Gateway to the Savage Frontier
DOS - 1991
Also released on: Amiga - Commodore 64
Description of Gateway to the Savage Frontier
Gateway to the Savage Frontier and Treasures of the Savage Frontier are the last two releases in SSI's famous but by-now-overused "Gold Box" engine.
Both games take place in the world of "Savage Frontier," a welcome change from the worlds of Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance used in most other Gold Box games. Gateway starts with your party drugged and robbed blind of all possessions. Soon, you get involved in a brewing political plot, and assigned the monumental task of defeating the evil wizard Vaalgamon. In the sequel Treasures of the Savage Frontier, the action starts after the first game leaves off: you are summoned to help the dwarves in their battle against the evil forces of Zhentil Keep.
If you have played Gold Box games, you'll know exactly what to expect here: a solid blend of real-time first-person perspective and turn-based isometric combat. Similar to other Gold Box games (and especially the Krynn series), there is a LOT of fighting in Gateway and Treasures: so much so that anyone who dislikes AD&D mechanics will likely feel frustrated. Fortunately, the mostly interesting stories help keep things interesting.
The best thing about these two games in my opinion is the character-specific side-quests: in Gateway, there are two NPCs that give you access to optional side quests, as well as different endings to the game. As befits the final Gold Box game, Treasures adds two welcome features: the effect of weather in battles, and the ability to call in reinforcements. Die-hard AD&D fans might complain about the low level caps (for example, eighth is the highest fighters can reach), but in a way, this serves as a nice throwback to the classic Pool of Radiance.
All in all, two worthy additions to every RPG's library, although the engine is clearly "long in the tooth," showing its age, and you still have to slog through far too many battles.
Review By HOTUD
External links
Captures and Snapshots
Comments and reviews
Naniyue 2020-08-21 0 point
The first Gold Box game I ever owned! I knew of the existence of the series, but had no machine to play them on before this. At the time I had to use a 286 with damnable CGA graphics, but had fun nonetheless.
Divarin 2017-01-17 0 point
The "Please insert disc 3" message comes up if you saved your game before you "Begin adventuring". Once you've started the game, if you then camp and save, you will be able to load fine.
confused 2015-06-22 2 points DOS version
I got the game to run, sorta. My problem is that I cant pull up a save !! It keeps asking me to insert disk 3. Any help or recommendations.
RC 2014-09-18 2 points DOS version
For those who want it, the journal:
http://www.replacementdocs.com/download.php?view.516
Mike 2013-09-27 0 point DOS version
Where's the journal? Kind of need it to play this game.. or have the game fixed so you can just press enter without the journal. Still need it for the entries, though.
Animus Furiae 2012-06-08 0 point DOS version
Thanks for the tip re: DFend Reloaded, Admin. Never knew this gem existed. #$!ing fantastic site, BTW; you're a saint.
admin 2010-10-26 0 point DOS version
Run it with DosBox and DFend Reloaded. Read the "How to play" guide to know.
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Buy Gateway to the Savage Frontier
Gateway to the Savage Frontier is available for a small price on the following websites, and is no longer abandonware. GOG.com provides the best release and does not include DRM, please buy from them! You can read our online store guide .
Game Extras and Resources
Some of these file may not be included in the game stores. For Gateway to the Savage Frontier, we have the following files:
4 MB (DOS)Other Releases
Gateway to the Savage Frontier was also released on the following systems:
Amiga
- Year: 1991
- Publisher: Strategic Simulations, Inc.
- Developer: Beyond Software, Inc.
Commodore 64
- Year: 1991
- Publisher: Strategic Simulations, Inc.
- Developer: Beyond Software, Inc.
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