Black Crypt stands out as a key release in the Amiga RPG library. Episode 80 of Amiga Re:Review revisits this 1992 dungeon crawler, developed by Raven Software and published by Electronic Arts. The video explores its original reception, gameplay strengths, and how it helped shape the future of its creators.
Raven Software’s First Step
Raven Software was founded in 1990 by brothers Brian and Steve Raffel. What began as a pen-and-paper RPG concept soon evolved into Black Crypt. With a team of five developers and a $40,000 budget, they built the game exclusively for the Amiga. It featured half-bright mode graphics, enabling 64 colors on screen, which was advanced at the time. Although a Mega Drive version was considered, the title never left the Amiga.
Critical Reception in 1992
At launch, Black Crypt received strong reviews. Amiga Action scored it 93%, praising the visuals and atmosphere. Games X gave it their maximum rating, while Amiga Power awarded 85%, appreciating its accessibility but finding little innovation. Amiga Format was less enthusiastic at 78%, citing weak atmosphere. Across eight magazine reviews, the average score was an impressive 88.5%.
Retro gaming fans continue to rate it positively. On Lemon Amiga, the title currently holds 8.35/10 from over 100 votes, placing it within the site’s top 100 Amiga games.
Playing Black Crypt Today
The play test featured in the video shows why Black Crypt remains accessible. Character creation is simple, combat is intuitive, and the mapping system eases exploration. The mechanics make it beginner-friendly compared to other dungeon crawlers of its time. Graphics are detailed and engaging, though the sound design is less impressive.
Legacy of Raven Software
The retrospective ties the Amiga game to Raven Software’s later history. After Black Crypt, the studio went on to create Shadowcaster, Heretic, Hexen, and Soldier of Fortune, before contributing to modern franchises like Call of Duty. This debut, however, demonstrates the strong creative roots that shaped their future.
Final Thoughts
The Re:Review highlights Black Crypt as both an overlooked RPG and an important milestone for Raven Software. Its approachable design, strong critical response, and role in the studio’s beginnings ensure it remains a title worth revisiting.
