Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance

Advanced Dungeons & Dragons: Pool of Radiance is one of the most ambitious RPGs to make its way onto the NES. Set in the Forgotten Realms, the game takes place around the ruined city of Phlan, which has been overrun by monsters. Your party arrives with a simple goal: drive the creatures out, help restore the city, and uncover the mystery surrounding the legendary Pool of Radiance. The NES version was released in April 1992, with Marionette handling the conversion and FCI publishing it.

This is a much more traditional role-playing experience than some of the other AD&D games on the NES. Players can create their own adventurers, choosing from different races, classes, and alignments before setting out. Exploration, character development, equipment, magic, and tactical combat all play an important role. Battles are turn-based, giving you time to think about positioning, weapons, spells, and the strengths of each character rather than simply rushing into fights.

Phlan itself acts as the heart of the adventure. As you complete missions and clear areas of monsters, the city gradually becomes safer. Outside the city, you'll explore wilderness areas, ruins, and dungeons while following clues that eventually lead deeper into the main story.

The NES version was adapted from SSI's original computer RPG and manages to preserve much of its old-school AD&D character despite the hardware limitations. It also features battery-backed saving, which is particularly useful for such a large adventure.

Pool of Radiance can feel slow and demanding compared with modern RPGs, but that is part of its appeal. It rewards patience, planning, and careful character management. For NES players interested in classic Western RPGs, it remains one of the system's most substantial and historically interesting fantasy adventures.