D&D Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator
- March 29, 2022
- Stormfront Studios
- 7h median play time
"D&D Stronghold: Kingdom Simulator" is a game where you build and manage your own kingdom in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. Choose your path to emperor status through lawful, chaotic, or neutral actions, while handling various aspects of kingdom management and fending off monsters. The game offers pre-created worlds and random scenarios, with an intuitive mouse-driven interface for easy control.
Reviews
- The game offers a nostalgic experience, reminiscent of classic titles from the 90s, making it enjoyable for fans of retro games.
- Gameplay is engaging and addictive, with a satisfying kingdom-building mechanic that keeps players invested for hours.
- The developers continue to provide updates, including UI improvements and cloud saves, which enhances the overall experience for players.
- The game suffers from bugs and errors, such as losing progress due to issues with the DOSBox version, which can be frustrating for players.
- Graphics and gameplay mechanics feel dated compared to modern standards, which may deter new players unfamiliar with the genre.
- The AI is limited and predictable, making the game relatively easy once players understand the mechanics, reducing the challenge.
- graphics12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as dated, reminiscent of classic titles like "Drakkhen" and the SSI aesthetic, which may appeal to fans of retro visuals. While some players express a desire for graphic upgrades and achievements, they acknowledge that the overall experience remains enjoyable despite the outdated graphics. Quality of life improvements have helped enhance the enjoyment of the game, particularly for those nostalgic for classic D&D fantasy graphics.
“I would have loved to get a graphic upgrade and achievements, but the games are good enough with the quality of life improvements they added that I am still happy with my purchase, especially the original Pool of Radiance, Curse of the Azure Bonds, and Eye of the Beholder series.”
“If dated graphics and the old SSI aesthetics sound appealing, this might be a game for you.”
“Yes, it's old; the graphics are what they are, but if you can look past that, this game is a good time.”
“The graphics remind me of a rare gem I played in my childhood called 'Drakkhen'.”
- music6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some praise the demo intro as one of the best in gaming history for its top-notch presentation and composition, others find the lack of volume control frustrating, describing the in-game music as annoying and overwhelming.
“The demo intro of this game on startup is absolutely one of the best I've ever seen in any game, including the modern era. Both the music and presentation were absolutely top-notch.”
“There is no volume control for the annoying music - so I just have to lower the system volume to save my ears and sanity.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as cool and technologically impressive, offering a surprisingly detailed experience for a city builder. However, it is considered basic, with a limited variety of buildings, primarily focusing on farms, houses, and a few others, which may leave players wanting more diversity.
“Cool gameplay, a modern version without all of the limitations imposed by the era would be pretty amazing - and with that said, it's surprisingly detailed and I'd say technologically impressive!”
“The gameplay is very basic for a city builder, with only a handful of buildings that you will really be using. Probably 95% of your buildings will be farms, houses, and later inns and bazaars.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game is widely criticized for its lack of stability, with users describing it as a "buggy mess" that detracts significantly from the overall experience.
“Don't even bother with this buggy mess.”
“Don't even bother with this buggy mess.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the humor in the game particularly entertaining, especially when witnessing absurd scenarios, such as a level 1 elf defeating a fire giant. This element of unexpected comedy adds a unique charm to the gameplay experience.
“The entertainment value from spawning them on opposite sides and watching a single level 1 elf kill a fire giant is absolutely hilarious.”