Fighting Fantasy: The Warlock of Firetop Mountain

 DS
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 34
  3. Negative: 3 out of 34
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MikeT
    Dec 3, 2009
    10
    One of the best RPG games on pocket platform and by far the best 3D RPG. My DS was collecting the dust for 6 months until I got this game. Highly recommended!
  2. AaronJ
    Oct 21, 2011
    8
    This game is really underrated, and a good example of how reviews don't always tell the whole story. The number of positive user reviews says it all.

    The graphics are actually quite nice with a lot of cool and detailed environments, and although it looks a lot like an ancient PC game, it seems impressive for the DS. There is next to no story, but that didn't bother me. Gameplay was solid,    This game is really underrated, and a good example of how reviews don't always tell the whole story. The number of positive user reviews says it all.

    The graphics are actually quite nice with a lot of cool and detailed environments, and although it looks a lot like an ancient PC game, it seems impressive for the DS. There is next to no story, but that didn't bother me. Gameplay was solid, although it could be a little deeper. My main problem is that it's just too short; you could probably conquer it in a single day if you really worked at it. Don't expect to get dozens of hours out of this one.

    I don't think the comparisons to Elder Scrolls are accurate, but it is an old school first person action RPG and it's worth checking out if you're into that kind of thing. It's not perfect, but I had a great time and was addicted for the short time that it lasted. I think a lot of people wrote it off right away without giving it a fair chance, because it does come across as kind of low budget. Stick with it though, you'll come to like it.    … Expand
  3. BrianB
    Jan 10, 2010
    8
    I guess nobody remembers that in a chose your own adventure, you can open the wrong door and die... about a million times.
  4. PepitoH
    Dec 2, 2009
    9
    Yeah the game is hard, but it's the closest thing to an Oblivion DS you're going to find, and that is a goooood thing.
  5. CintoR
    Dec 4, 2009
    8
    This game is technically outstanding and very addictive. The gameplay is reminiscent of Metroid, but the strong RPG elements makes it more engaging than just a 1st person action game (inventory, lots of quests and subquests, free exploration...). I really enjoyed the game and I can't understand the two bad reviews posted... 40 and 16! Those reviewers really need to reconsider their lifes...
  6. retrox40
    Dec 8, 2009
    7
    It's a shame there are only two "professional" reviews out for this game, and both of them are rife with inaccurate information. The 1UP review in particular is almost criminal. I was shaking my head throughout the entirety of it, wondering if the reviewer had actually played the game for more than 15 or 20 minutes. While certainly nothing groundbreaking, this game is a breath of It's a shame there are only two "professional" reviews out for this game, and both of them are rife with inaccurate information. The 1UP review in particular is almost criminal. I was shaking my head throughout the entirety of it, wondering if the reviewer had actually played the game for more than 15 or 20 minutes. While certainly nothing groundbreaking, this game is a breath of fresh RPG air for the platform. Anyone who enjoys old-school western-style RPG gaming should give this one a go.… Expand
  7. BobbyDavro
    Nov 26, 2009
    9
    This game is great. The graphics are stunning, controls are up there with the best the DS has to offer in the FPS field and if you are an FPSRPG fan, this is for you. The DS equivalent to Elder Scrolls!
  8. timmyisme22
    Dec 1, 2009
    9
    A worthwhile play. Short, yet entertaining throughout the whole game. Controls were much better than quite a few games currently out there, but could always use some tuning. Story is fine and opponents, while troublesome when stumbling into instant death, are rare enough that you won't have trouble avoiding that area until you're stronger! If nothing else, just reload the A worthwhile play. Short, yet entertaining throughout the whole game. Controls were much better than quite a few games currently out there, but could always use some tuning. Story is fine and opponents, while troublesome when stumbling into instant death, are rare enough that you won't have trouble avoiding that area until you're stronger! If nothing else, just reload the auto-save and leave the room immediately; I've done that without a hitch. All in all, it's a good game. Short as I had stated, yet quite sweet.… Expand
  9. jeffj
    Dec 9, 2009
    9
    Very Good Game! Asking my self why IUP and Nintendo Power gave it a very low score. Their reviews are based only on game controls and game difficulty! The game actually is quite tough but who would enjoy a very easy game. 1UP said that the controls are very hard but he's just not using the stylus. Very dumb reviewer. All in all, the graphics are amazing and the game is enjoyable!!!
  10. JamesS
    Dec 10, 2009
    9
    An incredible achievement for a DS game. To be honest, it's something probably on a similar level to the elder scrolls daggerfall (though not nearly as big of course) - an incredible achievement for the DS. I IMPLORE 1up and nintendo power to re-review the game. I mean, ok, it's not perfect but really a D- an a 40%? That HURTS the developers. The game is flat out good - not even An incredible achievement for a DS game. To be honest, it's something probably on a similar level to the elder scrolls daggerfall (though not nearly as big of course) - an incredible achievement for the DS. I IMPLORE 1up and nintendo power to re-review the game. I mean, ok, it's not perfect but really a D- an a 40%? That HURTS the developers. The game is flat out good - not even just average. Anyway, give the game a go - fans of oblivion, morrowind, WoW, any first/third person RPG will love it, and it's a nice nostalgic nod to the book that got me into fantasy long, long ago.… Expand
  11. MattE
    Dec 17, 2009
    9
    The fact the developers managed to get a full 3D environment working on the DS is astounding! If anyone is a fan of the old Hack and Slash type RPG's from the late 90's (Like Lands of Lore or Elder Scrolls: Dagerfall) this game is an absolute gem. I'll admit that my expectations for the game were fairly low when I purchased it but within seconds of playing the game I was The fact the developers managed to get a full 3D environment working on the DS is astounding! If anyone is a fan of the old Hack and Slash type RPG's from the late 90's (Like Lands of Lore or Elder Scrolls: Dagerfall) this game is an absolute gem. I'll admit that my expectations for the game were fairly low when I purchased it but within seconds of playing the game I was blown away. The controls are not as good as a PC or a modern console because we don't have a real mouse or dual analog sticks but given the limitations of the DS the control scheme is innovative and easily the best 3D navigation controls that I've seen yes. The comparison to Oblivion is not far off but I'm also reminded of the first Diablo. Very typical of ARPG's the story is kept light in favour of a explore-kill-loot cycle that remains satisfying even today.… Expand
  12. BrianL
    Dec 30, 2009
    9
    There are a few flaws, but this is definitely one instance of reviewers trashing what I think to be a great game.
  13. ZoranK
    Nov 23, 2009
    10
    I just passed through few rooms. Game is fantastic. I can't believe they pulled off something like this on DS. Hopefully they bring this game to next gen.
  14. rebane2001
    Aug 29, 2016
    9
    This is the only real-time first-person dungeon-crawler for the Nintendo DS and oh how great it is.

    This game is hard. Like the old-school RPGs. But it's still great fun, because even though you die a lot, you can simply respawn in the same room, with a chance for easier enemies, or the ability to escape. You don't even need to grind much The game feels like the older Elder    This is the only real-time first-person dungeon-crawler for the Nintendo DS and oh how great it is.

    This game is hard. Like the old-school RPGs.

    But it's still great fun, because even though you die a lot, you can simply respawn in the same room, with a chance for easier enemies, or the ability to escape.

    You don't even need to grind much

    The game feels like the older Elder Scrolls games, but if you liked Oblivion and Skyrim and want such a game for the DS, then this is your best bet.

    The graphics are amazing, for the DS, everything except for the NPC-s are in 3D and the rooms are detailed.

    The lack of any music doesn't disturb me, since there are still ambient sounds and other SFX.

    The controls, while not the best, are still not a reason to not like this game

    I don't see why this game received so much negative reviews, since I still to this day (2016) often play the game, while I have a capable gaming PC with Skyrim and all the other stuff on it.    … Expand
  15. Darkspawn677
    May 27, 2022
    10
    This game is amazing they should make all fighting fantasy games like this one the game should also be more like elder scrolls
  16. ZALO__o
    Oct 10, 2022
    10
    Remarkable masterpiece!!! Far better than any Elders' Scrolls game, with captivating story, witty dialogues and very creative character progression. How can you make the world so filled with details, so rich, with so many beautiful surroundings like birds, water flowing or forests, and yet it runs on a console with 4 Mb of Ram. That's insane.

Awards & Rankings

18
#18 Most Discussed DS Game of 2009
45
#45 Most Shared DS Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
45

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 10
  3. Negative: 6 out of 10
  1. Nintendo Power
    40
    It's no fun facing monsters that are suddenly too tough to kill. [Dec 2009, p.89]
  2. 1UP
    16
    The DS game doesn't capture any of the magic inherent in Fighting Fantasy's formula. Instead of an adventure packed with mystery and excitement, the series' first videogame provides a dull story and frustrating controls in a generic dungeon crawl wrapper. It's a shame, because I remember enjoying the "Choose Your Own Adventure" style so much as a kid, and I bet that formula could make for a great game.
    Read full review
  3. GameSpot
    35
    Abysmal controls and frustrating gameplay await you in the depths of Firetop Mountain.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »