On course for a summer release, "The Roots: Gates of Chaos" looks like it’s going to be the RPG on the N-Gage that actually works. While the 3D viewpoint of Elder Scrolls Travels and the isometric layout of Requiem of Hell played to the modern day idea of cutting edge games, Roots takes a step back in time and works on a top down viewpoint and stresses the game play. This is to the benefit of the game and the genre.
The Roots franchise has a long history in the Windows PC RPG (role-playing game) world, and every adventure slots nicely into the history of the franchise. Gates of Chaos on the N-gage acts as a prequel, set hundreds of years before the main Roots games you may already be familiar with.
Irrespective of the story, what we have here is a cracking RPG that uses the individual characteristics of the N-Gage to enhance the game. For example, while there is a specific "Save and Exit" option in the menu system, Roots keeps track of where you are, so you can safely background the application, exit it immediately, and you’ll come back to exactly where you left off. The vertical screen of the N-Gage means the map design focuses on moving ‘up’ the screen to your goal, while generally preserving three or four routes you can switch between as you go up.
If you can remember Gauntlet, then the action feels just like that, with you choosing weapons and magical powers from your "Stats" screen. In here you can make sure you’re using your preferred weapon, bolted on the right bits of armour, and what jewellery you’re wearing. And given that rings, amulets and bracelets can boost your magical powers, your health, or even how fast you heal, it’s vital to accessorise correctly.
It’s all incredibly smooth, the tiny graphics are never a strain to work out what they are. If I jump when I walk up the screen and a massive spider appears, they’re doing something right!
Put simply, Roots is highly addictive, and gets enough things to right that it’ll satisfy the hardcore rRPG player as well as the casual gamers looking for something a bit different. It does this though the right balance of RPG elements, fighting elements, strategy, item collection, and level design. Looking at the ‘in progress’ version here at All About N-Gage, I think Roots is going to be a must have purchase when it is finally released.
Keep up to date on Roots at the All About N-Gage Games Database.