magic and was found wanting more.