Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde (2003)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Goblin Commander: Unleash the Horde is a real-time strategy (RTS) game with light action elements developed by Firaxis Games and published by Atari. It was released for Microsoft Windows in 2003. The game is set in a fantasy world and follows the story of a civil war between goblin clans after their creator and master is killed.

Players take control of a goblin horde and must gather resources, build up their army, and conquer their enemies. The game features a variety of units, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Players must use strategy and cunning to overcome their opponents.

Gameplay

Goblin Commander is played from a top-down perspective. The player controls a horde of goblins, which they can use to gather resources, build structures, and attack enemy units. The game features a variety of resources, including gold, wood, and food. Gold is used to purchase units and upgrades, while wood and food are used to construct buildings.

Players can build a variety of structures, including barracks, workshops, and goblin dens. Barracks are used to train new units, while workshops are used to upgrade units and buildings. Goblin dens are used to produce new goblins, which can be used to replenish the player’s army or to garrison buildings.

Goblin Commander features a variety of units, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Some units are better at ranged combat, while others are better at melee combat. Some units are also better at defending against certain types of attacks. Players must carefully consider the composition of their army when attacking enemy forces.

In addition to controlling their horde, players can also take direct control of certain units. This allows players to micromanage their units and to perform special abilities. For example, the player can take control of a goblin shaman to cast spells or to heal other units.

Story

Goblin Commander is set in a fantasy world inhabited by a variety of creatures, including goblins, humans, and elves. The game’s story follows the tale of a civil war between goblin clans after their creator and master, the Goblin King, is killed.

The Goblin King was a powerful sorcerer who ruled over the goblin clans with an iron fist. However, after his death, the goblin clans erupted into civil war, each vying for control of his kingdom.

The player takes control of one of the goblin clans and must fight their way to victory. The player must gather resources, build up their army, and conquer their enemies. Along the way, the player will learn more about the Goblin King and the secrets of his kingdom.

Reception

Goblin Commander received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its charming graphics, and its humorous story. However, some critics found the game to be too difficult and repetitive.

Despite the mixed reviews, Goblin Commander was a commercial success. The game sold over 1 million copies worldwide and spawned a sequel, Goblin Commander: Horde of Darkness.

Legacy

Goblin Commander is remembered as one of the most innovative and charming RTS games of its time. The game’s unique blend of strategy and action, its charming graphics, and its humorous story have made it a cult classic among fans of the genre.

Tips for playing Goblin Commander

Here are a few tips for playing Goblin Commander:

  • Gather resources early and often. Resources are essential for building units and structures. Make sure to send your goblins out to gather resources as soon as possible.
  • Build a variety of units. Each unit in Goblin Commander has its own strengths and weaknesses. Make sure to build a variety of units so that you can adapt to any situation.
  • Upgrade your units and buildings. Upgrading your units and buildings will make them more powerful and durable. Make sure to upgrade your units and buildings as soon as you can afford to.
  • Take direct control of your units. Taking direct control of your units allows you to micromanage them and to perform special abilities. Use this ability to your advantage in battle.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment. Goblin Commander is a game that rewards experimentation. Try different strategies and tactics to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

Goblin Commander is a unique and engaging RTS game that combines strategy and action in a fun and charming way. The game’s innovative gameplay, its charming graphics, and its humorous story have made it a cult classic among fans of the genre. If you’re looking for a fun and challenging RTS game to play, then Goblin Commander is definitely worth checking out.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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