Starting in the city of Krondor and eventually venturing out into other specific parts of the Midkemia world, the game focuses on battling humans and evil creatures of various kinds.

In order to open locked or trapped chests and doors, a simulation of the process of disarming and lockpicking is initiated.

In 1994 Dynamix, at this time a division of Sierra On-line, reorganized their staff and canceled a planned sequel to Betrayal at Krondor named Thief of Dreams.

"[6] 7th Level developed the game basics, produced the screen backgrounds and added the character voices.

"[20] Writing for PC Gamer US, Michael Wolf summarized the game as "a fun, quick RPG with a good story.

"[22] John Altman of Computer Games Strategy Plus found it to be "very engaging" and "a stunning return to form for the Krondor series".

"[14] The reviewer from the online second volume of Pyramid stated that "I've eagerly awaited the sequel, Return to Krondor, since the moment I heard it was in development.