Albion is a roleplaying computer game released by Blue Byte Software in 1995. It was originally released in German, then translated to English for the rest of Europe. A computer game is a game composed of a computer-controlled virtual universe that players interact with in order to achieve a defined goal or set of goals. ... Blue Byte Software is a developer of computer games based in Düsseldorf, Germany. ... 1995 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Storyline

In the year 2227, the gigantic, interstellar space ship Toronto reaches a distant planetary system. The ship's owners, a huge corporation, believe that there are rich deposits of raw materials on this third planet of the system, however the data which describes the planet as a desert, turns out to be forged. Albion is a world full of life, secrets, surprises, and magic. When Tom Driscoll, the pilot of the reconnaissance team discovers this, he swears to save Albion from Toronto's tentacles.

Gameplay

Albion is a Fantasy Role Playing Game. The gameplay is pretty standard fare for the most part, having the basic statistic and level system most RPGs of its time had. To level up, you defeat monsters in battle and gain experience. The Non battle portions of this game are mainly puzzle and conversation based, so there are very few "Give X to get Y." puzzles. You can have up to 6 characters in your Party, lead by Tom Driscoll, the only character that stays with you throughout all the game.

Battle System

The Battle System in Albion is turn based, and takes place on a 6 by 6 grid, somewhat like a board game. You choose, at the start of each turn, an action for each character to perform. Attack, Move, Cast magic, Use Item, or Flee. There is also an 'Advance Party' option to move all enemies towards you one square. The area in which your characters can move is limited to the bottom two rows. If you have a weapon (or two, in the case of the Iskai) equipped, you can attack. If not, you cannot attack unarmed unless you are choosing Siobhan.

Navigation

Albion is one of the few Role Playing Games of it's time to use a Hybrid system for the navigation of the maps and dungeons. In most parts of the game, the maps are depicted in 2D overhead mode, with full mouse and keyboard control. You can move the party 'train' around with the keyboard and select items to interact with with the mouse (so long as you're in fair reach of them). When there are mazes, or corridors or even some dungeons, the map is represented in raytraced 3D, akin to Wolfenstein 3D. You can still move around with the mouse and/ or the keyboard, and select items to interact with with the mouse. Some players find this 3D mode off putting, but thankfully it is in shorter densities than the detailed 2D maps.

Conversations

Conversations in Albion are handled in two ways: Set Topics, and Keywords. The Topics usually signify something you can specifically ask that person, for example the leader of a tribe about an object that only he knows about, or a shopkeeper to show you his or her wares. Keywords are more dynamic, and may yield different results to different people. You learn keywords for a particular town by speaking to people about common topics, and gradually you will learn all there is to know just by speaking to people. You can even learn some of the native language or culture, some superfluous knowledge about who likes who, and what kind of drink is preferable!

Species in Albion

In Albion, there are several sentient species that you can interact with and play as in your party.

Human (Terran)

The humans from Outer Space, originated from Earth. Terran Humans have no magical ability whatsoever, speak primarily Terran (English or German, most likely german because of the country it originated from) and have a somewhat extensive knowledge of Technology. There are three Terran Human characters available to play as in Albion throughout the game. Tom Driscoll, Rainer Hofstedt, and Joe Bernard.

Human (Celtic)

These humans originate from Albion itself, and are quite different from the humans you see at the start of the game. Unlike Terran Humans, Celtic Humans are sometimes quite apt at different types of magic - Druidic, the art of magic used by Kenget Kamulos, and a rare art used only by Chosen Ones. They speak Celtic, and some Iskai. There are four Celtic Humans you can play throughout the game: Mellthas, Khunag, Harriet, and Siobhan.

Iskai

Iskai are a most facinating race. They are like humanoid cats in design, and are tall, slender beasts. They most likely originate from Nakiridaani (A Jungle Island), and inhabit Srimalinar, and Jirinaar - two iskai cities. Unlike Celtic or Terran Humans, they have their own created culture and history, which is quite rich and explored within the first part of Albion. Iskai have two forms of magic. Dji-Fadh (Architechure and Building), and Dji-Kas (Nature Controlling). The Dji-Fadh guild is a lot older than the Dji-Kas guild. There is also a rank of Iskai Warriors called the Stiriik. There are two Iskai characters you can play as: Sira, and Drirr.

System requirements

• Operating system: DOS, compatible with Windows 95/98
• Minimum RAM: 8 MB
• Minimum CPU: 486/33
• Minimum CD Speed: 2×
• Minimum Video Mode: VGA, 320x240
• Minimum Disk Space: 20 MB

External links

• Albion review at GameSpot
• Albion walkthrough at GameFaqs
• Albion fan page