Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes Review

Around this time last year Phantagram and Microsoft released Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders that, although sales figures did not testify to the fact, achieved high praise. Now, just a year later the next instalment, Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes has reached the Xbox. Like its predecessor this is no simple "hack the hell out of the elves" style game, thought there is plenty of time for that too. This is a game of strategy and carefully orchestrated troop movements all synchronised to a compelling storyline. The scene is set in medieval times with all kinds of races of humans, orcs, elves, and vampires. It definitely feels like some Tolkien may have written which can’t be a bad thing, and has the traditional good versus bad, light versus dark story.

Those lucky enough to catch last years Crusaders may be pleased to hear that the gameplay has not changed greatly, but the ability to take on players around the world with Xbox Live is more than enough incentive for most. Six players can all join in the medieval battle at any time in a mash of customised armies. Online play is pleasingly smooth, with only occasional lag which can be expected with six players all struggling to annihilate each other. The online battles enjoy a long lifetime thanks to the fact that everybody has their own tactics so each opponent holds something unique, as opposed to simply going in with all swords slashing.

In the single player mode it's best to start out playing as Ellen as you get some much appreciated tuition for those who haven't played the series before. However, once you get the hang of the basic controls and aims of the game, gameplay becomes very simple, leaving you to develop your own strategies for each battle. The game retains the refreshingly unique mix of organising the armies, then jumping straight in to fight alongside your troops. After each mission you get the opportunity to upgrade your character and troops, which is reassuringly uncomplicated. And so in this manner you get to fight your way through each characters storyline. Thankfully for the less straight-laced of us you can play both sides of the story, either as the brave, honourable Human Alliance or the fearsome Dark Legion. Each side holds their own strengths and weaknesses as does each leading character. Knowing how to use them to the best of their abilities is half the fight, while learning their special moves certainly helps sway the odds in your direction.

The graphics in KUFH have not changed drastically, though there are a few improvements here and there. Throughout the battles there is never so much as a flicker let alone slowdown, and the key characters all hold unique traits that set them apart. The main letdown is the environment which lacks definition and is hardly breathtaking. That said most of the time the scenery is the last thing on your mind as another herd of dragons swoop down on your archers. The soundtrack does leave a lot to be desired. Heavy metal just doesn't seem to fit the theme of the game, and perhaps a grander score would have set the scene better. Sound effects are pleasing enough, especially once the Warrior General has ordered "CHARGE"! As mentioned earlier, dialogue between characters is very cringe-worthy as are the various comments made during and in-between battles.

Although Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes really isn't that different to The Crusaders it still manages to breath new life into the great formula that brings RPG and strategy warfare together.

Overall rating: 7 / 10.

This review was added on 16th October 2005 by Neil C.