Website Review - Castle Marrach

In a society where we bleed sarcasm, I make it a point to applaud those who strive to do. Castle Marrach (castemarrach.com), a fantasy fan's pleasure haven, shows us what a website should be...different! This website doesn't just inform…it entertains. Its function doesn't impede…it nourishes curiosity. Its appearance is never too serious…it simply drips FANTASY!

The sign-in process alone will have you swinging your air sword in front of your computer! Most websites give you a snoozing form for you to fill out...I want to be this, more of this, less of that...checkbox here, checkbox there. But as you enter the castle on the first page, a clever story immediately unfurls that offers small bits of intrigue every step of the way. At the bottom, a single question is posed to you about who you want to be. In the meantime, the convincing artwork has fully loaded above and the dark, moody impact is completely enveloping! You repeat this page after captivating page until every facet of who you want to be, down to the style, length, and color of your hair, has been captured. Fans of fantasy love to be entertained and they certainly will be here!

Among the peripherals, the maps section is tidy and informative, but could use a little more stylish flare like the compelling artwork that is dashed throughout does. The tutorial is somewhat helpful, but cannot overtake the value of the "just getting out there and doing it" will give you. The "Player Scenes" can be a little cliché; almost "Foolish Words", to borrow the title of one of the scenes. Waxy shreds of prose like, "Forgive me, Your Highness." and "Can’t have that, can we?" make for dreary reading and an eye roll or two. Other lines, almost minstrel in their voice, beg to be sung, like "Forbade, forebode, forgive, forborne. Does no one have a bone for the poor fool?" But my only real gripe was the sidebar, which definitely detracts in style and function. Can't this just vanish?

All in all, this well thought-out marquee of a website is a joy to explore. The artwork, although sparse, is fresh, and full of style. It never strays too far away from what it claims to be...a text-intensive RPG website. Or, its real purpose...to enhance your own imagination. But the real testament to the quality of the Castle Marrach lies with its fans. To be in its infancy and have so much excitement and support for it while only in its beta stage trumpets how special it really is, or can be. It could be a glorious journey...