SILVER

Reviewed By: Rick Casteel
STAFF REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC, Dreamcast
Produced by: Infogrames
Age level: 13+
ESRB Rating: Teen
Patches / Upgrades: available at “Game” Web site
Game Web site
System Requirements:
Minimum - P166, 32MB RAM, 8X CD, Win 95/98, DirectX Sound, 2MB VESA Graphics, Mouse / Recommended - P233, 32MB RAM, 16X CD, 4MB VESA Graphics

Genre: Role Playing Game
Christian Rating: 3 of 5
   (some objectionable elements)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

My son first saw this game in the fall of '99. He had loaded it on his PC from one of the numerous demo disks we get in the mail. From the first time he saw it, he was enthralled. My boys really love stories of brave medieval knights, ogres, swordplay and dangerous rescues. I guess its my fault for reading them “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” when they were little. “Silver” is a wonderful computer game that embodies this genre of storytelling.

Screen Capture from 'Silver'. Illustration copyrighted.

Screen Captures from “Silver”

David is the main character of the game. He is a young man, with a new wife, living in a dangerous, medieval land. The villain of the story is the emperor Silver from which the game's title derives. Silver has an evil plot that involves having his henchman gather up all the young women of the kingdom in order for him to select a new wife (among other things as we later find out). David is obviously a believer in Proverbs 18:22, "Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord." Hence the situation is set for our young David to become a hero and rescue his fair damsel and rid the kingdom of Silver.

As you may be able to tell, the element I enjoyed most about this game is its strong, conventional story line. It has a clear goal and direction from the outset. Using a familiar plot it keeps the player interested and involved. In addition, “Silver” boasts some of the most beautiful backgrounds and graphics you'll find this side of “Unreal”. The characters are essentially cartoon-like animations on top of gorgeous 3D backgrounds. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of the surreal beauty of a mythical world and the comic action of a fantasy tale.

Cover Graphic from 'Silver' The action involves David exploring numerous areas of the kingdom looking for his kidnapped wife. Silver's henchmen and creatures are everywhere attempting to stop David from achieving his goal. David picks up skills, weapons and powers as he travels. He must also solve puzzles and complete various quests to proceed. As with most “Sword and Sorcery” games, magic is an element that comes into play. I did not find it becoming an overall theme of play or leading the character to use his skills in a “evil” manner. Swordplay is the primary method of battle, with a variety of enhanced weapons gathered along the way. The duels are bloodless and frequently involve mythical creatures rather than people. David has help along the way.

As the player progresses along in the story, he meets allies that assist him in his cause. These friends follow you along the way but rely on you to control them in battle along with David. This can make for some frantic clicking during fights unless you use a pause mode provided to let you give commands in more of a turn based style. The one true fault is there is no difficulty setting and no replay value. Once you've done it, your done it!

“Silver” is a great game for any RPG fan in the house who is old enough to understand how to play; as well as the veteran who wants to try something fresh.

Year of Release—1999

I have to agree about Silver being a great game. It has been one of the most overlooked RPG's in the last couple years. The gameplay is smooth and fun, the backgound graphics are gorgeous, and the sound is beautiful. It is an entertaining and outright fun game to play. As for the Christian aspect, it is one of the “tamer” RPG's you could get. I know the word RPG turns a lot of Christians away and brings up stories of D&D and magic use, etc. However, some kids and adults have a urge to play RPG's for their adventure and storytelling. If they must, than Silver is one of the least offensive available. The most objectionable elements are magic use, which is minor and restricted to “elemental types” (i.e. fire, ice, healing, etc.) and possibly a first and last boss battle with demons. Very harmless looking demons, but demons nonetheless. So, if you are a strong Christian, and like RPG's, SIlver is not a bad choice. It can even be a fun game for young teens and older kids. My Ratings: [4/4]
—Chris, age 22

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.