Conquest of Elysium 4

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.

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Conquest of Elysium 4 is a turn-based strategy game with a fantasy setting. Choose from 18 different factions, each with unique abilities and units, and battle for control of the world of Elysium. The game features a simple interface with deep strategic options, including diplomacy, research, and tactical combat. Your goal is to grow your empire, defeat your enemies, and complete specific objectives to win the game.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

89%

Audience ScoreBased on 415 reviews

gameplay16 positive mentions

grinding11 negative mentions

The game offers a unique blend of strategy and roguelike elements, providing endless replayability with different factions and playstyles.
Each faction plays distinctly, allowing for varied strategies and experiences in every game.
The automated combat system, while lacking direct control, adds a layer of unpredictability and excitement to battles.

The user interface is clunky and can be frustrating, with no option to return to the main menu without quitting the game.
The graphics are dated and may deter some players, lacking the polish of modern titles.
The game can feel unbalanced at times, with random events and neutral creatures often overwhelming players early in the game.

graphics
82 mentions
17 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely described as dated and simplistic, often reminiscent of older titles or indie projects, which may deter players who prioritize visual quality. However, many reviewers emphasize that the gameplay depth and mechanics far outweigh the graphical shortcomings, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate strategic gameplay over aesthetics. Overall, while the visuals may not impress, they are functional and do not detract significantly from the immersive and engaging gameplay.
- “The graphics are very good and the abilities of the various factions are sometimes amazing.”
- “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.”
- “The graphics are very dated.”
- “The graphics are terrible.”
- “If you are a graphics snob, you will be disappointed.”
gameplay
80 mentions
20 % positive mentions
76 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its deep mechanics and strategic complexity, offering a variety of classes and unique gameplay styles that enhance replayability. While some players find the learning curve steep and the lack of tutorials challenging, the game rewards persistence with engaging and varied experiences. Despite its simplistic graphics, the game provides a rich and satisfying strategic experience that appeals to fans of turn-based and roguelike genres.
- “The gameplay is accessible and easy to understand: conquer resources, levy troops and hire commanders, defeat enemies - repeat.”
- “Compelling and approachable gameplay that belies an underlying complexity which will keep you coming back.”
- “Fantastic depth, great lore, awesome fast fun combat mechanics with tons to explore.”
- “Gameplay is just tedious as all hell, with never-ending enemy units spawning and constantly taking resource sites from you.”
- “How many games have you played where half the battle is weeding out the useless, pointless (but well-intentioned) mechanics and stats, as if the game designers said 'we'll throw in everything, and this way the player can figure out how to play the way he wants' well.......we're looking for a game, not a junk drawer.”
- “It can be challenging at first to understand some of the mechanics, so if you're new I'd recommend using a strong starting faction like the Troll King to get going.”
replayability
37 mentions
51 % positive mentions
41 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its exceptional replayability, driven by its deep lore, complex mechanics, and rogue-like procedural generation, which keeps players engaged with infinite variety and challenges. Many reviewers highlight the diversity of factions and leader types, as well as the random elements that ensure each playthrough feels unique. However, some note that the single-player experience can be less engaging due to predictable AI behavior, but overall, the game offers a wealth of content and replay value that keeps players coming back.
- “The depth of CoE4's lore and the complexity of its gameplay, paired with the replayability from the rogue-like procedural generation, make this game extremely addictive for me.”
- “There's enough variety (distinctly different leaders with different abilities and goals) to make it highly replayable.”
- “The super-high replay value of this game comes from trying different leader types.”
- “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, whilst 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.”
music
20 mentions
45 % positive mentions
40 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many praising the exceptional soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere, particularly noting the inclusion of Adrian von Ziegler's compositions. While some users find the sound effects and certain musical elements repetitive or tedious, the overall sentiment highlights the music as a significant improvement over previous titles, contributing to an immersive experience.
- “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.”
grinding
11 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessively tedious, with micromanagement of resources and armies leading to prolonged gameplay that often feels frustrating rather than enjoyable. The constant need to reclaim lost territories and manage garrisons detracts from the game's "lite" appeal, making it feel more like a chore than a fun experience. Overall, the repetitive nature of battles and resource management contributes to a sense of monotony that many players struggle to enjoy.
- “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.”
- “Running around the map reclaiming all the hamlets you lost because deer wandered into them is really tedious.”
humor
9 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 lore and unit descriptions can be amusing, the randomness of battles adds a layer of unpredictability that can lead to both hilarious and frustrating moments. Overall, the game offers a blend of humor that enhances its replayability and multiplayer experience.
- “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.”
story
9 mentions
33 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its ability to generate unique and engaging stories through its flexible lore and immersive world, allowing players to experience different narratives with each playthrough. While not primarily narrative-driven, it offers a wealth of memorable moments and replayability, making each session feel fresh and dynamic. Players appreciate the blend of heroism and humor in the stories that unfold during gameplay.
- “In short, this game is as much of a story generator as it is 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.”
- “I would appreciate having story events in this game - maybe finding something while exploring Hades (realm of the dead) or the Void.”
- “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, tactics, or just plain bumbling (and hilarious) failure.”
stability
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Overall, user reviews indicate mixed experiences with stability; while some players report no bugs or glitches, others find the game to be more buggy and less polished 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.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % 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 soundscapes.
- “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.”
optimization
1 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized as feeling unrefined and reminiscent of a poorly executed student project, with accusations of asset theft from the Dominions series; however, players still find it enjoyable despite these shortcomings.
- “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.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game compelling, as it evokes a sense of tension and anticipation stemming from the interconnectedness of different planes, where actions in one realm can have significant repercussions in another. This complexity adds depth to the narrative, enhancing the overall emotional engagement with the game's world.