Ancient Wars: Sparta Definitive Edition
- January 28, 2022
- JOTASOFT STUDIOS
Get on SteamAncient Wars: Sparta Definitive Edition is a real-time strategy game that uses an improved version of the AWE engine. It offers improved mechanics from the original game and adds new features such as a huge unit and skill tree, RPG elements, and historically epic single-player campaigns. The game also promises a great multiplayer experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game retains the unique unit customization and tactical depth that made the original enjoyable, allowing players to create their own soldiers and strategies.
- The developers are actively engaging with the community for feedback and are committed to improving the game, which shows promise for future updates.
- The nostalgia factor is strong, as many players fondly remember the original game and appreciate its return, even if it has some issues.
- The game is plagued with bugs, including crashes during multiplayer and issues with AI balance, making it frustrating to play.
- Many features from the original game have been removed or simplified, leading to a less engaging experience and a feeling of being a cash grab.
- The pacing of the game is too fast, with AI opponents overwhelming players quickly, which detracts from the strategic elements that players enjoyed in the original.
- gameplay14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews highlight a mix of nostalgia and frustration; while some players appreciate the retained mechanics and new faction additions, others criticize the repetitive paths and server issues that undermine the experience. Many long for a return to the complexity and challenge of the original game, suggesting that future updates should focus on enhancing content and gameplay depth. Overall, the gameplay is seen as a blend of potential and shortcomings, with calls for improvements to make it more engaging.
“In the end, I loved the gameplay, the music, the changes they made to the factions, and the addition of the new ones (the original had only 3).”
“The original 2006 AWS is one of my favorite games, with various really unique mechanics that made the game itself unique and stand out.”
“I remember playing this game back in 2012; I really liked its concept back then, the gameplay, the micromanagement of units, its customization, etc. Overall, I missed it so much that I've been looking for a copy of it.”
“After putting in a few hours of effort, we get kicked out with the error message 'the server is no longer available, the continuation of the impossible game.' All the effort you put in with your friends and those hours of gameplay go completely to waste.”
“Every path is the same and thus, gameplay becomes stale quite quickly.”
“This mechanic is so broken.”
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with players noting that while there are opportunities for character development through leveling up soldiers, the campaign suffers from significant technical issues, such as crashes and missing audio elements. Additionally, some players feel that the missions lack depth and variety, with complaints about the reliance on reskinned factions and a lack of engaging objectives. Overall, the narrative experience is marred by glitches and a perceived lack of originality.
“It was really cool in the original that for the first few missions you are dependent on salvaging enemy weapons in order to equip your army.”
“The developers actively engage with the community in the Discord channel, listen to feedback, and provide suggestions about the missions, which is a positive aspect for me.”
“Certain missions feel a little one-sided towards the AI; however, the overall story and campaign structure have potential.”
“I would love to give this game an upvote, but this is just a cash grab; campaign missions are glitched.”
“Voice lines are missing; the campaign missions have no objective markers; the new factions added by the Steam version are unapologetic Spartan reskins. There's also no combat music, and whenever a fight breaks out, the audio cuts off completely.”
“First mission of the Spartan campaign crashes 10 minutes into the quest every time; verifying or reinstalling the files doesn't help.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game are generally considered outdated, with many users noting a lack of texture quality and polish that detracts from the overall experience. While there have been some improvements in resolution and clarity, the visuals still require significant enhancement to fully appreciate the game's design elements.
“Ships' graphics could definitely use some better textures.”
“Graphics need at least minimal lifting to be fully enjoyable.”
“It's similar to modding in new soldiers for the more recent Total Wars: choose their armor class, give them weapons, shields, etc. It's a good idea if it wasn't for the ugly graphics and lack of polish, which means that you can't really admire your designs.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received significant criticism, with many users noting the absence of combat music and missing tracks, likely due to licensing issues. This has led to a lack of audio during battles, detracting from the overall experience. While some appreciated the gameplay and new faction additions, the sparse musical elements were seen as a major drawback.
“In the end, I loved the gameplay, the music, the changes they made to the factions, and the addition of the new ones (original had only 3).”
“Voice lines are missing; the campaign missions have no objective markers; the new factions added by the Steam version are unapologetic Spartan reskins... there's also no combat music, and whenever a fight breaks out, the audio cuts off completely.”
“In fact, a lot of music tracks are missing, presumably due to licensing issues, so most of the game is just a few sound effects.”
“The unit designer really was the only unique idea this game had, and it was wasted on a broken piece of garbage with no combat music.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is criticized for being poor, with users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that significantly detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the lack of features exacerbates the issues, leading to a frustrating gameplay environment.
“However, the current state of the game is a buggy mess.”
“This weird dearth of features adds to the already numerous bugs and glitches.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is perceived as exploitative, with many users labeling it a "cash grab."
“This is a cash grab.”
“The monetization system feels exploitative and unfair.”
“I can't enjoy the game without being bombarded by ads and in-app purchases.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of infuriating and amusing, suggesting that while it can be frustrating at times, it also delivers moments of genuine comedy.
“It can be both infuriating and funny at the same time.”
“The humor in this game is cleverly woven into the gameplay, making every moment enjoyable.”
“I found myself laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and hilarious situations.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the automatic generation of helots from resources like mining and farming, as it helps conserve unit capacity and reduces the need to manage additional workers, allowing them to focus more on their soldiers.
