On the other hand, storytelling isn’t really the main focus here. Dragon Fire basically employs its plot as an excuse to send the player on a bunch of smaller quests, which thankfully are fairly diverse and manage to entertain. It should be noted, however, that these missions generally involve killing rather than solving puzzles. Though the game does offer plenty of traditional puzzles, the combat elements are expanded to such a degree that the game feels more like an RPG with a few adventure game elements mixed in than the other way around, as was the case in previous games.

Item use is handled somewhat awkwardly by a ‘belt’ system. The inventory can be accessed through a special button onscreen. While open, objects can be used on each other, but when you want to use items in the game world, you first need to drag them to the belt, which is basically a quick bar at the bottom of the screen that can hold nine items. Once the inventory is closed, you can then select items in the belt to interact with them. You can also use the belt to equip and unequip weapons and armor, as well as cast spells much the same way as you use items.

The series’ trademark option for the different character classes to overcome obstacles in unique ways has diminished a bit too. Not only are there fewer puzzles designed with this structure in mind, many are reiterations of similar puzzles in previous games. It used to be interesting to have one character get past a locked gate by magic, another by brute force, and the third by using thief skills, but the process has become a little repetitive at this point. It’s disappointing to see a once-inventive facet of the series grow old; a telltale sign that Quest for Glory was stretching its lifespan thin with the fourth sequel.

The skill challenges, in which you are required to practice abilities like throwing or climbing, likewise have become stale and lack creativity. That the walls and cliffs are much taller now doesn’t make up for the fact you’re still using the same solution to overcome similar hindrances as in previous games. The issue isn’t that these challenges have all of a sudden become a nuisance, but that they lack any originality to keep the experience fresh. Thankfully, there are also many normal inventory puzzles that are well designed and require creative thinking, such as the crafting of a flying balloon.

One problem with the change in focus is that the game doesn’t really shine at combat. There is a lot of fighting in this game – see sidebar for more, but you can easily find yourself in combat as often as you’re engaged in more traditional adventure activities – but it never evolves beyond randomly clicking on enemies to kill them. The game’s AI is rather weak, with monsters doing nothing more than close in and attack. However, while previous Quest for Glory games had special combat scenes that neatly separated the battles from the main environment, in Dragon Fire the action can take place virtually anywhere, which means you can freely move around, attack, cast spells or even pick up items during combat if you’d like. Since you’ll often be fighting multiple foes in a location that also functions as an adventure area with clickable items and hotspots, things tend to get rather confusing and uncoordinated.

Dragon Fire’s point-and-click interface basically has two functions: By right-clicking you can switch your cursor between interacting and looking. Unfortunately, the interact icon is used for every possible action: walking, picking things up, talking, and fighting. When in combat, you may be frantically clicking on a monster to attack it, then accidentally click on another object nearby or behind it, only to have the Hero move to that object. Or you may be fighting one enemy when another moves in, blocking your view and preventing you from clicking on your previous target. It is possible to use keyboard controls for fighting, but this comes with its owns problems. It’s more difficult to manoeuvre that way, and you can’t always accurately determine which direction the Hero is facing.

One method of bringing variety into a fight is to use magic. Since you are free to move around the screen during combat, this allows for spells to be used in different ways. It’s possible to run away from enemies and strike them from a distance, or use area-affecting spells to strike multiple targets at once. You can even use some spells to distract enemies or set up an explosive trap-like spell. It doesn’t always pay off to do so, however. Despite its problems, combat isn’t actually very difficult, so it’s a bit superfluous to bother with much strategy. Even when setting the difficulty to the highest level, it is probably still quickest to stay on the offensive with weapons and direct spells. Alternatively, combat can often be approached like a stealth game for Heroes with thief skills. There is more opportunity to sneak around now, and for the first time in the series a blackjack becomes available, which allows you to sneak up on enemies and take them out in one blow – if your skill is developed sufficiently, of course.

The ability to sneak around and cast spells in new ways are welcome additions, as is the arsenal of new weapons, armor, and magical equipment. It is through experimenting with these new features that you may have some fun with combat in Dragon Fire, since each battle can be approached differently. Of course, for those with any tolerance for combat, fighting monsters has its own hack-and-slash appeal, but since the combat system is so basic, don’t expect to be rewarded for using any real tactics.

From the moment this series was rescued from cancellation, Dragon Fire was designed as an epilogue – one last adventure that would allow the Hero to shine once more before bidding a fond adieu. With many old friends and acquaintances returning, it was specifically intended to offer closure, as the Hero may end up married or even as king, depending on your actions. It is disappointing, then, that the very end of the game is quite bland. Though it does manage to bring a pleasant closure to the series, the final moments won’t leave you particularly satisfied, which is a missed opportunity for a grand and fitting farewell.

For those new to the series, Dragon Fire might actually be a good place to pick the series up. Its laid-back beginning and freedom to explore allow new players to familiarize themselves with both the game world and the adventure/RPG concept at their leisure. Those that are eager for combat can get into the action right away, while others will find themselves in the middle of Silmaria with a host of different characters. Though much of the supporting cast is returning from previous games, your new interactions with them don’t rely on existing familiarity. Perhaps just as importantly, Dragon Fire should run fine on most modern systems, whereas the older games rely on fan-patches and emulators to run smoothly.

In any case, both players new and old should find something to entertain them in the appealing humour, well-written dialogue, a bit of monster bashing, and the many quests and other activities available. The game may not excel in any one area, and it is much more of an action-driven game than ever before, but none of its weaknesses are enough to spoil the fun that can be found. The characters may lack depth, but that won’t stop you from laughing with them. The setting might not seem fully developed, but still provides a diverse world filled with various creatures and locations. And the plot may lack originality, but it nevertheless conveys an amusing tale of betrayal, adventure and heroism. With Quest for Glory V: Dragon Fire, then, the dreams of a revived series came true in perhaps an unexpected way, but it’s certainly worth one last adventure to properly say goodbye.