Death Gate w/ Manual
Death Gate + Manual PC CD Margaret Weis RPG magicians races realms game LEGEND
Game
Windows
Legend
CD
$52.99
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Based upon the stories of Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Legend Entertainment made a game entitled Death Gate. Magic is based upon possibilities. The possibility always exists that reality IS a certain way. Imagine that a stone wall blocks your path. There is a possibility that a door exists in that wall. A wizard bends this possibility into reality until the door appears. All spells work that way.
The Sartans were a race of powerful magicians who lived many millennia ago. They feared the race of Patryn, for the Patryn were also capable of using magic. In fear that the Patryn would grow stronger than themselves, the Sartans gathered and broke the world seal into five pieces, causing the world to explode. The game's introduction sets the scene:
"2000 years ago, the Sartan council sundered the world into five realms. One of them was a nightmarish prison called the Labyrinth, and into it was banished the entire Patryn race - your ancestors. This is a place you've always called home, and all you ever wanted was to escape. Your name is Haplo and you are a Patryn."
The story begins after Lord Xar helps you escape from the Labyrinth. You find yourself in the nexus, from where you need to explore other realms. The Death Gate is a portal. It connects the five realms. With a good ship and the right magic, anyone can cross the Death Gate from one realm to any other.
And that is exactly what you need to do. Throughout your travels you will meet some other races (dwarves, elves, a dragon who is the embodiment of good, etc). On the way you will need to learn new magic by either reading about it in books or seeing it used in action.
You weave magic by connecting magic runes. This is important to know because you will need to make at least one spell on your own. Otherwise you just click on a spell and the runes will get arranged in the right way. Every spell you learn will appear on the spell list.
The game's graphics are absolutely astounding! The game was made in 640X480 resolution with VESA compatible graphics (unfortunately the game archive you are able to download is only in 320X240 resolution with VGA graphics). There are some animated cut-scenes in the game, yet in this version many of them will be replaced by the title screen. Most of the game is shown in static screens with some animation. It’s more like going through an interactive book with nice pictures than playing an adrenaline-pumping computer game. Yet that’s exactly what I (and I guess most adventure fans) like about such games.
The soundtrack is simply superb! It never becomes annoying and it gives the game that magic touch. It’s a simple music score with a Renaissance feel to it. The game also includes speech, which really gives an additional depth to the characters (again the speech is not supported, yet you will hear the enchanting AdLib sound).
The game's interface is simple enough to understand. Once you click on an object you wish to interact with, a set of options will appear. You can also choose any other option from the list on the left side. To use magic, click on the red star icon next to the inventory. This will bring up the spellcasting menu. You can click on spells to see the list of spells you already learned, or you can try connecting the runes above. After clicking 'cast' you will be given an option to cast that spell on something or someone (even yourself). To move you can click on that part of the screen or (easier) click on the green arrow of the compass.
Every time you do something that will help you get further, you will be awarded some points (you’ll see in brackets how many points you were awarded for a certain action). There is no real purpose to these points, though. Just remember to talk to everybody and to pick up everything that isn’t nailed down (or if it is, try to un-nail it first). Because everything you are able to pick up you will need (no matter how unlikely it may seem: just how are a slice of bread and a jar of marmalade able to help you get to the sacred resting place of Sartan?).
The game isn’t too difficult, so I guess even an inexperienced adventurer will be able to finish it, but some parts will require a bit of cranial activity (but if you're really stuck you can always use the walkthrough I wrote). Do save at least every now and again. Although there aren’t any really dangerous parts, you can get caught or killed (especially once you’re nearing the end of the game). Now, enough talk. It’s time to cross the Death Gate.
For Windows/DOS [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
The Sartans were a race of powerful magicians who lived many millennia ago. They feared the race of Patryn, for the Patryn were also capable of using magic. In fear that the Patryn would grow stronger than themselves, the Sartans gathered and broke the world seal into five pieces, causing the world to explode. The game's introduction sets the scene:
"2000 years ago, the Sartan council sundered the world into five realms. One of them was a nightmarish prison called the Labyrinth, and into it was banished the entire Patryn race - your ancestors. This is a place you've always called home, and all you ever wanted was to escape. Your name is Haplo and you are a Patryn."
The story begins after Lord Xar helps you escape from the Labyrinth. You find yourself in the nexus, from where you need to explore other realms. The Death Gate is a portal. It connects the five realms. With a good ship and the right magic, anyone can cross the Death Gate from one realm to any other.
And that is exactly what you need to do. Throughout your travels you will meet some other races (dwarves, elves, a dragon who is the embodiment of good, etc). On the way you will need to learn new magic by either reading about it in books or seeing it used in action.
You weave magic by connecting magic runes. This is important to know because you will need to make at least one spell on your own. Otherwise you just click on a spell and the runes will get arranged in the right way. Every spell you learn will appear on the spell list.
The game's graphics are absolutely astounding! The game was made in 640X480 resolution with VESA compatible graphics (unfortunately the game archive you are able to download is only in 320X240 resolution with VGA graphics). There are some animated cut-scenes in the game, yet in this version many of them will be replaced by the title screen. Most of the game is shown in static screens with some animation. It’s more like going through an interactive book with nice pictures than playing an adrenaline-pumping computer game. Yet that’s exactly what I (and I guess most adventure fans) like about such games.
The soundtrack is simply superb! It never becomes annoying and it gives the game that magic touch. It’s a simple music score with a Renaissance feel to it. The game also includes speech, which really gives an additional depth to the characters (again the speech is not supported, yet you will hear the enchanting AdLib sound).
The game's interface is simple enough to understand. Once you click on an object you wish to interact with, a set of options will appear. You can also choose any other option from the list on the left side. To use magic, click on the red star icon next to the inventory. This will bring up the spellcasting menu. You can click on spells to see the list of spells you already learned, or you can try connecting the runes above. After clicking 'cast' you will be given an option to cast that spell on something or someone (even yourself). To move you can click on that part of the screen or (easier) click on the green arrow of the compass.
Every time you do something that will help you get further, you will be awarded some points (you’ll see in brackets how many points you were awarded for a certain action). There is no real purpose to these points, though. Just remember to talk to everybody and to pick up everything that isn’t nailed down (or if it is, try to un-nail it first). Because everything you are able to pick up you will need (no matter how unlikely it may seem: just how are a slice of bread and a jar of marmalade able to help you get to the sacred resting place of Sartan?).
The game isn’t too difficult, so I guess even an inexperienced adventurer will be able to finish it, but some parts will require a bit of cranial activity (but if you're really stuck you can always use the walkthrough I wrote). Do save at least every now and again. Although there aren’t any really dangerous parts, you can get caught or killed (especially once you’re nearing the end of the game). Now, enough talk. It’s time to cross the Death Gate.
For Windows/DOS [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
