Genre: RPG
Developer: FTL Games
Year: 1989
Version: unknown
Documentation: None available.
Related websites:
Related titles: Eye of the beholder, Eye of the beholder II, Eye of the beholder III
Notes:

[ download now ] (995 KB)
This game was first released on Atari ST in 1987, and suffered little change from its adaptation to PC and Amiga, becoming on both platforms one of the most successful grandfathers of modern CRPGs, with intriguing gameplay and immersive atmosphere.


Some might argue that Dungeon Master lacks in roleplaying, being thus more of an adventure/action game. You must see though, this game was clearly inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and similar pen-and-paper RPGs, which back in the 80's (and maybe even today) were a lot more focused in hack'n'slash dungeon crawling than in roleplay. Game plot matters very little. Real die-hard CRPGs from that time (like the Ultima series, Wasteland and others) only faintly resembled the most successful pen-and-paper RPG of all times.


That said, on to the gameplay. Dungeon Master features real-time combat and enemy movement, much like Eye of the beholder -- but hey, Dungeon Master came first. It's one of the first games ever that notes the effects of encumbrance and wounds on the characters' performance. Intuitive mouse commands and easy-to-use inventory made gaming a pleasure in an age where many games were frustratingly hard to figure out.


The PC version came with Sound Blaster support, and you must see this. Sound effects are very immersive, scaring you away whenever possible. :)


All in all, this is a huge classic, one of the best dungeon-crawlers ever, and a decent challenge to any hardcore maze dweller. And if you never played, you're missing a classic worth completing.