| Realms of Darkness | |
| Developer: | Strategic Simulations |
| Publisher: | Strategic Simulations |
| Designer: | Gary Scott Smith Alex Duong Nghiem |
| Released: | 1986 |
| Genre: | Role-playing |
| Modes: | Single-player |
| Platforms: | Apple II, Commodore 64, MSX2, NEC PC-8801, NEC PC-9801, Sharp X1, X68000 |
Realms of Darkness is a fantasy video game developed by Strategic Simulations and released in 1986. It was developed for the Apple II and Commodore 64.
Realms of Darkness is a game in which is the player must complete seven different quests, exploring over 30 dungeon levels, and adventurers can go to several cities, shops, and wilderness areas.
SSI sold 9,022 copies of Realms of Darkness in North America.[1] Computer Gaming World called the game "of only moderate interest" and described its graphics, quests, and puzzles as mediocre, but stated that the game might be suitable for a beginner to computer RPGs.[2] [3] COMPUTE! called Realms of Darkness "a well-planned product with several interesting features not previously implemented in a fantasy game. Most fantasy gamers will want to take a look".[4] The game was reviewed in 1987 in Dragon #122 by Patricia Lesser in "The Role of Computers" column. Lesser felt the game "combines both the excitement and danger of a menu-driven fantasy role-playing game with the flexibility and thought-provoking requirements of a text-adventure game."[5] The game was revisited in Dragon #124, where the reviewers stated that "Realms of Darkness is enjoyable (despite the mediocre graphics), and you’ll immerse yourself in its secrets for many, many hours."[6]