"Open The Gates!" is a sidescrolling castle builder and real-time strategy game where you construct and fortify your fortress with various defenses, manage resources, and balance the needs of your citizens. Launch counterattacks on hilariously-voiced enemies and make decisions that will affect your reputation. Build and defend your castle while keeping your citizens happy and managing resources in this unique genre-blending game.
The game features charming visuals and humorous voice acting, reminiscent of classic titles like Stronghold.
Gameplay mechanics are easy to pick up, with a good balance of challenge and strategy that keeps players engaged.
The developer is responsive and dedicated, and the game introduces new mechanics frequently, adding depth to the experience.
The game suffers from difficulty spikes that can lead to frustrating gameplay, especially in later missions where balancing issues arise.
Unit control is imprecise, making it difficult to execute strategies effectively, which can detract from the overall experience.
There are significant issues with mission design, including a lack of clarity in city management mechanics and the inability to save mid-mission.
gameplay
42 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
69%
7%
The gameplay is characterized by its engaging and humorous real-time strategy mechanics, reminiscent of the Stronghold franchise, with easy-to-learn controls that introduce new elements frequently to keep the experience fresh. While many players appreciate the simplicity and fun of the mechanics, some have encountered issues, such as a flawed happiness system that detracts from the overall experience. Overall, the game offers a mix of accessible gameplay suitable for all ages, with increasing challenges that maintain player interest.
“The gameplay mechanics and dialogue remind me of the Stronghold franchise, with the not-so-serious and over-the-top protagonists and antagonists.”
“The levels stay fresh by the frequent introduction of new game mechanics and units level by level.”
“The game mechanics are easy to pick up, but don't be fooled; as you progress through the game, the challenge levels quickly increase to keep you from falling into complacency.”
“This game has a set of mechanics that will work against the player, no matter what the player does.”
“Yet the mechanic does not work.”
“Immediately refunded because it's a major red flag experiencing this within 2 hours of gameplay.”
story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
59%
14%
The game's story is described as humorous and engaging, complementing its gameplay with entertaining graphics and animations. However, players express frustration with mission design, noting that some missions feel poorly constructed and overly complex, leading to difficulty in progression. Overall, while the narrative adds charm, the execution of missions can detract from the experience.
“This game is simple but challenging, with artwork and storytelling to go with!”
“Fun, between the graphics and the storyteller back talking you, in combination with the unit animations, this game is a riot!”
“This game has a funny storyline with humor to go along with its gameplay.”
“In short, this is a single player RTS/city management game with decent visuals, low budget voice acting charm, a very responsive main developer, but whose missions feel kind of thrown together, and controls that don't feel good.”
“Like, the mission that introduces apple farms for making citizens happy doesn't actually have enough space to make using them worth it.”
“This is a great game, but sire, please have mercy on the 3D mission in the White Mountains.”
graphics
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
37%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their beautiful art style and well-drawn environments, contributing to an engaging and immersive experience. Players appreciate the combination of visuals, animations, and humorous voice acting, which enhance the gameplay and storytelling. Overall, the graphics create a charming and peaceful atmosphere that complements the game's strategic elements.
“Amazing gameplay and art style, only suggestion I have for you guys is to make a game mode where you can make your own map and have large battles :)”
“Graphics, scenery, and sounds make it a very nice and peaceful game to play.”
“- beautifully drawn environment, I am in awe of the art style.”
humor
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is highlighted by its witty voice acting and amusing dialogue, which set it apart from more generic titles. Players appreciate the funny storyline and the entertaining exchanges during gameplay, complemented by unique cutscenes that enhance the overall experience. The combination of humor and engaging art style contributes to a memorable and enjoyable strategic gameplay.
“I'm a huge fan of the humorous voice acting; this really sets this game apart from being generic.”
“Almost feels like a bit of a mockery of Stronghold's advisor, hilarious.”
“There are lots of hilarious dialogue exchanges between the fights, and a small unique cutscene plays at the start of each campaign.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The music in the game is praised for its quality, with many users finding the soundtrack to be awesome; however, there is a common desire for greater variety in the musical selections.
“The soundtrack is awesome, but there could be more variety.”