Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Evil Islands: Curse of the Lost Soul blends real-time combat with stealth mechanics to deliver a distinctive RPG experience. You control Zak and up to two fixed companions, each with unique skills that complement one another. Combat flows seamlessly, whether you’re hurling a fire bolt at orcs from afar or sneaking behind enemy lines to deliver a lethal backstab.

The stealth system stands out as one of the game’s strong suits. Crouching through tall grass, pickpocketing unsuspecting guards, and setting up ambushes add a layer of strategic depth. Timing and positioning are crucial: a single misstep can alert a patrol of skeletons or wizards, turning a planned infiltration into a frantic escape.

Crafting further enriches gameplay. By gathering materials from defeated foes or hidden caches, you can unlock blueprints to forge custom armor, weapons, and trinkets. Experimenting with different material combinations encourages exploration and rewards players who scour every corner of Gipath’s three islands.

Quests vary from simple fetch tasks to multi-stage investigations of ancient ruins. Each island—be it the mist-shrouded swamp, volcanic highlands, or verdant forests—offers unique challenges and side missions. This diversity keeps the experience fresh as you chase clues to Zak’s identity while building a well-rounded party.

Graphics

Though released in the early 2000s, Evil Islands still delivers atmospheric environments that capture the mystery of Gipath. The 3D models may appear blocky by today’s standards, but clever use of textures and color palettes conveys the eerie ambience of ruined temples and haunted forests.

Character models boast surprisingly fluid animations during combat and stealth actions. Watching Zak nimbly vault over obstacles or a cyclops swing its massive club adds visual flair to each encounter. Environmental details—like flickering torches or drifting fog—heighten immersion in these perilous locales.

Spell effects remain a highlight: vibrant fire bolts scorch enemies against dark backdrops, while crackling lightning illuminates cavernous interiors. Though particle counts are modest, the contrast between elemental magic and muted terrain gives encounters a cinematic quality.

The user interface, albeit utilitarian, organizes inventory, party stats, and map screens clearly. While some text overlaps or small fonts can be a strain on modern monitors, the overall layout is straightforward—ensuring you spend less time wrestling menus and more time adventuring.

Story

Legends foretell a Chosen One destined to save Gipath from impending doom, yet the prophecy’s hero arrives as Zak—a tousle-haired boy in grey pantaloons who awakens amid crumbling ruins. Stripped of memory, he must unravel the island’s mysteries to discover both his past and his purpose.

As you traverse the three islands, encounters with local factions unveil layers of political intrigue and ancient rivalries. From greedy warlords to scheming wizards, each NPC has motives that enrich the central narrative. Branched dialogues and moral choices subtly influence how characters respond to Zak’s exploits.

Character development unfolds organically through party banter and quest outcomes. Companions voice their doubts or encouragement, forging bonds that make victory over cyclops or dragons feel personally rewarding. Though voice acting is sparse, written dialogue captures the tone of a classic high-fantasy epic.

The pacing strikes a careful balance between exploration and plot advancement. While some side quests meander, they often reward players with lore fragments or rare crafting materials that tie back into the main storyline. By the time Zak confronts the ultimate threat, you feel invested in both his fate and that of the islands.

Overall Experience

Evil Islands: Curse of the Lost Soul delivers a rich, multifaceted RPG that challenges players to think tactically. The fusion of stealth and magic offers multiple approaches to problem-solving, while crafting systems encourage thorough exploration. Difficulty ramps up steadily, keeping even veteran adventurers on their toes.

Sound design and music amplify the adventure. Haunting choral chants echo through dank dungeons, and triumphant fanfares herald successful ambushes. Ambient effects—chirping insects in marshes or crackling embers in forges—add subtle layers of realism that draw you deeper into Gipath’s world.

Despite its age, the title’s ambitious scope remains impressive. Occasional bugs or camera quirks may surface, but community patches and modern compatibility modes help smooth over these rough edges. For fans of classic RPGs seeking a blend of stealth tactics and magical combat, Evil Islands still holds up.

In sum, Curse of the Lost Soul is an engaging journey of discovery, strategy, and old-school charm. Whether you’re unearthing Zak’s hidden past or forging the ultimate battle-axe, every step through Gipath’s lands feels meaningful. For gamers eager to explore a distinctive fantasy realm, this cult classic is well worth revisiting—or discovering for the first time.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10