Pool of Radiance

Game Description

Pool of Radiance, released in 1988 by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI), is the first video game adaptation of the official Advanced Dungeons & Dragons (AD&D) ruleset. Set in the Forgotten Realms universe, players are tasked with assembling a party of adventurers to reclaim the city of Phlan, which has fallen into ruin under the control of monsters and dark magic.

Known for its faithful recreation of AD&D mechanics, Pool of Radiance features turn-based tactical combat, deep character customization, and a robust magic system. Players can create up to six characters, choosing from races and classes like elf, dwarf, fighter, cleric, magic-user, and more, each affecting stats and abilities in meaningful ways.

The game is structured around both exploration and combat, as players move between city districts, wilderness areas, and dangerous dungeons. The overhead map view is paired with a first-person exploration mode in dungeons and a grid-based combat screen, which was revolutionary at the time. Strategic positioning, spell timing, and party synergy are key to surviving tougher encounters.

Pool of Radiance earned acclaim for its complexity and depth, especially among fans of tabletop D&D. It launched the Gold Box series, a lineage of classic CRPGs that defined computer-based Dungeons & Dragons for years. The game's gritty aesthetic, challenging difficulty, and authentic D&D feel make it a must-play for any fan of retro RPGs or tactical fantasy games.

Still available via emulators or modern digital platforms, this title remains a nostalgic gem for old-school RPG enthusiasts and a historical cornerstone in video game adaptations of tabletop roleplaying.