Blade for Windows

A dungeon crawler game for Amiga

Blade is a free role-playing game created by Mark Sheeky for PC devices. It mixes turn-based gameplay and RPG elements with isometric style graphics to create a dungeon crawler for the classic personal computer, Amiga, and the various emulators that support it.

Blade can be considered as a predecessor of sorts to more modern releases like Wasteland 2 or the very first Fallout game. It was originally released back in the 1990s, but has now been re-released for today's players and can be played on Amiga or other retro platform emulators of their choosing.

What is it about?

Developer Mark Sheeky has been developing games for the Amiga and Windows since 1991, and Blade is his 20th and last release for the classic personal computer. It also serves as an expanded isometric sequel to his other game called Hilt that employs similar turn-based gameplay mechanics. It comes in ADF format for use with Amiga-specific emulators, as well as RP9 files for Cloanto's Amiga Forever and other RetroPlatform emulators.

As is the case with most turn-based games, Blade's battles are played in rounds. There is no need to create a character here as you can just choose four out of the seven pre-made classes to form your team. Each member of your team has 30 action points available to them that you can use to move, attack, or cast spells. Take turns against enemies until one emerges victorious.

There are various items and potions to aid you in your quest, as well as special gear that can be found in dungeons and silver and gold coins hidden throughout the game. There is quite a bit to learn and take into consideration as you play this game. As such, you may encounter a bit of a steep learning curve when you first start out with it.

A re-emergence of a rare classic

If you grew up playing games on the Amiga or you're simply into retro gaming, now is your chance to play and experience one of the rare classic games that were released for the system back in the day. It comes in multiple versions so you will be able to run on a variety of emulators today.