The Forgotten Realms Archives 4-Disc Set
AD&D The Forgotten Realms Archives PC CD collection of role-playing RPG games!
Game
Windows
Interplay
1997
CD
$38.99
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THE FORGOTTEN REALMS ARCHIVES
This compilation collects nearly all (as of its release) of the AD&D Forgotten Realms PC games from the classic era of computer role‑playing. It was produced as a single retail package presented in a folding sleeve and contains 12 titles spanning a range of gameplay styles—turn‑based adventures, first‑person dungeon crawls, action/adventure experiments, and randomized dungeon challenges. Below is an expanded overview of what’s included, what to expect from each title, compatibility and preservation notes, and tips for getting the best experience from the collection.
Included games
Curse of the Azure Bonds — A party‑based AD&D adventure continuing the Gold Box tradition: party creation, exploration on an overland map, and turn‑based tactical combat. The story centers on a party trying to remove malignant magical bonds placed on the hero(s).
Dungeon Hack — A single‑party, first‑person dungeon crawler with procedurally generated levels and a focus on tactical, loot‑driven dungeon delving. Strong replayability due to randomized dungeon layouts and adjustable difficulty options.
Eye of the Beholder — A landmark first‑person real‑time dungeon crawler with grid movement, atmospheric dungeon design, puzzle elements, and party‑based exploration. Known for its immersive dungeon interiors and strong use of AD&D rules for spells and traps.
Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon — A direct sequel with larger dungeons, expanded puzzles, tougher monsters, and more complex storytelling. Retains the real‑time party exploration and trap/puzzle focus.
Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor — The third entry expands the setting toward the fabled city of Myth Drannor and mixes the series’ dungeon crawling with a broader overworld component and varied mission types.
Gateway to the Savage Frontier — A Gold Box title featuring party creation and AD&D turn‑based tactical combat, set in the Savage Frontier with an openish campaign map and a series of quests that reflect the feel of tabletop adventuring.
Hillsfar — An experimental title that blends action sequences, mini‑games, and a lightweight RPG shell set in the frontier town of Hillsfar. It emphasizes single‑character play and arcade‑style segments alongside roleplaying elements.
Menzoberranzan — An adventure set in the dark elven city of Menzoberranzan. It leans into party‑based dungeon/adventure mechanics and the sinister politics and atmosphere of the Underdark.
Pools of Darkness — One of the culminating Gold Box campaigns, featuring a large, multi‑chapter story, party advancement, world map travel, and complex tactical combats. Often remembered for its scope and challenge.
Pool of Radiance — The first of the Gold Box series and a classic CRPG that introduced many PC players to computerized AD&D: town exploration, questing, and turn‑based tactical combat using core AD&D rules as its backbone.
Secret of the Silver Blades — A Gold Box adventure that blends dungeon crawling and overland encounters with a classic high‑level AD&D story tone, focused on a particular regional threat and layered dungeon challenges.
Treasures of the Savage Frontier — A follow‑up to Gateway that continues the Gold Box style: party management, exploration, and tactical battles in the Savage Frontier setting, with an emphasis on loot and campaign progression.
Gameplay styles and mechanics
The collection covers several distinct gameplay approaches that were common in late 1980s and early‑to‑mid 1990s PC RPGs:
(Pool of Radiance, Curse of the Azure Bonds, Secret of the Silver Blades, Pools of Darkness, Gateway/Treasures of the Savage Frontier) — Party creation using AD&D rules (classes, races, alignment, stats, spells), an overland map for travel, city/town interaction, and tactical, turn‑based combat on a square grid. Characters advance by gaining experience points and new spells/abilities.
First‑person dungeon crawlers (Eye of the Beholder series, Dungeon Hack) — Real‑time or near real‑time exploration with a party in the foreground and the dungeon in first‑person view; puzzles, traps, and inventory management are central. Dungeon Hack adds randomized dungeon generation to enhance replayability.
Action/adventure experiments (Hillsfar) — Mini‑games, timed arcade segments, and a hybrid approach to interaction and combat, often focusing more on challenge sequences than deep party strategy.
Notable features of the compilation
Comprehensive selection of Forgotten Realms AD&D titles from the era, useful for players who want to experience the breadth of classic Realms PC games in one package.
Mixes genres and engines, letting you compare Gold Box party tactics with first‑person dungeon crawling and experimental action segments.
Includes titles spanning low‑ to high‑level play and a variety of challenge types: story‑driven campaigns, dungeon‑only experiences, and action mini‑games.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
This compilation collects nearly all (as of its release) of the AD&D Forgotten Realms PC games from the classic era of computer role‑playing. It was produced as a single retail package presented in a folding sleeve and contains 12 titles spanning a range of gameplay styles—turn‑based adventures, first‑person dungeon crawls, action/adventure experiments, and randomized dungeon challenges. Below is an expanded overview of what’s included, what to expect from each title, compatibility and preservation notes, and tips for getting the best experience from the collection.
Included games
Curse of the Azure Bonds — A party‑based AD&D adventure continuing the Gold Box tradition: party creation, exploration on an overland map, and turn‑based tactical combat. The story centers on a party trying to remove malignant magical bonds placed on the hero(s).
Dungeon Hack — A single‑party, first‑person dungeon crawler with procedurally generated levels and a focus on tactical, loot‑driven dungeon delving. Strong replayability due to randomized dungeon layouts and adjustable difficulty options.
Eye of the Beholder — A landmark first‑person real‑time dungeon crawler with grid movement, atmospheric dungeon design, puzzle elements, and party‑based exploration. Known for its immersive dungeon interiors and strong use of AD&D rules for spells and traps.
Eye of the Beholder II: The Legend of Darkmoon — A direct sequel with larger dungeons, expanded puzzles, tougher monsters, and more complex storytelling. Retains the real‑time party exploration and trap/puzzle focus.
Eye of the Beholder III: Assault on Myth Drannor — The third entry expands the setting toward the fabled city of Myth Drannor and mixes the series’ dungeon crawling with a broader overworld component and varied mission types.
Gateway to the Savage Frontier — A Gold Box title featuring party creation and AD&D turn‑based tactical combat, set in the Savage Frontier with an openish campaign map and a series of quests that reflect the feel of tabletop adventuring.
Hillsfar — An experimental title that blends action sequences, mini‑games, and a lightweight RPG shell set in the frontier town of Hillsfar. It emphasizes single‑character play and arcade‑style segments alongside roleplaying elements.
Menzoberranzan — An adventure set in the dark elven city of Menzoberranzan. It leans into party‑based dungeon/adventure mechanics and the sinister politics and atmosphere of the Underdark.
Pools of Darkness — One of the culminating Gold Box campaigns, featuring a large, multi‑chapter story, party advancement, world map travel, and complex tactical combats. Often remembered for its scope and challenge.
Pool of Radiance — The first of the Gold Box series and a classic CRPG that introduced many PC players to computerized AD&D: town exploration, questing, and turn‑based tactical combat using core AD&D rules as its backbone.
Secret of the Silver Blades — A Gold Box adventure that blends dungeon crawling and overland encounters with a classic high‑level AD&D story tone, focused on a particular regional threat and layered dungeon challenges.
Treasures of the Savage Frontier — A follow‑up to Gateway that continues the Gold Box style: party management, exploration, and tactical battles in the Savage Frontier setting, with an emphasis on loot and campaign progression.
Gameplay styles and mechanics
The collection covers several distinct gameplay approaches that were common in late 1980s and early‑to‑mid 1990s PC RPGs:
(Pool of Radiance, Curse of the Azure Bonds, Secret of the Silver Blades, Pools of Darkness, Gateway/Treasures of the Savage Frontier) — Party creation using AD&D rules (classes, races, alignment, stats, spells), an overland map for travel, city/town interaction, and tactical, turn‑based combat on a square grid. Characters advance by gaining experience points and new spells/abilities.
First‑person dungeon crawlers (Eye of the Beholder series, Dungeon Hack) — Real‑time or near real‑time exploration with a party in the foreground and the dungeon in first‑person view; puzzles, traps, and inventory management are central. Dungeon Hack adds randomized dungeon generation to enhance replayability.
Action/adventure experiments (Hillsfar) — Mini‑games, timed arcade segments, and a hybrid approach to interaction and combat, often focusing more on challenge sequences than deep party strategy.
Notable features of the compilation
Comprehensive selection of Forgotten Realms AD&D titles from the era, useful for players who want to experience the breadth of classic Realms PC games in one package.
Mixes genres and engines, letting you compare Gold Box party tactics with first‑person dungeon crawling and experimental action segments.
Includes titles spanning low‑ to high‑level play and a variety of challenge types: story‑driven campaigns, dungeon‑only experiences, and action mini‑games.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*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.
