Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Hillsfar delivers a unique blend of first-person exploration and third-person action sequences, offering a series of bite-sized mini-quests rather than a sprawling, open-ended world. As a single-hero RPG, you’ll choose from four classic AD&D classes—fighter, thief, cleric, or magic-user—each granting access to its own guild and a distinct set of randomized missions. This design provides plenty of replay value, as the challenges you face in the arena, archery range, lock-picking trials, and horseback rides will differ from one playthrough to the next.

The core of Hillsfar’s gameplay resides in its mini-games. Combat is confined to the gladiatorial arena, where a simple third-person hack-and-slash system tests your reflexes and timing. Outside of battle, you’ll switch into first-person for archery contests or lock-picking puzzles, and top-down for dungeon-style building explorations. While each mode is straightforward, the variety keeps the experience from feeling stale—albeit for a limited duration.

That said, the absence of random monster encounters outside the arena means you won’t encounter the same open-world skirmishes common to other AD&D titles. Instead, your progress hinges on completing mission objectives handed down by your guild master. This structured, mission-based approach streamlines progression but may feel restrictive to players who yearn for free-roaming adventuring.

Graphics

For its time, Hillsfar’s visuals were a significant step up from text-only adventures. The city streets are rendered in a basic but recognizable first-person view, with simple wall textures and color-blocked buildings that convey a lively urban environment. While details can appear rudimentary by modern standards, there’s a nostalgic charm to the pixel art that many retro gamers will appreciate.

Each mini-game presents its own graphical style. The arena offers a third-person view of your hero and rival combatants, complete with exaggerated attack animations and vividly colored backgrounds. In the archery range, target rings pop brightly against a muted sky, and the lock-picking screen employs stark lines and clear indicators to show when you’ve found the sweet spot. Though these segments lack complexity, their crisp presentation makes objectives easy to grasp.

Outside of action sequences, character sprites and NPC portraits are sparse and functional rather than decorative. The top-down exploration sections rely on simple tile sets that communicate doorways, corridors, and obstacles without much flourish. Overall, Hillsfar’s graphics serve the gameplay effectively: you always know where to go and what to do, even if the aesthetic never strives for high realism or elaborate detail.

Story

Hillsfar’s narrative framework is built around your induction into one of four powerful guilds. Each class’s storyline is identical in structure—you receive randomized tasks from a guild master, journey into various environments, overcome obstacles, and return for rewards of gold and experience. While the plot lacks a central epic tale or twist, it does provide a clear sense of purpose for each mission.

The city of Hillsfar itself is presented as a bustling hub of commerce and danger, but the lore is communicated mainly through short NPC dialogues and mission briefings. You won’t find lengthy cut-scenes or deep character arcs; instead, the emphasis is on action and task completion. This keeps the pace brisk but limits the emotional stakes, making the story feel more like a framework for mini-games than an immersive role-playing saga.

For players who thrive on procedural content, the randomized quests can offer surprising variety—and the sense of uncertainty about which mini-game awaits next can be thrilling. However, those seeking a cohesive, unfolding narrative with rich world-building and evolving characters may find Hillsfar’s story elements somewhat skeletal. The city serves as a backdrop more than a living, breathing realm.

Overall Experience

Hillsfar stands out as an experiment in repackaging RPG mechanics into a mission-driven format. Its tight focus on mini-games and quick objectives can be refreshing for players who prefer clear goals and short play sessions. You’re always aware of your next task, whether it’s toppling foes in the arena or deftly picking a locked chest.

Yet the same features that make Hillsfar approachable also contribute to its limitations. The repetitive nature of missions and lack of non-arena combat can lead to a sense of monotony after extended play. Without the random encounters and expansive dialogue trees of other AD&D titles, Hillsfar sacrifices depth for streamlining.

Ultimately, Hillsfar is best appreciated as a product of its era—a nostalgic trip for retro RPG fans and a curious footnote in the evolution of party-less adventures. Players seeking bite-sized challenges and arcade-style diversions within an AD&D setting will find plenty to enjoy. Those craving an epic quest with branching storylines and large-scale exploration may wish to look elsewhere.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10