Released in 1988 by Strategic Simulations, Inc.  Set in the Forgotten Realms, this game marked the first appearance of SSI's revolutionary "gold box" game engine.  By 1991 over 250,000 copies had sold.[1]

"Pool of Radiance represents the first in a long line of award-winning game software created by SSI in collaboration with TSR -- the producer of the legendary ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS fantasy role-playing system.

"It adheres faithfully to AD&D game standards.  All monsters, items and spells used are from the famous AD&D Monster Manuals, Dungeon Masters Guide and Players Handbook.  Roll up your characters from four Classes, six Races and nine Alignments in classic AD&D game fashion; or use the party already provided."

-- 1991 SSI advertisement [1]

Game Information

Manuals and documentation

• Adventurer's Journal (replacementdocs)
• Cluebook (replacementdocs)

• Code wheel (replacementdocs)

• Manual (replacementdocs)
• Quick reference card (Commodore 64) (replacementdocs)
• Quick reference card (PC) (replacementdocs)

Walkthrough and Hints

• GameBanshee's Pool of Radiance walkthrough - By far the most complete available online, its level of detail rivals the official cluebook. Also contains gameplay strategy and information on items and creatures.

Technical Information

Available Platforms [1]

• IBM PC (384K)
  • PCs, XTs, ATs, PS2s and Tandy 1000 Series
  • Video supported: CGA, EGA, Tandy 16 Color
• Commodore 64/Commodore 128 (64K)
• Amiga (1Mb)
• Apple II (128K)
  • 128K Apple IIe/IIc and IIGS compatible
• Macintosh (1Mb)

External Resources

• Wikipedia on Pool of Radiance