Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Impressions Games
- Publishers: Rebellion Developments
Lords of the Realm II: A Comprehensive Guide to Medieval Strategy
Released in 1996, Lords of the Realm II is a real-time strategy game set in medieval England and Wales. Players take on the role of a feudal lord, tasked with managing their lands, building armies, and conquering new territories. The game features a unique blend of turn-based and real-time strategy elements, and offers a deep and challenging gameplay experience.
Gameplay
Lords of the Realm II is played on a large map of England and Wales, divided into counties. Each county can be developed to produce resources, such as food, wood, and gold. Players can also build castles, towns, and other structures to improve their economy and military strength.
The game’s turn-based mode is used for managing your kingdom and making strategic decisions. During your turn, you can move your armies, build new structures, and research new technologies. You can also interact with other lords, forming alliances or declaring war.
When two armies meet on the battlefield, the game switches to real-time mode. Players can control their units directly, giving them orders to attack, defend, or move around the battlefield. Real-time battles are fast-paced and exciting, and require quick thinking and tactical skill.
Features
Lords of the Realm II offers a wide range of features that make it one of the most comprehensive and immersive medieval strategy games ever created. These features include:
- A large and detailed map of England and Wales: The game’s map is divided into over 100 counties, each with its own unique terrain and resources. Players can explore the map, conquer new territories, and build their own kingdom.
- A deep and complex economy: Players must carefully manage their resources in order to build a strong and prosperous kingdom. Resources can be used to build new structures, train new units, and research new technologies.
- A variety of military units: Players can train a variety of military units, including infantry, cavalry, and archers. Each unit has its own strengths and weaknesses, and players must carefully consider their army composition when going into battle.
- A sophisticated diplomacy system: Players can interact with other lords through a sophisticated diplomacy system. Players can form alliances, declare war, and negotiate peace treaties. Diplomacy is an important part of the game, and players must carefully consider their relationships with other lords in order to achieve their goals.
- A challenging and rewarding campaign: The game’s campaign mode offers a challenging and rewarding experience. Players must conquer England and Wales, while also managing their kingdom and dealing with the threats posed by other lords.
Reception
Lords of the Realm II was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its deep and complex gameplay, its beautiful graphics, and its innovative blend of turn-based and real-time strategy elements. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies worldwide.
Legacy
Lords of the Realm II is considered to be one of the greatest medieval strategy games ever created. The game’s innovative gameplay and beautiful graphics set a new standard for the genre, and the game’s legacy continues to influence strategy games today.
Conclusion
Lords of the Realm II is a classic medieval strategy game that offers a deep and challenging gameplay experience. The game’s blend of turn-based and real-time strategy elements, its large and detailed map, and its sophisticated diplomacy system make it one of the most comprehensive and immersive strategy games ever created. If you’re a fan of medieval strategy games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Lords of the Realm II.
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
