If you were an 80s/90s PC gamer like myself, you probably cut your teeth on the old SSI “Goldbox Games” that made the 90s such a boom time for Dungeons and Dragons and its slavishly loyal fans. Though Baldur’s Gate may have ushered in the new 21st century age of roleplaying, it was these highly tactical turn-based behemoths that literally set the standard for every single CRPG that came after them. Heck, it’s the sole reason I kept an old DOS rig around.

Well, good news. Some of the crusty old game designer veterans from SSI have reformed the team and dubbed themselves “TSI”. What little info we know is contained in the following press release:

Tactical Simulations Interactive (TSI), a new independent video games studio with old school RPG sensibilities, has been established by Strategic Simulations Inc. veterans Paul Murray and David Shelley, and company President David Klein.

Drawing on their experience at SSI, the team at TSI aims to provide the next step in meaningful player experiences in the same way that SSI’s ‘Gold Box’ titles did during the 1980s and 1990s.

David Shelley takes on the role of Producer/Lead Designer, while Paul Murray serves as Technical Designer at TSI. The team was integral to the international success of Strategic Simulations Inc.’s genre-defining RPGs, such as Curse of the Azure Bonds, Pool of Radiance, and Wizard’s Crown.

David Shelley, Producer/Lead Designer, TSI said:
“Tactical Simulations Interactive is a return to providing the player full control of their party, with a focus on creating immersive and unforgettable story experiences, exciting exploration, meaningful social/political choices, and robust tactical combat.”

You can take a peek at their new website here, but don’t expect much in the way of news concerning their future plans. There *is* a countdown that is set to hit zero on August 18th at midnight, but no one seems to know what it pertains to.

SSI was a juggernaut back in the day, as much as BioWare, Blizzard and Bethesda are now if not more so…which makes this news all the more sweeter to older RPG’ers like myself.

Though the cynic inside me wonders if the success of other oldschool turn-based CRPGs like Shadowrun, Wasteland and Divinity haven’t…you know…led them back to the scene like hungry dogs smelling fresh meat?