Times of Lore/Gameplay

Game genre
In Times of Lore you control a hero in a quest across the fantasy kingdom of Albareth. During the game, the character can progressively acquire several items, including a small array of spells.

Times of Lore is often considered a role-playing game, but actually it lacks important elements of an RPG to be considered one. Three aspects that can define the genre of RPG are listed here:
 * 1) Text is an essential part of the game, and the characters have to talk and interact with non-evil characters to proceed in the adventure;
 * 2) There are permanent upgrades, in the form of enhancements of the various attributes of the characters (attack, strength, magic etc.);
 * 3) There is freedom of exploration, all the areas are connected by an "overworld", and areas that have been previously cleared can usually be re-visited; in other words, the game is non-linear.

Times of Lore completely lacks the second point, therefore it is better classified as an game. Only in the NES remake three items are made permanent, but that is not sufficient.

Similar games
Times of Lore is often referred to as a "light ". Many aspects of the Ultima games have been simplified: no character attributes, limited equipment, easier dialogue system.

Another game is known as "light ultima", but it is very different: Tangled Tales.

On the other hand, the lack of experience points and of character attributes reminds a different series of games:. Still, the Zelda games feature other forms of permanent upgrades.