Pool of Radiance: Ruins of Myth Drannor is a role-playing game set in the Forgotten Realms that follows the rules of Dungeons and Dragons third edition. Players assemble a party of adventurers and venture into the ruined elven city of Myth Drannor to investigate a new Pool of Radiance that has reawakened an ancient evil. The story begins with enlistment by the wizard Elminster to uncover the source of the undead curse spreading from beneath the city of New Phlan.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration of large dungeon areas combined with frequent combat encounters. Movement occurs on an isometric view with three-dimensional character models placed over pre-rendered two-dimensional backgrounds. Combat follows the third edition Dungeons and Dragons ruleset and supports both a standard turn-based approach and a timed-turn variant that adds pacing pressure during player decisions. Characters progress through experience levels up to the sixteenth level and gain access to spells as high as eighth level. The game includes more than ninety spells along with a range of races and classes drawn from the core rules. Non-linear quest elements allow some freedom in how objectives are approached within the ruined city environment.
Game Modes
Single-player mode delivers the main campaign focused on the investigation of Myth Drannor and the Pool of Radiance. Multiplayer supports cooperative or competitive sessions that include randomly generated dungeons for repeated play. Both modes draw from the same third edition rules and character progression systems, though the single-player experience emphasizes the central narrative while multiplayer prioritizes dungeon crawling variety.
Setting and Atmosphere
The ruined city of Myth Drannor serves as the primary location, filled with undead creatures and previously unseen foes tied to the reawakened evil. The atmosphere draws directly from Forgotten Realms lore, with the Pool of Radiance acting as the central threat that transforms everything it touches. Exploration reveals the scale of the ancient elven ruins while combat encounters highlight the tactical depth of the ruleset.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title appeals most to players who enjoy classic turn-based Dungeons and Dragons adaptations and are willing to navigate an older interface and occasional technical issues that were present at launch. The authentic implementation of third edition rules, including character advancement to high levels and a large spell selection, provides a solid foundation for tactical combat fans. Multiplayer random dungeons add replay value for groups seeking varied encounters beyond the main quest. Those preferring polished modern graphics, extensive story branching, or frequent updates may find the experience dated. The game remains available for those interested in its specific blend of dungeon crawling and rules fidelity.
