I'm a bit puzzled by the negative reviews of Dungeon Lords on this Forum. I am especially surprised when DL is criticized by the same people who love Wizards & Warriors.
Theoretically these two games are very different, they represent different sub-genres (third person a-RPG vs semi-turn-based blobber). In practice, however, they are very similar. They are built on the basis of the same gameplay philosophy (map structure, plot, atmosphere, guild system - all these are almost identical). Both have similar weaknesses and strengths. I am playing DL right now for the first time (Steam edition) and I really like this game.
Comparing both games:
- Both are clearly incomplete and underdeveloped. Both are spoiled by attempts to make them a multiplayer games (but multiplayer is really possible in DL).
- Both games feature boring and repetitive wilderness areas with the same monster respawn system (but the environment in DL is a bit more interesting and diverse).
- Both games have great dungeons with very good puzzles.
- Both have a rich set of monsters with interesting properties and special attacks.
- Both have good enough itemization (not the best, but ok).
- Both have a great character development system related to guild quests. I know that not everyone likes the changes made to DL in re-editions. For me, however, both systems (from Collector's Edition and from MMXII) have their advantages and disadvantages. Personally, I even prefer this new system a bit (it's more class-dependent, which is fine for me). The only thing clearly broken is the magic mechanics. At least in Steam edition all spells and skills work as described.
Overall, I think DL is a very good game (although badly unfinished). I find it on the same shelf as other abandoned masterpieces (Revenant, Arcanum, Wizards & Warriors, Divinity 2: Ego Draconis). It is one of the few a-RPGs that has interesting dungeons - which itself is enough to play DL. It certainly cannot be considered one of the worst in history.
My "bottom 5":
1.) NWN1 - Contrary to many people, I do not like not only OC, but also all other add-ons and modules (Swordfilght, for example, is terribly unplayable for me). I hate that everything looks like an editor product. I don't like D&D 3 - especially at high levels. NWN2 is better in every way (although it's a very average game).
2.) Skyrim. I'm saying this as someone who likes Oblivion (with OOO and a few other mods). I didn't manage to improve Skyrim with any number of mods. The game is unplayable for me: the character development system is hopeless, itemization is hopeless, crafting is hopeless, quests are hopeless. Dungeons - the worst I've seen in a cRPG.
3.) Witcher 3. First of all - it's not a RPG. Second: I'm one of the few people in the world who doesn't like writing in W3. I find it pretentious (however, I would like to add that I like Witcher 1). Third and most importantly - this game has almost no gameplay; it's one big cutscene show.
4.) From older games - the Bard's Tale series. I don't understand why this game has a cult status. Boring, repetitive fights, hopelessly empty dungeons...
5.) Wizardry 1-6. Maybe I just played these games too late. Boring fights combined with an insane level of difficulty and a generally uninteresting gameplay. Wizardry 7-8 are ok, although they're not my style (too combat-heavy).