Black Stone Magic & Steel
Game Type: Released
Max Players: 4
Genre: RPG
Developers: XPEC Entertainment
Publishers: Idea Factory - THQ - Xicat Interactive
Cooperative: No
PEGI: 15
Game Overview
Black Stone lets one to four players play on a single Xbox no split screen worries. In fact, just about everything in the game is reminiscent of the party game classic. You choose one of several classes of character to play. You've got enemies who spawn endlessly from "huts", which you must destroy to stop them from swarming your party. You pick up magic scrolls (as opposed to potions), which offer powerful blasts. You've got both a ranged and a melee attack. You open chests for goodies and often you'll be yelling at your buddy that you need that food health pick-up more than they do. That's not to say Black Stone doesn't try and throw in a few wrinkles of its own. There are some pretty cool power-ups you can nab that will affect your melee and ranged attacks. Like a triple ranged attack and Berserker rage that causes 50% more damage for a limited time. But these wrinkles are no kind of innovation and are rather just an extra coat of paint on a genre in need of some inspiration. Up to 4 players battle through various environments, fighting off endless waves of enemies and using magic and melee attacks of many types to defeat evil and reclaim hope for the planet. A various range of characters are available, each with their own set of attack styles and magic abilities. During play you can pick up scrolls that will add further attack abilities. Enemies spew out of huts, which must be destroyed in order to continue on. You can also ride on dinosaurs for that extra edge in battles.
Introduction to Black Stone: Magic & Steel
Black Stone: Magic & Steel is a fantasy action adventure game released for the original Xbox in 2003. Developed by XPEC Entertainment, the game draws players into the mystical world of Zedan, where magic, swords, and ancient lore intertwine. The storyline centres around the epic struggle between forces of good and evil as a dark power seeks to engulf the world. Players take on the roles of courageous heroes who must navigate Zedan's enchanted lands, uncover hidden secrets, and confront the darkness threatening to consume everything. With a rich backstory, the game offers a mix of exploration, combat, and spell casting as players progress through the intense challenges awaiting them.
The World of Zedan
The setting of Black Stone: Magic & Steel is the magical world of Zedan, a land steeped in ancient power and myth. This fantastical world features a diverse landscape, including lush forests, towering mountains, and dark, mysterious dungeons where evil lurks. Zedan is populated by various mythical creatures, from goblins and dragons to powerful sorcerers. Each area in Zedan is crafted to challenge players and immerse them in a unique environment, providing a sense of wonder and danger. As players explore, they uncover the rich history of Zedan and learn about the ancient conflicts that have shaped its current state, offering a deeper understanding of the stakes involved in their journey.
The Dark Lord’s Plan
At the heart of the conflict in Black Stone: Magic & Steel is the Dark Lord, a malevolent figure who seeks to bring ruin to the world of Zedan. The Dark Lord’s plan involves collecting magical relics and harnessing forbidden powers to unleash chaos across the land. His army of minions, including beasts and dark sorcerers, has already begun to spread terror throughout Zedan. The Dark Lord’s ultimate goal is to obtain the Black Stone, a powerful artifact that can amplify his magic to unimaginable levels. If he succeeds, Zedan will be plunged into darkness, and the forces of good will be overwhelmed. Players must stop him before it is too late.
The Heroes’ Quest
Players in Black Stone: Magic & Steel assume the roles of various heroes, each with unique abilities, strengths, and backgrounds. These heroes are united by a common purpose: to thwart the Dark Lord's plans and save Zedan. The game offers multiple classes, such as knights, sorcerers, thieves, and archers, each suited to different combat styles and strategies. The heroes’ journey involves traveling across Zedan, facing dangerous enemies, and uncovering the secrets of the Black Stone. Along the way, they gain new powers, find valuable equipment, and form alliances to strengthen their chances against the Dark Lord’s forces. This quest tests their courage, resilience, and dedication to protecting their world.
Encounters with Monsters and Enemies
Throughout Black Stone: Magic & Steel, players face a wide array of enemies, from lesser creatures like goblins and skeletons to powerful boss monsters with deadly attacks. Each enemy is unique in appearance and abilities, requiring players to adapt their strategies. Some monsters are resistant to physical attacks, demanding the use of magic, while others can deflect spells, necessitating close combat. Players must be vigilant as they explore, as enemies often hide in ambush or emerge suddenly. Boss battles present the ultimate challenge, featuring formidable foes who guard the Black Stone and other key artifacts. These encounters require skill, timing, and teamwork, adding layers of excitement and difficulty to the gameplay.
The Role of Magic and Combat
Magic and combat are central to the gameplay of Black Stone: Magic & Steel. Each hero class offers a distinct approach to battle, whether through powerful spells, melee attacks, or ranged techniques. Sorcerers wield spells that can damage multiple enemies at once, while knights rely on brute strength and close combat skills. The game encourages players to mix and match their abilities, using spells to weaken enemies before closing in with a sword or bow. Magic plays an essential role, not only in combat but also in solving puzzles and navigating certain areas of Zedan. As players progress, they acquire new magical abilities, enhancing their powers and opening up more strategic options.
The Black Stone Artifact
The Black Stone, the game's central artifact, is a powerful object with the potential to alter the fate of Zedan. It is said to contain immense magical energy, capable of either restoring balance to the world or plunging it into eternal darkness. Throughout their journey, players must uncover the secrets of the Black Stone, including its origins and the consequences of its misuse. The artifact is hidden within the depths of Zedan, guarded by powerful monsters and ancient spells. Its discovery is both a goal and a test for the heroes, as they must confront their own fears and doubts while striving to prevent it from falling into the Dark Lord’s hands.
Alliances and Friendships
In Black Stone: Magic & Steel, alliances and friendships play a crucial role in the heroes’ journey. Players can team up with others in co op mode, allowing them to combine their strengths and abilities in battle. Cooperation becomes essential in many areas, as some enemies are nearly impossible to defeat alone. This partnership dynamic fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork, reinforcing the theme of unity against darkness. Players also encounter NPCs who offer guidance, quests, or assistance, creating a network of allies who support the heroes. These alliances provide both practical benefits and emotional support, helping players overcome the challenges they face on their quest.
The Final Showdown
The climax of Black Stone: Magic & Steel comes in a final confrontation with the Dark Lord, set in a dark, ominous location that embodies the stakes of the battle. Here, players must use all the skills, abilities, and knowledge they have acquired throughout their journey. The Dark Lord is a formidable opponent, wielding powerful magic and summoning minions to aid him. The fight is intense, challenging players to stay vigilant and strategic. This battle represents the culmination of the heroes’ quest, testing their limits and resolve. Victory in this final showdown would mean the restoration of peace to Zedan, while failure would doom it to eternal darkness.
