Game genre[edit]
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 to be considered one. Three aspects that can define the role-playing genre are listed here:
- 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;
- There are permanent upgrades, in the form of enhancements of the various attributes of the characters (attack, strength, magic etc.);
- 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 action-adventure game. Only in the NES remake three items are made permanent, but the game is otherwise identical.
Similar games[edit]
Times of Lore is often referred to as a "light Ultima". 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: The Legend of Zelda. Still, the Zelda games feature other forms of permanent upgrades.