Open The Gates!
- October 17, 2022
- Robin van der Horst
- 2h median play time
Get on Steam"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.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features charming visuals and humorous voice acting that enhance the overall experience.
- Gameplay mechanics are easy to pick up, making it accessible for players while still providing a challenging experience as the game progresses.
- The developer is responsive and shows a genuine care for improving the game, which adds to the overall positive impression.
- The game suffers from difficulty spikes that can make progression frustrating, especially in later missions.
- Unit control is imprecise, leading to frustrating gameplay moments where units do not behave as expected.
- Some game mechanics, such as citizen happiness, are poorly balanced and do not function as intended, detracting from the overall experience.
- gameplay21 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 62 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its engaging and humorous cutscenes, alongside simplified real-time strategy mechanics that are easy to grasp yet become increasingly challenging as players progress. Frequent introductions of new mechanics and units keep the experience fresh, reminiscent of the Stronghold franchise, though some players have noted issues with certain mechanics not functioning as intended. Overall, the game offers a fun and accessible experience suitable for all ages, with a desire for more customization options like map creation.
“It pulls you in with some very silly cutscenes at first, and then the simplified real-time strategy mechanics are so easy to pick up.”
“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.”
- story11 mentions
- 27 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is described as humorous and engaging, with a fun narrative that complements the gameplay. However, players express frustration with mission design, noting that some missions feel poorly constructed and can lead to difficulty in progression, particularly due to the lack of save options and imbalanced enemy forces. Overall, while the game has a charming storyline and appealing visuals, the execution in mission structure detracts from the overall 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 is a great game, but sire, please have mercy on the 3D mission in the white mountains.”
“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.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
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 appealing visuals, humorous voice acting, and dynamic unit animations, which enhance both gameplay and storytelling. Overall, the game's graphics create a charming and enjoyable atmosphere, making it a standout feature.
“Amazing gameplay and art style; only suggestion I have for you guys is to make a game mode where you can create 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.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its engaging voice acting and witty dialogue, which set it apart from more generic titles. Players appreciate the funny storyline and humorous exchanges during gameplay, complemented by unique cutscenes that enhance the overall experience. The combination of a charming art style and comedic elements contributes to a delightful strategic gameplay atmosphere.
“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 the 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.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its awesomeness, though some users feel that it lacks sufficient variety.
“The soundtrack is awesome, but there could be more variety.”
