Posted February 17, 2009
Several years ago I purchased this title shortly after its release. Since then I have returned to it a countless number of times to enjoy it.
Why is that? And what does Seven Kingdoms have that other real time strategy games do not?
Seven Kingdoms is not your typical RTS. One does not simply pop up a generic base, and then start mass-producing troops in order to send them to destroy the enemy’s base. There are no glowing minerals or wood that you send your resource collectors to, so that they can start extracting it, running merrily back and forth between your base and the resources in order to deposit them. Because in Seven Kingdoms you actually have to build a somewhat simple economy, by constructing mines, factories and markets and linking them to your, or others settlements. One does not build troops simply by pressing a button in a barrack. You must first get the individual that you wish to draft from somewhere (a settlement or an inn), you will then want to improve it which is probably best achieved by putting it under the command of a general together with other recruits. The general will then train the recruits, slowly transforming them from farmers to powerful veterans. Soldiers are however not the only ones that can improve. Miners, factory workers, scientists and spies, can also become better at their trades.
Diplomacy is also important. You can sign different treaties with your competitors/friends. Trade with them and ally.
In short, there are many differences between Seven Kingdoms and the more standard RTS type-of-game. I have only listed some of the game’s features, there are more. The game play is also very slick and enjoyable once you get accustomed to it. I can strongly recommend it, since it is one of my favorite games.
Why is that? And what does Seven Kingdoms have that other real time strategy games do not?
Seven Kingdoms is not your typical RTS. One does not simply pop up a generic base, and then start mass-producing troops in order to send them to destroy the enemy’s base. There are no glowing minerals or wood that you send your resource collectors to, so that they can start extracting it, running merrily back and forth between your base and the resources in order to deposit them. Because in Seven Kingdoms you actually have to build a somewhat simple economy, by constructing mines, factories and markets and linking them to your, or others settlements. One does not build troops simply by pressing a button in a barrack. You must first get the individual that you wish to draft from somewhere (a settlement or an inn), you will then want to improve it which is probably best achieved by putting it under the command of a general together with other recruits. The general will then train the recruits, slowly transforming them from farmers to powerful veterans. Soldiers are however not the only ones that can improve. Miners, factory workers, scientists and spies, can also become better at their trades.
Diplomacy is also important. You can sign different treaties with your competitors/friends. Trade with them and ally.
In short, there are many differences between Seven Kingdoms and the more standard RTS type-of-game. I have only listed some of the game’s features, there are more. The game play is also very slick and enjoyable once you get accustomed to it. I can strongly recommend it, since it is one of my favorite games.