Talisman (video game)

Talisman, a board game by Games Workshop, has been developed by Nomad Games for PC, Mobile and PS4 & Vita. Before the Nomad Games Version there were several attempts to adapt this board game into a video game since its introduction in 1983.

For the board game on which Talisman is based, see Talisman (board game).

Talisman
Developer(s)SLUG (1985)
Nomad Games (2012)
Publisher(s)Games Workshop Asmodee Digital
Platform(s)ZX Spectrum, Windows, Mobile
Release(ZX) 1985
(PC/Mobile) 15 November 2012
Genre(s)Board game RPG
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Versions

The first was a 1985 ZX Spectrum game. It was developed by SLUG and produced by the board game's publisher, Games Workshop. Another attempt, by Big Rooster Games in 2008 was abandoned and was labeled "a misfire" by Games Workshop. The third attempt by a fan of the game was released, but later removed. Finally Nomad Games released Talisman: Prologue, a single-player game for Microsoft Windows and mobile platforms, and finally Talisman: Digital Edition which is a true adaptation to the board game, with the expansions continuing to be developed. It's a cross platform multiplayer game on PC, Mac, iOS, Android and PlayStation 4 & Vita.

Nomad Games' version

Games Workshop and Fantasy Flight Games partnered with another video game developer to produce a video game version.[1] Nomad Games produced a single-player version of Talisman based on the Fourth Edition rules. It is titled Talisman: Prologue. It was released 15 November 2012 for Microsoft Windows.[2][3]

A full multiplayer version of the game, Talisman Digital Edition, was released in October 2013.[4]

Spectrum version
Gameplay screenshot.

The game is a conversion of the Second Edition of the board game. It is a fantasy hybrid board/role-playing game, in which players moved across a text-based virtual board, fighting creatures, collecting items, and strengthening their characters through experience. The ultimate goal was to defeat the other players, typically by reaching the Crown of Command on the game board.

Reception

Trevor Mendham reviewed Talisman for White Dwarf #66, giving it an overall rating of 7 out of 10, and stated that "Overall, the presentation of Talisman is excellent and the graphics make it a pleasure to play. It will certainly appeal to Talisman fans lacking opponents, as the computer makes a very reasonable job of this."[5]

The game was received somewhat favorably, but had no lasting impact.[6]

2008 version

Capcom had begun development in 2007 of a downloadable video game for both the PlayStation Store and Xbox Live Arcade. A version was also planned for Microsoft Windows.[7] Based closely on the board game of the same name from Games Workshop, it was being developed by Big Rooster, but Capcom eventually announced they were seeking new developers.

On 12 October 2008, Capcom Senior Director of Strategic Planning, Christian Svensson, announced:

Rather recently we have finally stopped development completely. After a misfire at the start, the details of which I won't get into, we evaluated several options for moving the project to new developers, but the costs of moving forward outweighted [sic] the potential revenue. I realize this will be disappointing for the fans of the game. The rights have reverted to Games Workshop where I hope someone will pick them up and try again. I too still would like to play a Talisman videogame.[8]

This digital version would have supported up to four players, either online or offline. Including 25 different characters from the game and its expansions, it also promised additional downloadable content, such as extra characters and alternate ending conditions.[9]

In 2014, a new digital version of Talisman was released by Nomad Games, titled Talisman: Digital Edition.

Unofficial version

Tim Street released an unofficial version of Talisman for Windows in July 2008. It was subsequently removed by request of Games Workshop.

Android version

On 1 May 2013 Thumbstar Games Ltd released Talisman: Prologue for Android 2.2, this version also still lack multiplayer or other players directed by computer.[10][11] On 3 September 2014 new version was released that supports AI controlled characters and local multiplayer as well.

References
  1. Fahey, Mike (18 September 2012). "Digital Version of the Talisman Board Game Coming, For Real This Time". Kotaku. Retrieved 19 September 2012.
  2. "Pre-Order Talisman Prologue for PC". Talisman Prologue Web Site. Nomad Games. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  3. Talisman Prologue from Nomad Games
  4. "Talisman Digital Edition". Nomad Games website. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
  5. Mendham, Trevor (June 1985). "Open Box". White Dwarf. Games Workshop (66): 6–7.
  6. Talisman review for the ZX Spectrum from May 1985 from CRASH (online version of a ZX Spectrum magazine)
  7. Roper, Chris (13 April 2007). "IGN: Capcom Wields Talisman". IGN. Archived from the original on 27 April 2007.
  8. "Talisman cancellation". Capcom.
  9. Rea, Jared (13 April 2007). "Capcom brings Rocketmen and Talisman to XBLA and PSN". Joystiq.com.
  10. http://www.mobyware.net/samsung-gt-i5510-device-1712/talisman-prologue-hd-for-android-download-free-227261.html
  11. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nomadgames.talismanprologue
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