Silver Box Classics Reviews

SSi <3

Series of old-school AD&D Second Edition games. Decent for its time, and not a bad nostalgia run.

This is my favorite game from childhood. It is challenging and very intricate. You can try many differemt strategies to win but it eventually comes to needing lots of Dwarves, Griffons, and Units that can attack Neraka.

Everyone should have something like this. You know to chagrin yourself with the realization that you dont remember how to play the old computer games. However its awesome! irk your brain and enjoy the pdf books. I think i like the supplemental materials and artwork best of all. I may never complete any of the games without some cheat codes or something. Any suggestions there? I didnt even know there were this many Old D&D games. Glad to have them!

HUGE DragonLance fan here but for me this bundle is a swing & a miss. if you do choose to play these games read the manuals first. the game is what you expect of a retro computer game, the story is DragonLance (so its what any fan would enjoy). I prefer games more like the Krynn Series or Pool of Radiance from Gold Box, this bundle is far from those style of game play.

[h3][b]Silver Box Classics: A Nostalgic Journey Through Krynn[/b][/h3] The [i]Silver Box Classics[/i] on Steam is a collection of early Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) adaptations from the late 1980s and early 1990s, centered around the iconic [i]Dragonlance[/i] campaign setting. These games bring together four titles that adapt key events from the [i]Dragonlance Chronicles[/i] novels, offering a mix of action, strategy, and hybrid gameplay. While not as celebrated as the [i]Gold Box[/i] games, they remain an interesting part of gaming history for fans of retro RPGs and D&D. This collection includes the following titles, presented via the same launcher as the [i]Gold Box[/i] games and other SSI classics on Steam: [olist] [*][b]Heroes of the Lance[/b] [*][b]Dragons of Flame[/b] [*][b]War of the Lance[/b] [*][b]Shadow Sorcerer[/b] [/olist] [hr][/hr] [h3][b]Historical Context[/b][/h3] These games were ambitious adaptations of the [i]Dragonlance[/i] saga, developed during the formative years of computer role-playing games. Unlike the [i]Gold Box[/i] series, which focused on tactical combat and RPG mechanics, the [i]Silver Box Classics[/i] experimented with other genres, including side-scrolling action and real-time strategy. The Steam version preserves the original DOS experience through DOSBox, offering a faithful presentation. Unfortunately, these games are treated as DLC rather than standalone titles in your Steam library, which is a minor inconvenience for those who like their collections neatly displayed. [hr][/hr] [h3][b]Gameplay Breakdown[/b][/h3] [b]Heroes of the Lance[/b] This side-scrolling action-adventure game puts you in control of the Companions of the Lance as they seek to recover the Disks of Mishakal. [list] [*][b]Gameplay:[/b] You control eight characters with unique abilities, swapping between them as needed. Combat and exploration are central, but each character’s death is permanent, raising the stakes. [*][b]Challenges:[/b] The controls can feel clunky, and the difficulty curve is steep. [*][b]Standout Aspect:[/b] It’s one of the first games to let you interact with iconic [i]Dragonlance[/i] characters like Tanis, Raistlin, and Goldmoon. [/list] [b]Dragons of Flame[/b] This sequel continues the story, offering similar side-scrolling gameplay with expanded environments and tougher battles. [list] [*][b]Gameplay:[/b] You’ll lead the Companions in their fight against the Dragonarmies, rescuing prisoners and overcoming increasingly challenging scenarios. [*][b]Challenges:[/b] The mechanics don’t improve much over [i]Heroes of the Lance[/i], and combat can feel repetitive. [*][b]Standout Aspect:[/b] A more fleshed-out storyline and larger scope make it a slight step up from its predecessor. [/list] [b]War of the Lance[/b] The first D&D computer wargame shifts the focus to large-scale battles between the forces of Whitestone and the Dragonarmies. [list] [*][b]Gameplay:[/b] Combining diplomacy, strategy, and combat, this title offers a deep and rewarding experience for those who enjoy tactical decision-making. [*][b]Challenges:[/b] The interface is dated, and the learning curve is steep for newcomers. [*][b]Standout Aspect:[/b] The inclusion of fantastical units like dragons adds a unique twist to the strategy genre. [/list] [b]Shadow Sorcerer[/b] This hybrid game combines real-time strategy with RPG elements, tasking you with leading a group of adventurers and 800 refugees to safety. [list] [*][b]Gameplay:[/b] Managing the needs of the party, exploring for resources, and keeping the refugees safe creates a dynamic, high-pressure experience. [*][b]Challenges:[/b] The constant pursuit by the Dragonarmies adds tension but can also feel relentless. [*][b]Standout Aspect:[/b] The blend of strategy and role-playing elements makes it the most innovative game in the collection. [/list] [hr][/hr] [h3][b]Strengths and Weaknesses[/b][/h3] [b]Strengths[/b][list] [*][b]Dragonlance Immersion:[/b] Faithfully captures the world and storylines of Krynn. [*][b]Diverse Genres:[/b] Each title offers a unique take on gameplay, from action to strategy. [*][b]Nostalgia:[/b] Fans of the [i]Dragonlance[/i] novels will appreciate stepping into the shoes of their favorite characters. [*][b]Historical Value:[/b] These games represent early attempts to adapt D&D to the digital realm. [/list] [b]Weaknesses[/b][list] [*][b]Aged Mechanics:[/b] The controls and interfaces feel clunky by modern standards. [*][b]Repetitive Gameplay:[/b] Particularly in the action-oriented titles, combat can become monotonous. [*][b]DLC Presentation:[/b] Treating the games as DLC rather than standalone titles on Steam is inconvenient for organization. [*][b]Less Impactful than Gold Box Games:[/b] While interesting, these games lack the depth and polish of the [i]Gold Box[/i] classics. [/list] [hr][/hr] [h3][b]Final Thoughts[/b][/h3] The [i]Silver Box Classics[/i] is a niche collection, appealing primarily to fans of [i]Dragonlance[/i] and retro gaming enthusiasts. While these games don’t hold up as well as their [i]Gold Box[/i] counterparts, they remain an important piece of RPG history. Their unique take on gameplay, coupled with their ties to one of D&D’s most beloved settings, makes them worth exploring for those willing to embrace their quirks. [hr][/hr] [h3][b]Verdict[/b][/h3] [b]Who It’s For:[/b] [list] [*][i]Dragonlance[/i] fans eager to immerse themselves in the world of Krynn. [*]Retro gamers looking to explore the early days of digital D&D adaptations. [*]Strategy enthusiasts interested in the roots of fantasy wargames. [/list] [b]Who It’s Not For:[/b] [list] [*]Players seeking modern graphics or polished mechanics. [*]Those new to [i]Dragonlance[/i] or unfamiliar with D&D lore. [/list] [b]Recommendation:[/b] If you’re a fan of classic D&D or [i]Dragonlance[/i], this collection is worth a look. While not groundbreaking, it’s an enjoyable way to experience a key part of gaming history. Just don’t expect the same depth and polish as the [i]Gold Box[/i] games.

Old school as heck, but a lot of fun if you like Prince of Persia (the original) style gameplay and also are a big fan of the original Dragonlace books/modules.

I've been playing War of the Lance since I had it on my Apple IIe when it came out in 89, and I love it. It's complex, difficult, and fun.

It's good to have the good old games to be played today. Hero Of The Lance was my first AD&D PC game that I played in the late 80s via 5".4 inch floppy discs on a AT-286 machine.

[h1]Such a BLAST from the Past!!![/h1] So to be honest, I don't know how many will feel about how '[b]War of the Lance[/b]' aged. Personally, I was elated when I seen the 'Silver Box' games on Steam today and bought it with no hesitation. Straight nostalgia hit to the dome. I'll keep this short.... I've read all the Dragonlance novels (the first two dozen or so, I won't lie) I've played countless hours of War of the Lance back-in-the-day and even though there is no need for the "word check" with this PC version, you can just hit enter and bypass it but I am going to upload the game manual here so anyone (like me) whom wants to relive this amazing game for its time, has the reference guide to know some of the game mechanics that you will not be told while playing the game itself. Remember folks, this is back from the 80/90s where there were no in-game tutorials nor extensive help. You either had the game manual that came in the box of the physical hard copy or you had to figure it out! :) [b][u]Download the War of the Lance game manual here:[/u][/b] http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.2621