Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith
- November 27, 2017
- Illwinter Game Design
- 92h median play time
Get on SteamDominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith is a turn-based strategy game that allows players to take control of a powerful nation and guide it through a fantasy world. Choose from a variety of gods, each with unique abilities and requirements, and use diplomacy, magic, and military might to conquer territory and assert dominance. The game features detailed strategic options, including troop customization, province management, and research paths, providing a deep and immersive gameplay experience.
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Reviews
- Incredible depth and complexity, offering a unique experience with each playthrough.
- Rich lore and diverse factions based on real-world mythology, providing endless replayability.
- Engaging multiplayer experience that enhances the strategic and diplomatic elements of the game.
- 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- Clunky user interface and outdated graphics that may deter some players.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.
- graphics632 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally considered outdated and simplistic, often described as utilitarian or reminiscent of older pixel art styles. While many players find the visuals lacking compared to modern standards, they appreciate that the game prioritizes depth and complexity over graphical fidelity, allowing for a rich gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus is that while the graphics may deter some, they do not detract significantly from the game's strategic depth and engaging mechanics.
“Graphically, the game adopts a functional aesthetic that, while not cutting-edge, serves its purpose admirably, allowing the gameplay to take center stage.”
“The graphics can be off-putting, but I have really come to love them.”
“Don't let the simple graphics and sprites turn you off - those are actually beneficial, allowing an astounding variety of units (3000+), spells (1000+), and magic items (400+), keeping modding and map-making easy, and letting the programmer focus on all the elements that make the game so fascinating instead of spending most of his time on merely making it pretty.”
“The graphics are raw as I believe this is just a one-developer studio, but you should be here for the deep game mechanics/spells/etc. and not the graphics.”
“The ui is awful, the game is confusing, and the graphics look like a Microsoft Paint slideshow.”
“Dominions 5 has the worst graphics of any game I’ve played.”
- gameplay518 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Dominions 5 is characterized by its remarkable depth and complexity, offering a vast array of mechanics, factions, and strategies that require significant investment in learning to master. While the user interface and graphics are often criticized as outdated and clunky, the game rewards players who are willing to engage with its intricate systems, particularly in multiplayer settings where strategic alliances and mind games enhance the experience. Overall, it is a challenging yet rewarding turn-based strategy game that appeals to fans of deep, mechanically rich gameplay, despite its steep learning curve and lack of in-game tutorials.
“Dominions 5 - Warriors of the Faith is a game that transcends the typical boundaries of the strategy genre, offering an unparalleled depth of gameplay that engages the mind and imagination in equal measure.”
“From the outset, the game's sprawling scope and rich, intricate mechanics are both daunting and inviting, promising a rewarding experience for those willing to delve into its complexities.”
“Whether you're leading your chosen nation to divine ascension or outmaneuvering opponents in the battlefield of the gods, Dominions 5 promises countless hours of engaging gameplay.”
“This isn't the kind of game that you can just pick up and play; you need to learn the mechanics and there is no tutorial.”
“The game's UI is obtuse to say the least, the gameplay is clunky, and the graphics and pacing may not appeal to all.”
“The mechanics in the game are poorly explained, and the wiki barely helps; either you get an algebra lesson that fails to convey what is actually happening without its own explanation, or you get a sentence blurb that regurgitates what is stated on the tooltip in-game.”
- replayability136 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
Dominions 5 is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, attributed to the vast diversity of nations, unique playstyles, and numerous strategic options available to players. Reviewers highlight the game's depth, complexity, and the near-infinite combinations of factions and strategies, making each playthrough distinct and engaging. While the learning curve may be steep, the extensive content and customization ensure that players can enjoy countless hours of gameplay.
“The variety of nations, each with its unique flavor and playstyle, invites exploration and experimentation, adding to the game's replayability.”
“Tremendous in depth and endlessly replayable, Dominions 5 is a strategy game that will keep you hooked for a long, long time.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
- music110 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric quality and emotional depth, particularly highlighting the work of composer Peter Gundry. While some players find the soundtrack to be beautiful and fitting for the game's themes, others feel it becomes repetitive over time and prefer the previous installment's music. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong aspect of the game, though it could benefit from a greater variety of tracks.
“If you don’t have the cognitive capacity to fall in love with Dominions, fine, just start the game, close your eyes and listen to the music that on its own is reason enough to invest in this masterpiece of a game.”
“The music is absolutely gorgeous.”
“The soundtrack is solid, although it could use more tracks.”
“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.”
“The in-game music is appropriate but does become grating after a time, so bring your own fantasy epic OST.”
- story88 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 76 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is characterized by a rich tapestry of lore and emergent storytelling, allowing players to craft their own narratives through gameplay. While each faction boasts unique backstories and thematic depth, some players feel the overarching plot is lacking, suggesting that the game could benefit from a more structured narrative or campaign. Overall, the experience is heavily reliant on player imagination and customization, making each playthrough distinct and engaging.
“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 behind each faction and their units/summons are also very well-made and adapt the mythology of the real world in very interesting ways.”
“It's packed with so much flavor that an emergent story drips out in every playthrough.”
“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.”
- grinding38 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is heavily criticized for its tedious micromanagement, especially in the late game where players must manage numerous units and commands, leading to a frustrating experience. While the game has an interesting core and diverse mechanics, the outdated UI and steep learning curve contribute to a sense of monotony and boredom, particularly in single-player mode. Players suggest that the game may be more enjoyable in multiplayer settings to alleviate the grind.
“Interesting core for a 4X game hampered by a poor UI and tedious micromanagement that becomes extreme at late game.”
“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.”
- humor24 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is consistently praised for its light-heartedness and absurdity, featuring funny scenarios like a skeleton nation casting spells that turn everyone into elderly characters. Players enjoy the comedic elements of modding, naming gods with silly titles, and the unexpected, hilarious outcomes of battles, making the game accessible and entertaining for a wide audience. Overall, the blend of strategic depth and whimsical humor creates a fun and engaging experience, appealing especially to fans of fantasy and nerd culture.
“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.”
“Modding and naming gods stupid names is really funny.”
- stability16 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally praised, with many users noting it runs smoothly on various systems without crashes or freezes. However, some players report encountering bugs, particularly in complex interactions, indicating that while the game is largely stable, there are still issues that need addressing. The developers are commended for their efforts in maintaining a bug-free experience, especially given the game's complexity.
“It is bug free, runs on every PC and never froze or crashed on me once.”
“The game is quite complex, and (despite some misunderstandings on my part) pretty much bug free, which (unfortunately, nowadays) is worth mentioning.”
“The devs really did a great job keeping the game bug free and mod friendly.”
“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.”
“Game has potential; however, it is currently too buggy.”
- emotional14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is intense and deeply engaging, often leading players to experience heartbreak and profound connections over extended multiplayer sessions. The complexity of strategies can evoke strong feelings, with games lasting so long that players may undergo significant life changes in the interim. Overall, it offers a unique blend of fun and emotional investment, making it a standout in the fantasy 4X genre.
“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, die before any game actually ends (they last forever), so expect many month-long games that consume you emotionally and mentally.”
- optimization14 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is praised for its flawless performance, even with large-scale battles involving thousands of units, particularly in comparison to its predecessor, Dominions 4. While some users report occasional inexplicable performance issues, the simultaneous turn system enhances the speed and efficiency of gameplay. Players who enjoy delving into optimization will find the game rewarding, especially in multiplayer settings after gaining experience in single-player mode.
“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 against human opponents.”
“If you're a tinkerer who enjoys exploring the contours of large and varied optimization spaces, this game will satisfy you.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is enhanced by its gritty graphics and captivating music, which many players find enjoyable enough to listen to outside of gameplay. It offers a rich and varied ambiance that appeals particularly to fans of mythology, philosophy, and antiquity, while also making battles feel more spectacular and immersive. Overall, the atmosphere is a strong point, contributing significantly to the game's appeal.
“The graphics have their own gritty vibe and produce a solid atmosphere.”
“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.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers generally view the monetization of this long-standing niche product as fair, particularly in contrast to other games that rely heavily on DLC and cosmetic purchases. The absence of such monetization strategies is seen as a positive aspect of its ongoing development.
“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.”
