Conquest of Elysium 4
- November 15, 2015
- Illwinter Game Design
- 60h median play time
It doesn't look like much and it takes effort to learn, but Conquest of Elysium 4 has a ton to offer. Incredible depth and hours of fun await anyone willing to invest some time into it.
Get on Steam"Conquest of Elysium 4" is a turn-based fantasy strategy game with a rogue-like element, offering depth and variety through its 20 distinct factions. Each faction has unique mechanics, units, and goals, such as the druid's focus on forest empire or the dwarf's mine-oriented gameplay. The game features a multitude of monsters and magic rituals, ensuring diverse and dynamic gameplay experiences.
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Reviews
- The game offers a unique blend of strategy and roguelike elements, providing endless replayability with different factions and playstyles.
- Each faction plays very differently, allowing for a variety of strategies and approaches to gameplay.
- The automated combat system is engaging, allowing players to focus on strategy rather than micromanagement.
- The user interface is clunky and can be difficult to navigate, with some essential features missing, such as a 'quit to menu' option.
- The graphics are dated and may not appeal to everyone, resembling older games rather than modern titles.
- The game can feel unbalanced at times, with random events and neutral creatures often overwhelming players early in the game.
- graphics164 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as simplistic, dated, and reminiscent of old-school 2D designs, which may deter players who prioritize visual fidelity. However, many reviewers emphasize that the gameplay depth and mechanics far outweigh the graphical shortcomings, making it a worthwhile experience for those who can overlook the visuals. Overall, while the graphics may not impress, they are functional and serve the game's immersive and strategic elements effectively.
“We love the pixel art graphics, and the music is awesome!”
“Don't let the minimalist graphics stop you from trying this game; if you like deep strategy games with hundreds of spells, rituals, and creatures, then this one is well worth the purchase.”
“But if you can get past the graphics, there is an amazing amount to love here.”
“The graphics are terrible.”
“The graphics are simplistic (the game was programmed by one person using SDL, with the art and lore by another), but if you're the kind of person who appreciates this kind of grandeur of depth in a game then this probably won't bother you too much.”
“If you are a graphics snob, you will be disappointed.”
- gameplay160 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its depth and complexity, offering a variety of mechanics and strategies that cater to different playstyles, particularly through its diverse classes and factions. While the graphics may be outdated, the game compensates with engaging turn-based strategy elements and a rich lore that encourages exploration and experimentation. However, some players find the learning curve steep and certain mechanics poorly explained, which can lead to frustration rather than enjoyment.
“Don't get thrown off by the outdated visuals, this game offers deep and satisfying gameplay.”
“An excellent turn-based strategy game that allows for quick play or long, in-depth sessions - simple mechanics but great depth, with extreme replayability.”
“The gameplay is accessible and easy to understand: conquer resources, levy troops and hire commanders, defeat enemies - repeat.”
“Either option is basically punishing the player for trying to engage in the mechanics of the game.”
“And there is a lack of explanation for a lot of the mechanics in the game, so you either have to experiment or play with someone who already knows the game, or look it up on a wiki.”
“Gameplay is just tedious as all hell, with never-ending enemy units spawning and constantly taking resource sites from you.”
- replayability74 mentions
- 51 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game boasts exceptional replayability, driven by its deep lore, complex mechanics, and rogue-like procedural generation, which keeps players engaged with infinite possibilities and diverse class options. While the single-player experience may feel limited due to predictable AI behavior, the variety of factions and unique leader types offer ample opportunities for exploration and strategy. Overall, players find the game highly addictive and rewarding, with many hours of entertainment to be had.
“Infinite replayability, infinite fun!”
“An excellent turn-based strategy game that allows for quick play or long, in-depth sessions - simple mechanics but great depth, with extreme replayability.”
“You can repeat a ritual of mastery many times, but the result will always be random, granting it infinite replayability!”
“So yeah, there's obvious replayability, but the singleplayer experience can be kind of meh since the AI only knows how to play in a specific way.”
“The hundreds of unit models and low resolution graphics can occasionally make it difficult to distinguish unit models apart from one another, and predicting the strength of other factions' armies is an acquired skill. While there is replay value in many of the factions and some surprise developments, the onus is very much on the player to set their own goals in each game in a way that might frustrate some people.”
“Cool seeing all the different unique units, but not the most replayable game ever.”
- music40 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising the exceptional soundtrack, particularly the contributions from Adrian von Ziegler, which create an immersive and epic atmosphere. However, some players find the background music repetitive and tedious, suggesting that it may be better to mute the game and play their own music instead. Overall, while the soundtrack is seen as a significant improvement over previous titles, opinions on the overall quality of the music vary.
“The soundtrack is amazing, wish it came in mp3 or something so we could listen to it any time.”
“Not surprisingly, the developers at Illwinter Game Design have been granted permission to use Adrian von Ziegler's songs in the game, providing an epic and Celtic atmosphere for the Elysium universe.”
“You should definitely give this game a try and let yourself be charmed by the atmosphere and music it has.”
“The graphics are akin to a roguelike, and the music is tedious at best.”
“- music and sound still repetitive and unimpressive, best off muting game and playing own music.”
“- music is a big improvement from coe3.”
- grinding22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, requiring constant micromanagement and leading to prolonged gameplay sessions that feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. The need to repeatedly reclaim resource points and manage armies against relentless enemy spawns detracts from the game's "lite" appeal, making it frustrating rather than fun. Overall, the gameplay is criticized for being monotonous and overly complicated, with a user interface that further slows down the process.
“Initially you might like the challenge, only to realize it's nigh-impossible to hold all the little resource points on the map without having dedicated armies playing whack-a-mole with bandits, or tediously placing sufficient garrisons on all of them.”
“Gameplay is just tedious as all hell, with never-ending enemy units spawning and constantly taking resource sites from you.”
“Games can last hours despite the supposed 'lite' aspect, and who wants to restart and do the tedious start all over because the game decided to screw you?”
- humor18 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players finding it genuinely funny and others feeling it falls flat with nonsensical elements. While the deep lore and quirky unit descriptions often elicit laughs, the randomness of automated battles can lead to both amusing and frustrating moments. Overall, the multiplayer experience is highlighted as particularly entertaining, contributing to the game's replayability and comedic charm.
“Perfect game and funny!”
“The lore for all characters is usually deep and sometimes humorous.”
“With so many options, it promises to be a different game each time, while telling a story of heroism, tact, or just plain bumbling (and hilarious) failure.”
- story18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its ability to generate unique and engaging stories through its rich lore and immersive world, despite not being narrative-driven. Players appreciate the replayability and the variety of story moments that arise from their actions, allowing for experiences ranging from heroic triumphs to humorous failures. However, some users express a desire for more structured story events to enhance the exploration aspect.
“In short, this game is as much of a story generator as a game, and a very good one.”
“The lore of the game is developed enough to be interesting and flexible enough for the player to feel like they can tell a unique story every time you play.”
“Tons of replayability, with strange and fantastic story moments just pouring out of what is not a narrative-based game.”
“New game releases are just modified and improved versions of previous ones: there are no story connections between titles.”
“With so many options, it promises to be a different game each time, while telling a story of heroism, tact, or just plain bumbling (and hilarious) failure.”
“I would appreciate having story events in this game - maybe finding something while exploring Hades (realm of the dead) or the void.”
- stability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, user feedback on stability is mixed; while some players report no bugs or glitches, others find the game to be a less polished and more buggy version compared to its predecessor, Dominions 5. This suggests that while some aspects of stability are satisfactory, there are notable concerns regarding the game's overall polish.
“No bugs for me, no glitches, no text issues that I have noticed. I would love to see a more in-depth first hero creation screen.”
“I already own Dominions 5, and I feel this was a more buggy and even less polished iteration of that game. Granted, it's a few years older, so that would make sense; however, I felt it wasn't what I was looking for.”
- atmosphere4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is enhanced by the inclusion of Adrian von Ziegler's epic and Celtic music, which immerses players in the enchanting Elysium universe. Reviewers highly recommend experiencing the game's captivating ambiance and soundtrack.
“Not surprisingly, the developers at Illwinter Game Design have been granted permission to use Adrian von Ziegler's songs in the game, providing an epic and Celtic atmosphere for the Elysium universe.”
“You should definitely give this game a try and let yourself be charmed by the atmosphere and music it has.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its lack of optimization, resembling a poorly executed student project that heavily borrows assets from the Dominions series. Despite these shortcomings, players still find it enjoyable.
“The game feels like a non-optimized, poorly executed student project that has ripped off all assets of the Dominions series, and despite all this, the game is enjoyable.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game compelling, particularly in how the interconnectedness of different planes creates a sense of tension and anticipation. The idea that actions in one plane can have significant repercussions in others adds depth to the experience, enhancing the emotional stakes of gameplay.
