The Temple of Elemental Evil

 PC
Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 24
  3. Negative: 3 out of 24
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  1. GameSpy
    90
    A rock-solid RPG that faithfully re-creates a classic adventure. It's only a few interface issues, lackluster storytelling, and a limited scope that keep it from being among the best in its genre.
  2. GamePro
    90
    The lack of multiplayer options is a shame, but TTOEE is the best D&D title in recent memory, especially since parties of different alignments (good, evil, neutral) all face unique plots. This all adds up to one monstrous nonlinear RPG packed with plenty of replay value.
  3. GameZone
    84
    A little typical in terms of graphics and sound, but what this game does bring to the fore is depth of gameplay. It is immersive, and challenging.
  5. Quandary
    80
    This has been quite an enjoyable trip but not one of epic proportions. More story would have gone a long, long way.
  6. Armchair Empire
    80
    It is simply a purity of attempt to re-create the D&D experience that they share, a purity I ultimately appreciated despite the rushed-out-the-door feel of parts of the game.
  7. PC Gamer
    79
    One of D&D's best adventures gets an endearing, if not spellbinding, rendition. [Nov 2003, p.138]
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  8. ActionTrip
    79
    The sheer complexity of the game clearly guarantees some serious RPG fun. But, the problem is that there's a great deal of gamers out there that never bothered to research the intricate 3.5 AD&D rules. The fact is that during the game, newcomers will surely find themselves tangled up in a sea of RPG details.
  9. GameSpot
    79
    Despite its bugs, The Temple of Elemental Evil stands as one of the most authentic PC Dungeons & Dragons experiences of the past few years.
  10. IGN
    75
    One of the most accurate computer renditions of AD&D ever with an amazing manual and well-detailed in-game encyclopedia.

Awards & Rankings

36
#36 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
29
#29 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 96 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 62 out of 96
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 96
  3. Negative: 9 out of 96
  1. Zoso
    Jun 15, 2012
    10
    Definitely a premium RPG, and probably the most faithful translation of Dungeons&Dragons 3E rules to the computer ever.

    I wonder how anyone    Definitely a premium RPG, and probably the most faithful translation of Dungeons&Dragons 3E rules to the computer ever.

    I wonder how anyone can compare Neverwinter Nights (a wireframe RPG :-) to this jewel that is superior in every respect, from the graphics through rules/gamplay right up to the deep and immersive story.    … Full Review »
  2. mrrgl
    May 3, 2013
    7
    Definitely worth a playthrough if you apply community patches (look up "circle of eight"). Imagine Baldur's Gate, except with lessDefinitely worth a playthrough if you apply community patches (look up "circle of eight"). Imagine Baldur's Gate, except with less exploration/story and a much more interesting combat system. This is one of those games where the mechanics are so rich and complicated that you genuinely end up feeling that you can be *creative* in your party development and combat tactics. Really I've never seen a party-based combat system with this much variety and potential.

    I'd say somewhat luckily, the game will completely kick your ass right off the bat. To succeed, you've got to learn about what your characters are capable of and build your party accordingly. For the patient, ultimately a very rewarding experience.

    Cons; disappointing story line, few environments to explore.

    somewhat of a con: This is not a rail shooter. This is not easy. To succeed, you have to learn the rule system and apply intelligent combat tactics and character development.

    Ultimately, I'm quite sad that this engine did not see any more application. Troika obviously spent a ton of time creating the D&D 3rd edition rules in a PC environment, then introduced a single adventure to apply it in. Why on earth did we never see more games based on this engine?    … Full Review »
  3. night4
    Sep 22, 2018
    8
    This is tough to review because the combat, music, and mechanics are AMAZING while the bugs, pathfinding, and quests are not.

    But, I have    This is tough to review because the combat, music, and mechanics are AMAZING while the bugs, pathfinding, and quests are not.

    But, I have to give it a high score simply because there are almost no other turn-based fantasy games like this out there.    … Full Review »
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