Difficulty:

Very Hard

Time Spent:

100 or More Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Instant classic"

Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire is a true RPG. It captures art and narrative in one innovative, revolutionary, complex universe. It is a masterpiece that blends in everything that makes a story genuinely touching, with gameplay that never fails to captivate the player. With a plot and a cast of characters developed to a level so advanced and a narrative that requires serious decision making that effects the world around you, Dragon Fire is the definitive role-playing game. For a game released in 1998, what more could you ask for, or even better, what more could you add? The answer is nothing, for this game is the RPG to rule them all.

Anyone who has played it would agree. Almost all of the elements of Dragon Fire have continued on through other games in its genre. From the action oriented Dragon Age, to the plot bending Oblivion, Dragon Fire has given RPG's flavour and something to build upon and improve. The inspiration this game gave RPG creators, and game creators overall, is astounding. I'll say this once and for all: Every RPG game to exist after 1998 is inspired by Quest for Glory 5: Dragon Fire. From sound design, to music, to environment, to gameplay, to plot, to characters/creatures, to graphics and engines, every RPG has used elements originated from Dragon Fire.

And on to the last part of my review: The Story

Story:

In Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire you play as The Hero, who has to save Silmaria (a fictional Greek-inspired city) from the perils beyond the Gate (which include many mythical bosses and minions of the almighty Dragon). A fairly simple concept when looked at literally, but a mind-blowing one when the complex story kicks in. I'm telling you now, this is a must-play if you love story in games. There is absolutely nothing like this to date.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following paragraph is from the official Sierra website:

(SPOILER ALERT, skip if you don't want spoilers)

After having survived the dangers he encountered on his previous journey, the hero travels with the wizard Erasmus to a Greece-like country called Silmaria. Its king was recently murdered, and, according to the land's traditions, the crown will be given to the one who passes a contest known as the Rites of Rulership. The hero enters the contest, aided by Erasmus, Rakeesh, and other old friends. However, as the competition progresses, contestants are being systematically killed by an unknown assassin. All the victims are murdered near the Dragon Pillars, which keep the Dragon of Silmaria in captivity. The hero must investigate the crimes and save Silmaria from a grave danger.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Overall, Quest For Glory V: Dragon Fire is the magnum opus of RPGs. With a brilliantly crafted story that keeps the player guessing at every turn, a perfectly woven narrative that includes constant plot twists and heart-wrenching conflicts, immensely satisfying gameplay which boasts deeply challenging puzzles as well as intense and gritty combat, and a surreal mythical, beautiful universe, accompanied by top-notch orchestrated music and a picturesque original art design, it just doesn't get better than this.

Adventure at its peak.

10/10