Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
- February 27, 2020
- Blueside
- 12h median play time
Get on Steam"Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders" is a real-time strategy game with RPG elements, set in a high fantasy world. Players command vast armies across large battlefields, while also controlling individual hero units with unique abilities. The game features a single-player campaign, skirmish mode, and multiplayer options, with a focus on strategic warfare and resource management.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Xbox
Reviews
- The game successfully blends RTS and hack-and-slash gameplay, providing a unique and engaging experience.
- The nostalgic value is high, as many players fondly remember enjoying this game during their childhood.
- The soundtrack is excellent, featuring heavy metal music that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game.
- The game suffers from dated graphics and some technical issues, such as a 30 FPS cap and occasional audio glitches.
- Controls can be clunky, especially when using a keyboard and mouse, making it more enjoyable with a controller.
- There is no multiplayer mode available, which disappoints fans who enjoyed the competitive aspects of the original game.
- story169 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The story of the game is generally described as simple yet engaging, with a mix of compelling characters and a fantasy setting that draws players in. While some find the dialogue corny and the storytelling uneven, many appreciate the depth of the plot and character development, particularly as the narrative unfolds across multiple campaigns. However, there are criticisms regarding mission replayability and pacing, with some players feeling that certain missions can be tedious or poorly executed.
“The game has some jank for sure being an older game but it tells a great multi-character story and is very replayable!”
“It's kind of basic - about a crusade against evil dark elves and orcs, but the characters are fantastic, and it's the way the story is told that makes it so interesting.”
“You get to learn more about the world, characters, and events as you progress through the campaigns and difficulties as all the generals' fates intertwine to form this brutal medieval high-fantasy war story that has a lot of character, memorable moments, likable cast, and epic battles despite its limitations and age.”
“The story is awful; just ignore it.”
“The 'story' is boring and is told via several paragraphs of text at the beginning and tiresome dialogues after.”
“The focus on the story is diminished, which might not be too bad, for while the game has some fun character interactions and interesting intrigue, the overall story itself is average.”
- gameplay139 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this title is widely praised for its unique blend of real-time strategy and hack-and-slash mechanics, offering a captivating experience that remains engaging even years after its original release. Players appreciate the depth of strategy involved in managing units and executing combat, alongside RPG elements that allow for troop customization and progression. Despite some dated graphics and occasional control issues, the innovative gameplay and memorable soundtrack contribute to a nostalgic yet fresh experience that many consider unmatched in its genre.
“This game's unique blend of real-time strategy and action elements continues to captivate, and the gameplay holds up remarkably well by today's standards.”
“The gameplay mechanics feel surprisingly modern for its age.”
“The mix between RTS and action gameplay this game provides is so unique that you would truly be missing out on an experience not replicated by any other game.”
“The controls are wonky and game mechanics are clunky.”
“Mechanics-wise, it is extremely hard to understand just what you should be doing with troops when leveling and spending money.”
“The first two campaigns are massive training wheels and in terms of gameplay they're the exact same.”
- graphics96 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 71 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of this game, originally released on the Xbox in the early 2000s, are widely regarded as dated but still hold a certain charm and nostalgia for players. While many reviews acknowledge that the visuals are blocky and lack modern polish, some praise the art style and animations, noting that they have aged surprisingly well given the game's age. Overall, while the graphics may not meet contemporary standards, they do not detract significantly from the engaging gameplay experience.
“The graphics hold up to this day - another surprise to me.”
“Graphics for an original Xbox game are very impressive; despite its age, it still looks great with a lot of care given to both animations and overall art style to give that immersion that you're in a different world where you're in command.”
“Amazing classic RTS/hack and slash from 2004, with gameplay and graphics way ahead of its time.”
“Graphics are old and blocky, though.”
“The graphics are still pretty dated, so don't expect much in that department.”
“The controls are so clunky and graphics are so bad that they give me a headache.”
- music93 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its exceptional heavy metal soundtrack, which enhances the epic and immersive atmosphere of battles. Reviewers highlight how the intense guitar-driven tracks perfectly complement the gameplay, making combat feel exhilarating and engaging. While some note that the soundtrack can become repetitive over time, the overall consensus is that it significantly elevates the gaming experience, making it a standout feature.
“One of the game's standout features is its exceptional soundtrack, which adds an epic and immersive atmosphere to every battle.”
“The soundtrack is legendary, 'metal heavier than any knight’s plate!' indeed, each song fits the scene and battle like a glove and I can't stop listening to it, makes smashing your horde of orcs against an enemy line so unique.”
“The music just kicks ass.”
“The entire soundtrack is heavy metal, and it just fits the vibe perfectly as you run around a battlefield.”
“Graphics are terrible, animations are clunky, music is some guitar shit that is supposed to be 'cool', but it's not.”
“6 hours of the same soundtrack going on repeat started to feel like barbed wires scraping against my ear.”
- optimization12 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the optimization of the game on PC has received mixed reviews. While many players report smooth performance even on lower-end hardware and minimal bugs, some criticize the controls and frame rate limitations, suggesting that the game is better suited for console play. The lack of performance options and narrow field of view further detracts from the experience for some users.
“Performance-wise, it seems to work very, very well for a PC port with only some minor bugs here and there regarding mostly unit pathing that can be resolved with commanding to halt then move/attack. Rarely visual bugs, but overall runs very smooth. I do advise you to play the game and its expansion packs with an Xbox controller because the PC controls seem a bit janky for camera buttons, particularly when you need to react quickly, which is almost all the time.”
“I am currently playing the game on a non-gaming laptop and the game runs smoothly without issue. It runs well during heavy combat and troop movements - so that is great.”
“The PC port is locked to 30 fps, but it's well-optimized and uses minimal resources.”
“Was really terribly optimized for PC.”
“There are some downright awful performances, to some that are surprisingly good.”
“Poorly optimized for PC, controls are very funky; better off playing with a controller, I do not have one though.”
- replayability8 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers high replayability due to its engaging multi-character story, troop customization, and diverse unit options. However, the absence of multiplayer and custom battle modes limits its replay value for some players. Despite these drawbacks, many users express a strong desire to replay the campaigns multiple times.
“The game has some jank for sure being an older game, but it tells a great multi-character story and is very replayable!”
“Upgrading and equipping troops, and also the job system, allows for a lot of creativity in builds - so it has a really high replay value too.”
“No multiplayer means little to no replay value.”
“Just wish there was the old school PvP that we had from the console days... the replayability if that was available would be endless.”
“These campaigns are so good that I've lost count of how many times I've played them; the troop customization, diversity of units, officers, and companions add so much replayability.”
- humor7 mentions
- 86 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is generally well-received, with players enjoying the funny gameplay and amusing dialogue, particularly in the second campaign. However, some find the character models' faces unsettling, and there are notable translation errors that add an unintended layer of humor. Overall, the game successfully evokes nostalgia while delivering comedic moments.
“Funny to boot too, on the second campaign: Lucretia, and their dialogue a few levels in just cracks me up.”
“The only thing my rose-tinted glasses hid from me was the hilarious translation errors.”
“A good game with funny gameplay.”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its exceptional hard rock soundtrack, which enhances the epic and immersive experience during battles. Reviewers note the low fantasy, gritty, and dark ambiance, likening it to a Warhammer-esque world, while also highlighting the retro feel of the story and well-developed characters. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a standout feature that sets a high standard for similar games.
“One of the game's standout features is its exceptional soundtrack, which adds an epic and immersive atmosphere to every battle.”
“The low fantasy, gritty, dark, headbanging atmosphere made this game one of a kind, setting a standard that makes Kingdom Under Fire 2 such a disappointment.”
“The low fantasy, gritty, dark, headbanging atmosphere made this game one of a kind, as well as setting a standard that makes Kingdom Under Fire 2 such a major disappointment.”
“Characters are fleshed out and endearing, the metal soundtrack more than fits the world and story, and the overall atmosphere is dark and gloomy - Warhammer-esque.”
“The story is great; something about it feels so retro, atmosphere, and the music are god tier.”
- stability5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -40 % neutral mentions
- 80 % negative mentions
The game's stability is generally functional, with no major game-breaking bugs reported during campaigns, though players note it is somewhat buggy, particularly with PC controls. While the experience remains enjoyable, some users have encountered minor issues and a lack of graphical upgrades. Overall, the game is playable but may require some adjustment to keybindings.
“No glitches that I noticed while going through Gerald's campaign. I'm starting Luci's and enjoying the bad characters running around slaughtering people!”
“The game runs smoothly without any crashes or major bugs, making for a seamless experience.”
“I appreciate how stable the gameplay is; it allows me to focus on the story and enjoy the action without interruptions.”
“The game attempted a PC port but is a bit buggy with PC controls.”
“Not talking about the game as a whole, it's an excellent game, but it's buggy as hell.”
“It's still functional; I've almost completed the four campaigns and have experienced no game-breaking bugs or glitches, but there's nothing new, no graphical upgrades, and the keybinding takes some getting used to.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is noted to be somewhat limited, primarily serving the story rather than being a focal point, with players appreciating the character banter and interactions. While there are elements of character growth, the emphasis is more on gameplay mechanics and strategy than on deep narrative exploration. Overall, the character design and voice acting received mixed reviews, with some finding them lacking.
“Great strategy game, if you've played games before like Halo Wars or Command and Conquer, you'll grasp it in a few minutes playing Gerald's campaign and want to dive deep into the different 'job' assignments you can give your units. There's a bit of character development as far as story goes, but more action and strategy than anything.”
“I find the story to be interesting and the character development and banter enjoyable.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.”
“While the game has a compelling story, the character arcs are predictable and fail to evolve in a satisfying way.”
“The characters are one-dimensional and their development throughout the game is minimal, leaving players wanting more substance.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and often boring, with missions described as unclear and lacking engagement.
“Then there's the missions and how tedious, unclear, or straight-up boring they can be.”
“Tedious and simply bad.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the games to be both challenging and rewarding, particularly when successfully coordinating troops. While the voice acting is somewhat inconsistent, with about half being mediocre, there are notable moments of heartfelt delivery that enhance the emotional experience.
“The games are both mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing but immensely rewarding when you finally figure out how to coordinate your troops.”
“Only criticism is that about half of the voice acting in English is a little... eh... but at least 53% of it is solid, with some instances of truly heartfelt delivery.”
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The monetization of the series is criticized as being a cash grab, with users expressing disappointment over the lack of substantial new content beyond widescreen support and loose file support. There is also a call for better advertising to promote the series.
“The only new thing it has is the widescreen support and loose file support; other than that, this port is pretty much a cash grab and is now abandonware.”
