Dungeons & Dragons Online: Stormreach (DDO) is the online version of the granddaddy of role-playing games by the same name; Dungeons and Dragons. Based on Edition 3.5 rules, Turbine invites you step into the world of Eberron via the port town of Stormreach.
DDO keeps to the spirit of the pen and paper game if not exactly all the rules in order to keep the game balanced for PvP combat as well as function better for an online Multiplayer game in a persistent world.
Quite unlike other MMOGs, players only gain xp with the completion of a quest. Like pen and paper D&D of old, communication between members of a party are important and Turbine provides an in-game voice chat systems that players automatically have access to when they create a group.
Unlike the turn-based Tactical style of the pen and paper game, combat in DDO is fast and reactive as controls and class skills allow you to block, dodge and also to swing your weapon, striking not just the target you select, but those within the weapon’s range. Puzzles and challenges abound besides the requisite slaying of monsters. Sometimes, it is more efficient to sneak through the dungeon to complete your objective than clear it of its denizens.
Game play is all about quests and quest lines. Although most are solo-able, main storyline quests require a party. Party size is restricted to six although end-dungeons allow up to, and may demand a party of 12.
DM voice-overs may warn you of dangers ahead or may be there only for atmosphere. It is up to you, the discerning player to decide it the sound of dripping water ahead is the drool of a monster hitting the floor or just a leaky pipe.
Feel like something more challenging and unstructured? Try a tavern brawl. Talk smack at friends and other players as you dodge a fireball by tumbling over the bar before popping up to hurl a dagger in response.
