theworldofdreams.com

I'm sure that most of you have never played it, but Arena is the granddaddy of Morrowind, and was the first in the Elder Scrolls series. Its now 10 years old, and the Betheda has it up for download for free at <a href="http://www.elderscrolls.com/index.php">their website</a>. I spent a couple of hours playing it tonight and it definitely took me back...

*queue fond memory*
It was late at night (real world, I mean) with the lights out, and I had gotten a quest to go to a cave out in the wilderness and kill a werewolf (game world, I mean ) I found the cave, which was quite dark, and was exploring it. With the exception of a couple of easily dispatched rats near the entrance, though, the cave seemed to be empty. I kept hearing strange noises, though, so I continued to investigate. I spent quite a while searching through a dark cave, trying to track down those weird noises. Then I heard a noise that was louder and closer. I turned around and the werewolf was RIGHT THERE. It immediately attacked, and I screamed. Not a polite 'Eep!' either. A nice high-pitched girly scream. After I recoved from my heart attack, I had to reload the game.

*/fond memory*
The graphics are pretty pathetically low resolution, and the interface is pretty bad. Still, it has some pretty impressive lighting effects and an impressively large gameworld. Its amazing what they packed into 23M (an 8M download.)

Thanks Drocket. I have never played any of the Elder Scrolls games, even though I have Morrowind (crappy old Comcrap!). I am looking forward to experiencing this...

I still have my elder scrolls on CD. I'll try downloading it and see if it'll play on my pc. Thanks for the heads up Drocket.

be careful when Drocket says the gameworld is large he means it. my first char wandered out the gate to go to the next city. eventually got so lost i deleted him and started over. it's frigging huge out there.

How the !@#$ do you attack? I've tried space bar, both mouse buttons, ctrl! I checked the forums and it said the right mouse button "swings the weapon" but nothing happens. I just died to rats!

Hold down the right mouse button and drag it. The direction you drag determines how you swing.

Thanks D-man. I finally figured it out.

*wanders off muttering about dying to rats*

Something that would probably be helpful for anyone who's playing that took me a while to figure out/remember:

To travel to a different town/area, right-click on the map icon (the one that brings up the local map when you left-click on it.) This'll give you the world map, from which you can quick-travel to anywhere (quick-travel for you - traveling can take MONTHS for your character.)

So to get out of this dang dungeon, I just need to right-click the map?

I finally got out of the dungeon and have come upon a snow-covered town that is anything but friendly. I was successful the first time I tried to pick a lock but have been killed trying it ever since. Also, can I sell the items I picked up? What do I do once I get this town?

Also, how do I heal aside from camping?

Perhaps a better way to ask this: does anyone know where I can go to get hints (not cheats) and playing tips for this 10-yr-old game?

*wanders off, mumbling about being tired of dying*

Atei, I'm thrilled that you are giving this classic game a chance. The Elder Scrolls series of games are near and dear to me. Anyway, here is a FAQ that may help you:

http://db.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/file/elder_scrolls_arena.txt


Also, if the downloaded version of the game includes a manual, skimming that will help a lot. I'd offer to scan my original paper manual, but I fear that would take more time than I have right now. Best of luck...

Thanks Laephis. As far as I can tell, the download didn't include a manual. I was looking for readmes and other text files, but nothing seems to be there about general game play. This FAQ will surely help.

Did you get an actual FAQ?

I got a bad link error, and searching their site only got me the DL itself, the news release, and some screenshots.

I must be slipping...