Reviews

WGW Editors' Choice Award May 29, 2006

Best of E3 May 19, 2006

1UP.com, 6/13/2006
9/10
"The only thing wrong with Orcs & Elves is that it may actually be too much fun."

Wireless Gaming World, 5/29/2006
5/5
"If you enjoyed DOOM RPG, this game broadens its appeal so there should be more players out there set for another fantastic mobile game."

How to play

Starting the game

First, highlight the "Orcs & Elves" icon in the game menu on your phone. Once the game is highlighted, press 'Select' (OK) to start the game. After the splash screen sequence, Orcs & Elves will prompt you to play sound before taking you to the Main Menu.

Main Menu

• Start Game: Allows you to begin a new game of Orcs & Elves. If you are returning to the action, you will be given the option to "Continue" or begin a "New Game."
• Options: Within this menu you can toggle sound or vibrate options.
• Help/About: The "Help/About" section contains instructions on how to play the game, a full description of all key commands, and a legal section that offers customer service info and copyright information.
• Exit: Selecting this option allows you to exit the application.

How to Play

Explore 9 levels of a Dwarven stronghold to solve the mystery behind the army of evil creatures that now inhabit it.

Movement

You can move forward, back, left, and right in first-person view. When on the auto map view, you can move up, down, left and right.

Controlling your character
Read the "Help/About" section to learn all of the controls in the game. Use the D-pad or key pad to control your character. Press the center "OK" key (or "5") to interact with your environment (such as ghosts, scrolls, or doors) or attack. The (1) and (3) keys can also be used to strafe from side to side.

Controls

FUNCTION	KEY
ALL
Quit / Exit App	END
SPLASH SCREENS
Quit / Exit App	END
Skip	Any key
MENUS
Scroll Up/Down through menu options	d-pad up/down, 2/8
Page Up/Down through menu options	d-pad right/left, 4/6
Select	OK, 5
Back/Quit	left soft key, CLR
GAMEPLAY
Pause Menu	Left soft key, 0, CLR
Map	Right soft key, #
Move Forward	d-pad up, 2
Move Backward	d-pad down, 8
Turn Left	d-pad left, 4
Turn Right	d-pad right, 6
Strafe Left	1
Strafe Right	3
Next Weapon	7
Previous Weapon	*
Attack, Talk, Use	OK, 5
Pass Turn	9
PAUSE MENU
Select	OK, 5
Details	Right soft key
Return to Game	Left soft key, CLR

Please Note: Controls may differ across handsets.

Saving/Loading

Orcs & Elves allows you to save your game progress at any time so you can return and play directly from the spot you left off at. Proceed to the pause menu in game and select "Save game" to save your progress. You can also choose "Load Game" from the pause menu to go back to your last save. Orcs & Elves will also auto-save your game when progressing to a new level (i.e. when stepping into a fire portal or exiting through an exit tunnel). In the Main Menu, select "Start Game" and then "Continue" to resume your game for your last session.

Levels

ENTRANCE HALL

As heir to a noble Elven adventurer, your magical wand's ancient magic has led you to the mountain fortress of your friend Brahm, King of the Dwarves. The King's citadel appears to be under siege by a mysterious, dark army. Armed with only your magical wand and trusty sword, you vow to explore the besieged citadel and solve the mystery surrounding your missing allies?

DRAGON'S LAIR

The mountain fortress of Zharrkarag is rumored to hold the lair of an ancient, copper dragon. Known to horde rare and magical treasures, dragons are majestic creatures not to be trifled with. If your journey should cross the path of a dragon, you'd do best to keep your weapon sheathed and your words to a minimum.

PRISON

The prison hold of King Brahm is feared by all enemies of the Dwarven Kingdom. Orcs, Trolls, and Vaettir (the dark elf adversaries of the Dwarves) have been known to populate Brahm's dungeon, spending their days under the watchful eye of the water elemental that guards their cells.

THE GREAT HALL

Dwarves are notorious for their legendary ales and The Great Hall houses the brew casks for the entire Dwarven citadel. Sarbok, master brewer of the stronghold, resides in The Great Hall to keep constant watch over the intricate brewing process - he's even been known to give free samples upon occasion!

AND MORE?

Other areas are rumored to exist within the Dwarven mountain fortress, but no visitor has ever traversed far enough into the labyrinthine citadel to discover them.

The Map

You posses a map that will track your progress through the mountain fortress. Areas you have already visited are filled in while areas you have not visited are left blank. To access your map, head into the Pause menu, press the right soft-key or pres "#" on the keypad.

The Quest Log

All relevant information (i.e. door unlock sequences, useful tips) discovered within levels will be stored in your Quest Log. To access your Quest Log, head into the pause menu and select "Quest Log."

Items

Your items can be accessed through the pause menu while in game. Useful items that can be accessed and inspected within the "Items" menu include:

Weapons - While you start your quest with only your trusty sword, many more weapons can be attained during your journey. Select "Weapons" within the "Item" submenu to view your current equipment. Select "Details" with the right soft-key to view Damage, Accuracy, Range, and Special modifiers of any weapon.

Armor -- Armor deflects damage that would ordinarily be taken from Health. Weaker armors like leather do not deflect as much damage as more durable armors like chain mail. Select "Details" with the right soft-key to view Deflect and Durability modifiers of your current armor. Damaged armor can be repaired by using an armor kit underneath the "Other" subsection.

Potions - A multitude of potions are at your disposal in Orcs & Elves. Some potions can heal you when wounded while others can provide bonuses to statistics like strength or defense for challenging situations. Potion effects can also "stack," which means their bonuses can be added together when quaffed multiple times. Select "Potions" within the "Item" submenu to view your current potions. Select "Details" with the right soft-key to vi

Tips and Hints

• Some monsters have weaknesses to certain weapons. Experiment with different weapons to do the most damage possible.
• There are tons of secrets to unlock in Orcs & Elves. Keep a lookout for slightly indented walls - these hidden doors are gateways to bonus items!
• All characters in the game can be addressed multiple times. If you are not getting what you want from someone, try speaking to them again.
• Don't let your potions go to waste! Quaffing a few before a battle can mean the difference between life and death.

FAQ

What does "Start Game" do?
Selection of the "Start Game" option allows you to begin a "New Game" or "Continue" a game already in progress.

What does "Options" do?
The "Options" menu allows you alter sound and vibration settings.

How do I progress through each level?
Some levels in Orcs & Elves simply require you to find the exit while others require you to accomplish specific goals. Each level is unique and can be returned to as many times as you like through the fire portals. Refer to your "Quest Log" in the Pause Menu if you are having trouble completing a mission or remembering a door sequence.

How do I do attack monsters or interact with objects?
Use the D-pad or key pad to control your character. Press the center "OK" key (or "5") to interact with your environment (such as ghosts or parchments) or fire a weapon. The (1) and (3) keys can also be used to strafe from side to side.

How do I save my progress?
Orcs & Elves allows you to save your game progress at any time so you can return and play directly from the spot you left off at. Proceed to the pause menu in game and select "Save game" to save your progress. You can also choose "Load Game" from the pause menu to go back to your last save. Orcs & Elves will also auto-save your game when progressing to a new level. In the Main Menu, select "Start Game" and then "Continue" to resume your game for your last session.

How long is Orcs & Elves?
A straight path through the game should take the average user about 4 hours. Discovering all of the secrets and side quests in the game could take much longer, however.