Dark Messiah of Might and Magic

Rating: M
Release date: October 25, 2006 (PC), February 12, 2008 (XBOX 360)
Platforms: XBOX 360, PC
Multiplayer: Yes, over Steam game networking/download service.
Downloadable content: No.

I originally picked up Dark Messiah on a whim while out shopping at a bargain outlet. I got it installed after a couple problems with the mm.exe program that runs with the game. These problems are fixable by doing things to the registry of your computer, and there are tutorials on the net, if you'd like to do so. However, I didn't really have very many problems, just a couple freezes and the like. If you have a Steam account, run the game exclusively through that. Otherwise, run it solely through the disk installer.

For a game that I picked up on the cheap, Dark Messiah is quite fun. The levels are challenging and support multiple approaches, from obliterating everything in your path with spells and swords to being sneaky and engaging the enemy only when necessary. The combat mechanic is also different from any I've used before, since it enables the use of a kick to disorient enemies and shove them into either the environment or their comrades, often to deadly effect. The game also makes use of an adrenaline effect, which, when active, gives the player a chance to use finishing moves, such as impaling a downed enemy with your sword. If that doesn't work, the player can always use a variety of spells, from your standard fire and freeze spells to telekinesis, along with a spell or two that helps you regenerate health and which will quickly become most people's best friends, especially because health items like potions are incredibly scarce.

In addition, the player is rarely lacking means to defend themselves. Most dead enemies will drop either a short sword or a bow and its accompanying quiver. Weapons like the sword, daggers, and staff can be used to parry an opponent's strike and leave him open to a brutal counterattack or give the player time to heal themselves.

Simply because the player has these tools at his or her disposal does not mean that the game is easy, however. Enemies will often attack you in groups of three or more, and will flank you if you're not careful. This can be rectified by keeping your back to the wall or to a doorway, and ducking into said doorway when things get hairy. Using magic, especially fire spells, will also give you some breathing room. Give yourself too much breathing room, however, and you give your remaining enemies time to regroup.

All in all, Dark Messiah is a great game, considering how cheap (and how old) it is. Most PCs should have no problem running it, and it's certainly a good enough game for rainy days. If you'd like to pick it up for just such an occasion, you can find it in my Amazon aStore.