Dominions 5

About

Dominions 5 is a strategy game where you play as a powerful pretender god striving for godhood, commanding a loyal nation with unique abilities. With customizable dominions defining your divine might, sacred warriors, and land, engage in local multi-player, co-op, and single-player battles across various platforms. Experience stunning replayability, compelling soundtracks, and humor, but beware the grinding challenges on your path to ascension.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Co-Op Team up with friends to complete levels or missions together
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

94%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,478 reviews

graphics59 positive mentions

grinding16 negative mentions

Incredible depth and variety in gameplay with over 80 unique nations and thousands of spells and units.
Engaging multiplayer experience that encourages strategic planning and diplomacy.
Rich lore and mythology that enhances the immersive experience.

Steep learning curve with a lack of tutorials, making it difficult for new players to grasp the mechanics.
Clunky user interface and outdated graphics that may deter some players.
AI is not very competent, making single-player less enjoyable compared to multiplayer.

graphics
297 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
65%
15%
The graphics of the game are widely criticized as outdated and simplistic, often described as reminiscent of 90s sprite-based visuals. However, many players emphasize that the game's depth, complexity, and strategic gameplay far outweigh the visual shortcomings, making it a rewarding experience for those willing to overlook the graphics. While the user interface is also noted as clunky, the overall consensus is that the gameplay mechanics and variety of options provide a compelling reason to engage with the game despite its visual limitations.
- “The tone of the different factions always melds so nicely in aesthetics and gameplay, and really makes you form a connection to the factions you play as and gain an interest in the world.”
- “Don't let the simple graphics fool you; this game has incredible depth, really fun and easy modding, cross-platform play, amazing devs who continually add to the game, and more than anything, it's just incredibly fun when you get into it.”
- “The graphics may look like they're from the mid-1990s, but the scale and scope of the strategy is phenomenal.”
- “The graphics are dated and the UI is only serviceable, but the mechanics and depth just can't be beat.”
- “Dominions 5 has the worst graphics of any game I’ve played.”
- “The graphics are primitive, the UI is obtuse; if you want to be at all competitive, you need to spend some time trawling through old forums to find spreadsheets from dedicated players who've done statistical analysis of obscure mechanics.”
gameplay
240 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
20%
77%
3%
The gameplay of Dominions is characterized by its immense strategic depth and complexity, offering a wide variety of mechanics, factions, and spells that encourage experimentation and mastery. While the user interface and graphics are often criticized as dated and clunky, the game rewards players who invest time in learning its intricate systems, making it highly engaging for fans of turn-based strategy. However, newcomers may find the steep learning curve and lack of in-game tutorials daunting, necessitating external resources to fully grasp the mechanics.
- “Overall though, it's a really cool game with some great mechanics and a really deep, fun feel to it.”
- “The gameplay is as rich and deep as ever.”
- “It's a mechanically deep game with lots of branching strategies to try out.”
- “The game requires a guide to learn how to play; there are crucial mechanics that you simply won't know about for tens of hours.”
- “If fast-paced, fluid gameplay is a necessity for you, you won't find it here.”
- “The graphics are primitive, the UI is obtuse; if you want to be at all competitive, you need to spend some time trawling through old forums to find spreadsheets from dedicated players who've done statistical analysis of obscure mechanics.”
replayability
64 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
48%
5%
Dominions 5 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, offering near-infinite variations through its diverse factions, unique strategies, and random map generation. Players appreciate the game's depth and complexity, which encourages repeated playthroughs to explore different combinations and tactics. Despite a steep learning curve, the vast content and customization options ensure that each session feels fresh and engaging.
- “Kudos to the game devs for making such a deep and replayable game.”
- “With a wide number of factions you can play and some factions that are very different from others, there is a good degree of replay value.”
- “Each game is at least a little different, between there being dozens of races to play with, tons of pretender gods to try out, and a randomized map each time - the replay value is enormous, and that's why this is one of my 'only three for the rest of your life' games.”
- “I'm blown away by the staggering number of options you are presented with, giving this game replayability which cannot be fully explored in a single natural lifespan.”
- “Beyond the actual gameplay, the lore and playstyles of the different factions and even the different gods is very unique, leaving an unlimited amount of replayability.”
- “With countless nations to play, each one very different from the other, and countless tactics for each of these, it's a game with immense replay value.”
music
53 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
45%
8%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its beauty, atmosphere, and ability to enhance the gaming experience. While some players noted that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, others highlighted its charm and emotional depth, often comparing it favorably to previous installments. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's immersive qualities.
- “The music is absolutely gorgeous.”
- “To top it all off, you're thrown into a delicious soup of mythology and history which can leave you mesmerized for hours; the sprites are beautifully designed, and the music is breathtaking.”
- “The music is very atmospheric and I regularly listen to the OST online in my free time.”
- “I'm reasonably sure there is only one song in the game, actually, and it's the one you hear in the store page video.”
- “The lack of music compared to CoE4 is a minus for me, but the ones that are in the game are great to listen to.”
- “I advise to turn off the music and just open YouTube and search for epic music; it'll do better, trust me.”
story
43 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
70%
7%
The game's story is characterized by a rich tapestry of lore for each faction, yet many players find the overarching plot to be minimal and lacking depth. While emergent storytelling allows for unique narratives to unfold during gameplay, the absence of a structured campaign leaves some feeling that the potential for a more engaging story is underutilized. Overall, the game excels in thematic and mythological storytelling, inviting players to create their own narratives through extensive customization and strategic choices.
- “The story behind each faction and their units/summons is very well-made and adapts the mythology of the real world in interesting ways.”
- “It's packed with so much flavor that an emergent story drips out in every playthrough.”
- “A turn-based strategy game about becoming a god, this game is deep and complicated but can generate some amazing emergent story, both single player and especially multiplayer.”
- “The story is very barebones, which is bizarre because each nation has its own lore, which just enhances the sense that there should be more story.”
- “There is also no story campaign or anything of the sort.”
- “They're all the same game at the core, with the same generic story attached to a random world map every time.”
grinding
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
18%
94%
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to excessive micromanagement and awkward controls, especially in the late game where managing numerous units becomes overwhelming. While some appreciate the strategic depth and community support for multiplayer, many feel that the single-player experience can quickly become grindy and boring, detracting from overall enjoyment. Despite its potential, the game's steep learning curve and dated UI contribute to a frustrating experience for those who prefer a more streamlined approach.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Grinding in this game is both rewarding and engaging, making the effort feel worthwhile.”
- “The grind is challenging but offers a great sense of achievement with every milestone.”
- “It can make playing seem tedious, especially towards the late game where you need to move about 100 different commanders each turn.”
- “The game is also very heavy on micromanagement, so playing long sessions will quickly become tedious.”
- “Somewhere in here the core of a good game can be found, but combat feels lacking, long games are extremely tedious, and the UI is one of the worst I've ever encountered.”
humor
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by its light-hearted and absurd elements, such as the funny skeleton nation and the whimsical spells that transform characters into retirement-age figures. Players appreciate the comedic potential in creating meme squads and engaging in hilarious role-play, making the experience enjoyable regardless of victory or defeat. Overall, the game combines strategic depth with a playful tone, appealing to those who enjoy fantasy and quirky humor.
- “When the funny skeleton nation casts the hilarious global spell that turns everyone into retirement-age old heads.”
- “The role play is hilarious online, and there are tons of crazy spells and strategies to play out.”
- “If this game continues to generate hilarious events like this, win or lose, you're going to enjoy it.”
emotional
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is intense and deeply engaging, often leading players to experience significant highs and lows throughout lengthy multiplayer sessions. Users highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, from heartbreak to joy, as strategies unfold over time, making it a uniquely consuming experience that can last for months. Overall, it is described as both fun and emotionally taxing, requiring players to be mindful of their mental state while participating.
- “Multiplayer may be the most heart-breaking thing possible, not for the faint of heart.”
- “The strategies are immense, complex, deeply emotional... you will cry, weep, and you will have a giant earth snake with 30 protection who is near unkillable to protect your noobie butt.”
- “Your friends may actually have children, grow old, and die before any game actually ends (they last forever), so expect many month-long games that consume you emotionally and mentally.”
optimization
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
29%
43%
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its flawless performance, even with large-scale battles, while also offering a satisfying experience for players who enjoy exploring optimization strategies. However, some users have noted instances of inexplicable performance issues. The introduction of simultaneous turns in Dominions 5 has significantly improved battle speed and overall performance compared to its predecessor.
- “In fact, performance is flawless even with tens of thousands of units on the field, even if you spam that many.”
- “Dominions 5 has simultaneous turns, which makes battles much faster and optimized than in Dominions 4.”
- “Performance can be inexplicably poor.”
- “The game is generally designed with multiplayer in mind; however, it's probably a good idea to cut your teeth in single-player before a foray into the more intelligent, crafty, and optimized strategy of human opponent games.”
- “If you're a tinkerer who enjoys exploring the contours of large and varied optimization spaces, this game will satisfy you.”
stability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
67%
Overall, user reviews on stability present a mixed picture: while some praise the game for its impressive performance and low number of glitches given its complexity, others report significant bugs that can disrupt gameplay, particularly with spell casting. The game's stability appears to vary across different systems, with some players experiencing smooth performance while others encounter frustrating issues.
- “The developers really did a great job keeping the game bug-free and mod-friendly.”
- “Runs great on my iMac with Big Sur.”
- “Not to mention they're buggy as hell - try casting the same spell on the same target from different areas, you might be in for a surprise!”
- “Still too buggy.”
- “The game has potential; however, it is currently too buggy.”
atmosphere
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
75%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by gritty graphics and an engaging soundtrack that players enjoy even outside of the game. It offers a rich and varied ambiance, appealing to fans of mythology, philosophy, and antiquity, while also enhancing the spectacle of battles, making it particularly attractive to tabletop roleplayers.
- “The music is very atmospheric, and I regularly listen to the OST online in my free time.”
- “Fascinating and varied atmosphere; the perfect game for lovers of mythology, legends, philosophy, metaphysics, religions, and antiquity. The game's creators are very erudite and show a great understanding of even the most obscure ways of thought, and the game should also appeal a lot to tabletop roleplayers.”
- “The graphics have their own gritty vibe and produce a solid atmosphere.”
- “The game feels lifeless and lacks any real sense of immersion.”
- “The sound design is underwhelming, making the atmosphere feel flat and unengaging.”
monetization
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
Reviewers find the monetization model of this long-standing niche product to be fair, particularly in contrast to other games that rely heavily on DLC and cosmetic purchases. The absence of such monetization tactics is seen as a positive aspect.
- “I think the monetization of active development of a niche product for twenty-three years and counting is fair, especially considering the lack of DLC or cosmetics that plague Paradox games, for example.”
- “The monetization model is transparent and allows players to support ongoing development without feeling pressured to spend.”
- “I appreciate that the game offers optional purchases that enhance the experience without being intrusive or necessary to enjoy the core gameplay.”
- “The monetization strategy feels exploitative, especially for a game that has been in development for over twenty years.”
- “It's frustrating to see a game that could be great hindered by aggressive monetization tactics.”
- “The lack of meaningful content without paying extra makes the experience feel incomplete and unsatisfying.”