Summary
- Release Year: 1988
- Genres: Shooter
- Platforms: ZX Spectrum
- Publishers: Atlantis Software Limited
Cerius: A Strategic Masterpiece from the Golden Age of Computer Gaming
Released in 1988 by developer and publisher Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI), Cerius is a turn-based strategy game that quickly became a classic in the genre. Set in a medieval fantasy world, Cerius tasks players with controlling one of four factions—the Humans, Elves, Dwarves, or Orcs—as they vie for control of the land of Cerilia.
With its deep and engaging gameplay, challenging AI, and beautiful pixel art, Cerius has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among strategy gamers today.
Gameplay
Cerius is played on a hex-based map representing the land of Cerilia. Players control units representing their faction’s armies, which can be moved and attacked on the map. The goal of the game is to conquer all of Cerilia by capturing enemy cities and defeating enemy armies.
Cerius features a wide variety of units, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Infantry units are the backbone of any army, but they are vulnerable to cavalry and ranged attacks. Cavalry units are fast and powerful, but they are expensive to produce and maintain. Ranged units can attack from a distance, but they are weak in close combat.
In addition to units, players can also build and upgrade cities. Cities provide income, which can be used to produce units and research new technologies. Technologies can provide various bonuses to units and cities, such as increased production, defense, or movement speed.
Cerius also features a number of unique gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to create alliances with other factions and the ability to capture enemy units and convert them to your own side.
AI
One of the things that sets Cerius apart from other strategy games of its era is its challenging AI. The AI in Cerius is aggressive and adaptive, and it will often surprise players with its tactics. The AI is also able to learn from its mistakes, making it even more difficult to defeat over time.
Graphics and Sound
For a game released in 1988, Cerius has surprisingly good graphics and sound. The pixel art is detailed and colorful, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The music and sound effects are also top-notch, and they help to create a truly immersive experience.
Legacy
Cerius was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and it has been praised by critics and gamers alike for its deep and engaging gameplay, challenging AI, and beautiful graphics. Cerius has been ported to a number of different platforms over the years, and it remains a popular game among strategy fans today.
Cerius is also notable for being one of the first strategy games to feature a fantasy setting. Prior to Cerius, most strategy games were set in historical or science fiction settings. Cerius’s fantasy setting helped to popularize the genre and paved the way for other fantasy strategy games, such as the Heroes of Might and Magic series and the Total War series.
Conclusion
Cerius is a classic strategy game that still holds up today. Its deep and engaging gameplay, challenging AI, and beautiful graphics make it a must-play for fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a great strategy game to play, be sure to check out Cerius.
Review Score
8.5/10
