Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva

Review
Also known as
DSA 3 Das Schwarze Auge: Die Nordland-Trilogie Teil III - Schatten über Riva Das Schwarze Auge: Schatten über Riva La sombra sobre Riva Realms of Arkania 3 Realms of Arkania 3: Shadows over Riva Classic Stíny nad Rivou 巫術闇影

This final chapter blends party-based RPG exploration and turn-based combat to save the coastal town of Riva from a mysterious orc invasion.

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva was originally released for DOS in 1996 in Germany, with the English version published by Sir-tech in 1997. The DOS platform version is the original release platform.

About Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva concludes its trilogy with a narrative centered on the coastal town of Riva. The player's adventuring party investigates a local crisis involving an intelligent orc chieftain occupying a mine, unresponsive city authorities, and rumors of traitors in the slums.

This installment differs from its predecessors by confining the entire adventure to Riva and its nearby countryside, eliminating the series' earlier focus on long-distance travel. The town itself is expansive, functioning as a central hub that connects to various other locations. The plot is advanced through full-screen, hand-drawn cutscenes.

As a CD-ROM exclusive, it introduced SVGA graphics and a smooth-scrolling 3D world for exploration, which is conducted from a first-person perspective. Core gameplay remains consistent: players create a party from various character classes and engage in turn-based combat on separate isometric screens. Refinements include a more streamlined inventory system and the integration of area-specific graphics into battle sequences.

Realms of Arkania III: Shadows over Riva Screenshots

10 images
Intro: the Citadel
Intro: a selection of eyes
In the temple
Conversing with the priestess.
In town
The story progresses also in high resolution SVGA pictures.
A very helpful distribution device for items has been added for part 3.
The diary, a very helpful tool on your adventure
Dialogues are important.
Caya Sennscheid, the bowyer of Riva