Here you will find the latest news in the world of Raymond E. Feist. It maybe the title of the next book, a new release or even a new project, but it could also be an update on an existing project. What ever it is though, we hope to present it to you as soon as we are aware of it. If you know something we don't, that relates to Raymond E. Feist, and believe it should be here, then please contact us.
Tue Dec 22nd, 1998
Desslock Weighs In
RPG heavyweight Desslock has posted his review of Return to Krondor . He gave it a 7.8 of 10:
The game's main problem, however, is clearly its brevity. Although there are a few difficulty settings and the option to make mages more or less effective at spell-casting, these alternatives are unlikely to significantly prolong the game's replayability. Most players will play through Return to Krondor in a week or two of casual gaming. Return to Krondor is certainly not a massive and open-ended role-playing game set in an expansive gaming world. With its distinctive, preset characters, scripted events, and limited geographical scope, Return to Krondor is a more linear, story-driven, and somewhat more intimate game. While Return to Krondor may not be an epic sequel to Betrayal at Krondor, its excellent graphics and immersive plot and gaming world make it an enjoyable story-driven game while it lasts.
Mon Dec 21st, 1998
Return to Krondor Patch
Sierra has posted the 1.0.0.5 patch for RtK. You can get it with the AutoUpdate utility or here.
Mon Dec 21st, 1998
Altered Worlds Review of Return to Krondor
Altered Worlds has posted what is easily the most comprehensive review of RtK yet. You want quotes? You got 'em:
After wandering around a bit more, it's back to the palace...to be pointed to the next page in the story. This is something that will really depend on personal taste, but you can't help feeling that the whole game is just a matter of getting from A to B. Sure you can take a side trip to C along the way, but sooner or later, you will end up at B. The story is well written...and it's definitely an engrossing ride...but you can't help the feeling that you are never really in control. A chapter will always present you the same problems, and you have to progress through those problems to arrive at a specific end before you can continue on. As I say, this is a matter of preference, but I (and a lot of other rpg'ers) prefer something a little more open ended. The fact that you are stuck with premade characters doesn't help with the feeling you are more of a spectator than a participant in the over scheme of things...
And Bowmeister's conclusion:
Overall, Return to Krondor is a winner, and a worthy successor to Betrayal at Krondor. Anyone who likes adventure games will love RtK. Avid RPG'ers are a tougher call - I thoroughly enjoyed the game, but it is lacking in the depth and freedom in many CRPG's. If you are a fan of the genre, or Feist's work, definitely pick this one up. Just remember, it's a great ride, but it may be over sooner than you would like.
Mon Dec 21st, 1998
Just Say No to Kelewan
When asked about the possibility of a game based in Kelewan, Ray offered this response:
I can guarantee not. There is no 'there' on Kelewan. It's a literary environment, while Midkemia is a game based environment with a huge set of resources.
Furthermore, he said this about future Mara stories:
And as I probably said many years ago (and I'm still on CompuServe), Janny and I are doing no more Mara stuff. She's retired (Mara, not Janny).
Mon Dec 21st, 1998
Atlas of Midkemia Update
In the event you were wondering (as I'm sure you were), Avon (US) and HarperCollins (UK) will publish the official Atlas of Midkemia, which Ray and Steve are still hammering out details on.
Sun Dec 20th, 1998
More Map Updates
Ralph Askren has again updated his Unoffical Atlas to the World's of Ray Feist:
Kelewan has now been added to the Unofficial Atlas. However, to get there, you will have to find the rift on the map of Midkemia. Have fun!
Sat Dec 19th, 1998
More Map Updates
Ralph Askren posted this update about the Unofficial Atlas of Midkemia:
Many had asked that I increase the size of the map of Midkemia so that place names would be more legible. Consider it done. The trade off is a slower load time, though. Check it out at http://www.elvandar.com
If any of you have not yet taken the time to view Ralph's site... Stop wasting your time here and check it out!
Thu Dec 17th, 1998
Mac Return to Krondor and More
Ray posted this bit to the Rtk Development Board regarding Macs:
A Mac port has been discussed (and as a Mac guy, I'm all for it). The best thing you can do is send e-mail to Sierra Studio, as enough demand will impact any decision they make. So, I'm listening, but I'm not the guy (nor is Sinjin) the guy who makes the final call.
As for BaK, we looked at it, but there were so many direct Intel hardware calls buried in the code that it wouldn't even compile in little bits on Dynamix's own Mac compiler. It would have taken a ground up rebuild and it was (in Dyanmix's judgement) not worth the bother.
BTW, I have heard some folks with G3's are running it under Virtual PC or SoftWindows. I have no idea how well it runs, but I've heard it runs.
Thu Dec 17th, 1998
Index Wins Krondor Website Contest!
Thank you to everyone who voted for the REF Internet Resource Index in the Avon/EOS Krondor Website Contest. My site was one of the nine honorable mentions, and I will receive a signed copy of Krondor the Betrayal. The new button above links to the Winners page, so be sure to see all the other great fantasy sites on the net.
Thu Dec 17th, 1998
More Contest Updates
Here's a couple more updates to the contest rules from Ray. First, be sure to include 'Contest' in the message header so his autoresponder doesn't catch it. He will still get the entry, but possibly a few days later. Second, remember to send it to his personal email address,. However, you should not send fan mail to that address, post it to the list instead. Finally, there is a limit of one entry per person. If you send in subsequent entry, the previous one(s) will be disqualified.
Thu Dec 17th, 1998
Unofficial Atlas of Midkemia
Ralph Askren, who created the excellent Map of Midkemia, has changed his site's URL. It is now located at http://www.elvandar.com
Wed Dec 16th, 1998
Contest Clarification
To clarify yesterday's subplot contest announcement, the next game would take place immediately after the events in Return to Krondor, or approximately ten years after A Darkness at Sethanon.
Tue Dec 15th, 1998
CONTEST!
Ray posted this to the list about a new contest:
OK, you've been asking for it, and now you're getting it.
1) here's the deal:
We're starting preliminary discussions on a new game. So,
your mission, should you undertake it, is to create a sub-quest.
The subquest should be something that's clearly related to the larger issues of the game period, be interesting, and have a payoff beyond the obvious, I.E. get the really good sword, earn money, etc.
Is that tough enough for you?
Here's some even more perplexing limits. You can't use ANY characters that I've created in the books. The characters of the game, obviously, are who they are (as yet unnamed), so any NPC' you create must be new and original to you. Also, you can't 'follow up' on old story lines and themes from either the books or the games, so no 'get the other great sword in Elvandar (from BaK),' or 'find the other gobblin camp in the mountains,' (from RtK), or 'return to the Mac Mordain Cadal and see if Rhuarge left some treasure the dwarves missed (fat chance).'
2) here's the prize:
There's more than 1.
First prize will get a galley (I have to go digging to see which one's I have laying around. I think I've got a Merchant Prince, but I'll have to go check).
Second prize will get an autographed book, either Krondor (if you already don't have it or you want it with an autograph) or the next one.
Third prizes (yes, plural) will get an autographed map of Midkemia created as a premium for RtK by Serra. There will be at least 3 of those, if not more. (I'm feeling generious, but not too much--I've got to buy a price mailing tube to send those out.
OK, you have until January 31st to e-mail me your entry. Do not post to the list until I say it's OK.
Here's what you have to stick at the bottom of the entry:
I hearby grant to Raymond E. Feist, Sierra Studio, it's heirs and assigns, the right to use the above material in any way they see fit, without further compensation or condition. All character names, place names, and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of Raymond E. Feist, The Bitter Sea Company, Midkemia Press, and/or Pyrotechnix, Inc., and/ or Sierra/Studio.
OK, there you go. Knock yourself out.
Tue Dec 15th, 1998
Janny Wurts Down Under
John Bunting posted this bit, from Janny's Mailing List, to the list today:
Speaking of being appreciated, all of you Aussie fans will be happy to know that Janny and her husband Don Maitz are bound for the great land down under next April. Janny will be attending at least one convention and a tour is hoped for. When I have more details, I'll pass them along and post them on the webpage.
Sun Dec 13th, 1998
Midkemia Map
Ralph Askren has created a very well done map of Midkemia. Here's how he introduced it to the list:
If you are like me, you long for an official atlas of Midkemia. I read recently on the list that this may be in the works. However, until one is available, you may want to check out this link: http://www.elvandar.com
I hope you enjoy viewing this map as much as I enjoyed putting it together. Be patient while it loads as it is composed of four parts (all of which are large graphics). I have tried to combine the geographical features from the maps in the Riftwar series, Prince of the Blood, the two computer games, and the map seen as a background image at the Midkemia Press web site. This work is not intended to be the definitve map of Midkemia. It is simply a labor of love and has been a useful tool as I have explored the world of R.E.F.'s (and associates) imagination.
Everyone should definitely check it out, as the map is extremely cool. Thanks, Ralph!
