Is this using opengl or something? It was really slow in dual core athlon 4400+. But even without opengl support it shouldn't be that slow? The gameplay was quite boring. Didn't find the way to dungeons though, I was just fighting rats and trolls, three of them killed me when I ran out of healing potions.
I've got an idea too: how about quick start characters with typical skill etc. values already there? Just select from "brutal barbarian" or "nighthawk the wizard" and enter the name to play the game.