Veil of Darkness
A horror adventure with isometric view and RPG combat.
Back in 1993, Event Horizon Software and Strategic Simulations released Veil of Darkness for MS-DOS, FM Towns, and PC-98. This horror-action-adventure game uses a fixed isometric view, blending third-person point-and-click exploration with RPG elements and action-RPG combat.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Event Horizon Software
- Publisher
- Strategic Simulations
- Designer
- Thomas J. Holmes; Christopher L. Straka
- Programmer
- Thomas J. Holmes
- Artist
- Frank Schurter; Jane Yeager
- Writer
- Scot Noel
- Composer
- Anthony Mollick
- Ed Puskar
- Pete Smolcic
- Released
- March 1993
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game uses an isometric point of view with a customizable control panel and an inventory system. Actions are handled via mouse clicks on areas or items in the panel; movement can be directed with arrow keys or the mouse. The inventory can hold multiple items, and bags or pouches increase carrying capacity. A weight indicator shows the knapsack bulging when overloaded, while health is represented by a skeleton appearing from the feet upward in a coffin. A mirror reveals ailments such as aging or curses, and certain conditions appear on the player's portrait. Conversations allow clicking underlined words or typing a word when prompted; typing 'Bye' ends a talk. The game is non-linear, letting the player explore freely, though some areas or actions require prior tasks or items. The player moves through a dark valley, solving puzzles and fighting monsters like werewolves, vampires, and skeletons. Different weapons are effective against different enemies, and various plants or items cure ailments. Puzzles involve combining information from conversations, using objects, and finding ways past guardians or into locked areas.
Plot
The player is a cargo pilot whose plane crashes in a remote Romanian valley. Rescued by Deirdre, daughter of the wealthy Kiril Kristoverikh, the player learns that the valley's inhabitants cannot escape and suffer under various evils. Kiril explains that the player's arrival was foretold in a prophecy, and they are destined to destroy Kairn, an immortal vampire who trapped the valley in eternal darkness. The player explores, gathers items, battles creatures, and completes deeds from the prophecy: healing Kairn's victims, slaying a werewolf, and helping the souls of Kairn's murdered brothers and father pass on. They also kill Andrei, Kiril's son, reanimated as a zombie after Kiril failed to revive him. Kiril then reveals that Kairn kidnapped Deirdre to make her a vampire bride. The player discovers the Agrippa, a sentient tome that gave Kairn his powers and later cursed him with the prophecy. Freeing the Agrippa with a key from Kairn's stronghold, the player meets the imprisoned Deirdre, who says her father is corrupt and traded her to Kairn for freedom.
Reception
Computer Gaming World stated that Veil of Darkness held their attention until completion, and despite criticizing its brief length, they called the experience one to savor and nominated it for Role-Playing Game of the Year alongside The Summoning. Power Unlimited gave a 70% score, noting that while the story is not original and resembles Dracula, the many assignments keep the game fun, though the intro is too long. James Trunzo in White Wolf #37 wrote that the music becomes intrusive after a while, some early puzzles are overly difficult, and combat can take time, but the game is an excellent change from typical dungeon crawls and worth trying for horror fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Veil of Darkness released?
Veil of Darkness was released in March 1993.
Who designed Veil of Darkness?
Veil of Darkness was designed by Thomas J. Holmes and Christopher L. Straka.
Who composed the music for Veil of Darkness?
The music for Veil of Darkness was composed by Anthony Mollick, Ed Puskar and Pete Smolcic.
More in Point-and-Click Adventure Games of the 1990s
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