The Eternal Dagger

The Eternal Dagger is a 1987 role-playing game from Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) for the Commodore 64, serving as a sequel to the studio's earlier Wizard's Crown. It came from SSI's rich late-1980s output of computer RPGs, the body of work that would soon lead into the licensed Gold Box Dungeons & Dragons games, and it carried over the tactical, party-based combat that was the studio's specialty.

Its distinguishing feature is a detailed tactical battle system, letting you resolve fights either through quick automated combat or a slower, hands-on tactical mode where you position each party member on a grid. Wrapped around a fantasy quest to seal a rift threatening the world, it's a demanding, systems-heavy game very much of its time — dense and unforgiving, but rewarding for players who appreciate SSI's methodical approach to computer role-playing.