Your task in the game is to fulfil the prophecy stanza by stanza (it's a HUGE pamphlet), following it almost as a quest log, to learn the tragic tale of Kairn and eventually kill him.

Your biggest allies are in a camp of mysterious gypsies, acting as advisers and healers. The story feels unique, the dialogues are well-done and the gothic atmosphere itself is gripping. If you are half the nerd as I am, you're already screaming “dark lord, gypsies, fog: RAVENLOFT!” Too bad that the generic protagonist feels out of place with his lack of personality and outrageous yellow jacket.

Even if it's sold as an RPG, Veil of Darkness is more like an adventure game in the end. It's possible to smash hordes of enemies without breaking a sweat and most of the bosses or special enemies are glorified puzzles. Indeed, combat is in real time but not very difficult, that is IF you possess the right weapon. Like in every horror story, each monster is weak to a certain type of weaponry. Movement and combat are solved through clicking, giving serious Diablo vibes.

Before dealing with Kairn directly, various tasks given to you by villagers and linked to the prophecy must be dealt with: hunting down a werewolf, curing a child from madness, laying a ghost to rest, etc... Progression is left to the player's freedom but lack of certain key objects or weapons tend to limit your options. Quests are solved through specific actions, chain of dialogue or just getting a unique item. It's not rocket science but some thinking might be required.

In a nutshell, Veil of Darkness is a great adventure game but not really a good RPG. It was Event Horizon's last attempt to mix both genres, as they went back to make more orthodox CRPGs and the excellent point-and-click Sanitarium. Still, I would recommend it for the nice story and the Ravenloft vibes.