Dungeon Siege (Microsoft, PC, 13+)

By PETER ELEY

(Herald rating: * * * * * )

The saved game label tells the story. ÒPeter: 5:10.30Ó. I've spent more than five hours playing Dungeon Siege without really getting anywhere.

Not that it's a problem. It's been fun and often the journey is better than the destination anyway. There are simply too many zombie-like Krugs, shamans, skeletons and giant spiders in the way of quick progress.

And every now and then you want to stop and just enjoy the scenery because Dungeon Siege's graphics are really, really good.

The camera angles are amazing, too, tilting, rotating and scaling up and down with mouse movements to let you explore every leafy glade or dim, dark place. Clever transparency effects let you keep in eye contact with your character even when trees or walls are in the way.

I'm almost glad I haven't got far, because it means there is a lot of the game left.

First impressions are of a Diablo clone, but much better-looking. A lot of the gameplay is similar, with slain enemies spilling items such as gold coins, health potions and weapons of varying potency. These can be traded back in town for other weapons, spells and cures.

Much of the skill in the game is buying and selling the right items and equipping yourself correctly.

On your travels through crypts, mines and snowy wastelands, you meet characters who will join your party. You need to equip these properly, too, to form an effective fighting force.

For example, it's a good idea to place a wizard at the rear of your band so he can cast healing spells during combat.

This part of the game will make internet play intriguing as real players will make up this band.

The control system is of the Òpoint-and-click and hit Ôi' for inventoryÓ style - simple yet effective.

But the game's no pushover. I found it challenging in normal mode, and switched over to easy to get through some monster-infested scenes.

Your battle skills increase with time and experience, allowing you to use better weapons, armour and spells.

petereley@nzherald.co.nz