Crusaders of Might and Magic is a 1999 third-person action/RPG video game developed and published by 3DO's Austin, Texas studio (PlayStation) and Redwood Shores studio (PC). Different versions of the game were released for both Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation.

The Story Behind Crusaders of Might and Magic

After doing so, he returns to Duskwood to combat the Legion in the grub-infested tunnels below the forest floor, successfully destroying Necros' supply lines. The first playable portion of the PlayStation version takes place in Stronghold following Drake's capture by Shamblers, the lowliest of the undead. The Windows version of the game was intended for simultaneous release with the PlayStation version, targeting the 1999 Christmas season.

Returning to Citadel, Drake is then tasked with retrieving a talisman named the Star of Erathia from the northern Glaciers to aid in the war effort. Drake navigates the deep mines and defeats the revenant of King Aiden, Dain's recently slain father raised through necromancy, thereby saving the Prince and gaining Corantha's favour against the undead. Returning to Corantha, Drake discovers that Earth Elementals have awakened while both Dain and Tor have gone missing, with the Ironpicks continuing to battle the Stonefists.

How Crusaders of Might and Magic Plays

Completing the game on any of the three difficulty levels unlocks a "Special" difficulty level, which grants the player all weapons, spells, talismans, runes and infinite items at the outset. The PlayStation version features the ability to "empower" weapons and armor by purchasing elemental-, essence- and aether- based talismans and runes, attuning each to different properties - respectively Fire, Earth, Water, Air; Spirit, Mind, Body; and Light and Dark. While the Windows version features a simple experience system which involves defeating enemies to level up, the PlayStation version expands upon this, allowing the player to improve their skill with individual weapons, spells and projectiles through battle.

Selecting an increased difficulty rating primarily affects Drake's ability to dodge and attack enemies. With each new experience level, he is restored to full health and gains an increase in maximum hit points, mana and offensive ability. Both versions employ spells which cost mana to be cast.

Why Players Still Load It Up

Drake escapes Stronghold with the aid of Celestia, Lady Archon of Citadel, and is enlisted into the ranks of the valiant crusaders under her rule. Drake navigates the deep mines and defeats the revenant of King Aiden, Dain's recently slain father raised through necromancy, thereby saving the Prince and gaining Corantha's favour against the undead. Keep clear of this failed experiment." In one review, Jake the Snake of GamePro said of the PlayStation version, "If you like RPGs, third-person action, and puzzle solving, you'll probably enjoy Crusaders.

The action will seem slow, however, for more casual 3D adventurers." However, The Freshman said of the same console version in another review, "There are better games like this on the PSX already, notably Eidos' Soul Reaver and the Tomb Raider series. Drake, triumphant, returns to Citadel, finding the crusaders victorious against the Legion. Crusaders of Might and Magic is a 1999 third-person action/RPG video game developed and published by 3DO's Austin, Texas studio (PlayStation) and Redwood Shores studio (PC).

Crusaders of Might and Magic — Frequently Asked Questions