Kings of Israel
- December 21, 2015
- Lance Hill
- 20h median play time
Kings of Israel is a cooperative board game set in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, 750-722 BC. Players take on the roles of prophets, working together to rid the land of idolatry and sin while building the kingdom. However, as the game progresses, players must also face the expanding threat of the Assyrian empire. The game combines strategic decision-making, resource management, and spiritual themes in a unique and engaging way.
Reviews
- The game offers a unique and engaging strategy experience, reminiscent of Pandemic, with a biblical theme that adds depth.
- It features a well-implemented study mode that encourages players to learn about biblical history while playing.
- The graphics and sound design are well done, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for gameplay.
- The game can be excessively difficult, with random elements that can lead to frustrating losses despite strategic planning.
- Resource gathering is heavily luck-based, which can detract from the overall strategic experience.
- There is no multiplayer option, limiting the social aspect that many players enjoy in board games.
- gameplay40 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 68 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Koi is reminiscent of Pandemic, featuring accessible mechanics that are easy to grasp yet offer depth and challenge, appealing to players who appreciate strategic board games. While the game effectively integrates its unique theme and mechanics, some players may find the difficulty level daunting for casual play. Overall, it provides a solid and enjoyable experience, though opinions vary on its long-term engagement and thematic elements.
“Excellent mechanics to the game lead to hours of fun.”
“The game mechanics are easy to understand and the tutorial is well made.”
“Very simple to grasp its mechanics yet deep enough to keep you interested in it.”
“The gameplay is different from most games I've played, but the difficulty seems to be above a level most 'casuals' would find appealing.”
“I do wish some more of the details came out in the gameplay.”
“Thus, a lot depends on how much you can appreciate the theme and the appropriateness of the mechanics to that theme, either from a religious or historical perspective.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 80 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are consistently praised for their appealing aesthetics, high-quality design, and smooth performance, with no reported bugs. Players appreciate the combination of nice visuals and engaging music, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience that enhances replayability.
“Firstly, I find the aesthetics of this game very appealing.”
“The game has a nice look and feel about it, a nice design, artwork, and music background, with no bugs.”
“Most of all, nice graphics, music, and the all-important replayability and gameplay.”
- music6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is consistently praised for its pleasant background quality, complementing the artful graphics and smooth animations. Reviewers appreciate how the music enhances the overall aesthetic and contributes to the game's enjoyable atmosphere without any technical issues.
“The game has a nice look and feel about it, a nice design, artwork, and music background, with no bugs.”
“Most of all, nice graphics, music, and the all-important replayability and gameplay.”
“Drawing is very artful, animations are smooth, and the music serves great as a pleasant background.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its unique setting in ancient Israel, which complements the gameplay mechanics effectively. This combination creates an immersive and distinctive experience for players.
“I believe that this setting of ancient Israel is very well suited to the mechanics and builds a very unique atmosphere.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers highlight that the game features strong replayability, enhanced by appealing graphics and music, which contribute to an engaging gameplay experience.
“Most of all, nice graphics, music, and the all-important replayability and gameplay.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game's humor particularly engaging, often highlighting its ability to resonate with diverse cultural backgrounds, as illustrated by one couple's enjoyment stemming from their unique heritage. The humor is described as relatable and amusing, contributing to an enjoyable gaming experience.