U7:Black Gate had it's definite limitations, but it was one of the first RPGs I played where leveling up and progressing was completely fluid and non-burdensome. Once you got out of the first town, you could go where you wanted and you really had to search hard to find enemies that would kill you right away. For the most part, you would naturally level up as you killed roving monsters...and levelling up wasn't as important as assembling an 8-person party, which you could do by just following the storyline. Of course, leveling up and saving up cash was made irrelevant once you figured out how to sack the Mint and rob the castle.
Slashdot Mirror
U7:Black Gate had it's definite limitations, but it was one of the first RPGs I played where leveling up and progressing was completely fluid and non-burdensome. Once you got out of the first town, you could go where you wanted and you really had to search hard to find enemies that would kill you right away. For the most part, you would naturally level up as you killed roving monsters...and levelling up wasn't as important as assembling an 8-person party, which you could do by just following the storyline. Of course, leveling up and saving up cash was made irrelevant once you figured out how to sack the Mint and rob the castle.