King of Dragon Pass

King of Dragon Pass, first released way back in 1999, is a very unusual game indeed. It’s an odd hotchpotch of resource management, interactive storybook, role-playing and strategy genres.rnrnSet in the fictional realm of Glorantha (which also provided the backdrop for classic role-playing game RuneQuest), the adventure sees the player attempting to settle his clan in the untamed wilds of Dragon Pass, while other clans are busy pursuing the same goal. The mechanism by which you achieve your aim of first settling your clan then helping it to thrive and succeed is what’s most unusual. rnrnThe story is told through reams of creatively-written text and static screens of hand-drawn artwork, which are frequently punctuated with opportunities for the player to make key decisions from a multiple choice menu (a bit like a Choose Your Own Adventure book). rnrnIn addition, at various points in the story you’ll be called upon to actively manage the clan by sending out exploration parties, raiding other clans, making sacrifices to the gods to help in battles or improve crops, trade cattle and goods with other clan leaders, advise troubled citizens on how best to resolve their problems and handle disputes using wisdom and diplomacy.rnrnThe range of scenarios that crop up is impressive, and the gameplay is complex and rewarding, but only if you can get past the fact that the lack of animation, multiple menus and statistics make for rather a dry experience.