A Beloved D&D Classic Arrives on Steam
A surprising announcement has come from independent Russian publisher SNEG: the company is set to release an official Steam version of the isometric role-playing game, The Temple of Elemental Evil, this autumn. This news offers a fresh opportunity for both long-time fans and new players to experience a significant title in RPG history.
The Legacy of Troika Games and D&D 3.5
The Temple of Elemental Evil holds a special place in the hearts of many RPG enthusiasts. It was the debut project from Troika Games, a studio widely recognized for its later critically acclaimed titles like Arcanum: Of Steamworks and Magick Obscura and Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. Leading the development of The Temple of Elemental Evil was none other than Tim Cain, a founding father of the iconic Fallout series, further cementing its pedigree.
This game is a computer adaptation of the classic Dungeons & Dragons tabletop adventure of the same name. Notably, it remains the only video game set in the Greyhawk D&D campaign world. More importantly for many tabletop fans, it was the first video game to implement the D&D 3.5 ruleset, which a significant portion of the RPG community still considers the finest edition of the rules.
SNEG's Commitment to Classic Re-releases
SNEG has made a name for itself through similar re-releases. The publisher has successfully brought classic Dungeons & Dragons Gold Box series RPGs to Steam, and also oversaw the official release of the long-developed pirated project “Captain Blood's Adventures.” Their track record suggests a dedication to making vintage RPGs accessible to a modern audience, and The Temple of Elemental Evil fits perfectly into this portfolio.
Gameplay and Story: A Focus on Rules
While The Temple of Elemental Evil's plot is relatively straightforward—evil forces are gathering again, spreading their influence from the titular temple, with the player's prologue varying based on party alignment—its true value lies in its faithful adaptation of the D&D 3.5 rules. Players will ultimately venture into the depths of the temple to confront the gathering darkness, with character building and tactical combat being primary highlights.
Modern Accessibility for a Vintage Experience
For many years, The Temple of Elemental Evil was primarily available through GOG, often requiring fan-made modifications to run smoothly on newer operating systems. According to the Steam page description, SNEG's port builds upon these community-driven improvements. This means the new version should launch without the common compatibility issues that have plagued the game on modern systems, offering a much smoother experience. However, it's important to note that this release is not a full remaster; it aims for stability and compatibility rather than significant graphical overhauls.
Release Window and Language Support
The Steam version of The Temple of Elemental Evil is slated for release in September. While an initial listing on the page showed a precise date of September 20th, this date was later removed, indicating a general September window. For international players, it's worth noting that only English is listed among the supported languages.
What This Means for Players
The arrival of The Temple of Elemental Evil on Steam is exciting for D&D fans and classic RPG enthusiasts alike. It offers a convenient and stable way to play a highly influential game, especially for those who appreciate the intricacies of the D&D 3.5 ruleset. SNEG's work in making these beloved classics more accessible ensures that a new generation of players can discover, and long-time fans can revisit, this unique piece of gaming history.
Post a Comment