Seven Kingdoms: Ancient Adversaries
- March 22, 2016
- Enlight Software Limited
Get on SteamSeven Kingdoms: Ancient Adversaries is a real-time strategy game that combines elements of economy management, kingdom building, and tactical warfare. Players must gather resources, research technologies, and recruit armies to expand their kingdom while battling rival factions for control of the map. With various playable civilizations, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, the game offers high replayability and a deep strategic experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique blend of RTS mechanics with a focus on economic management, espionage, and diplomacy, making it a deep and engaging experience.
- Despite its age, the gameplay remains addictive and fun, with many players enjoying the nostalgia and replayability it offers.
- The game runs well on modern systems, and many players appreciate the solid tutorial and manual that help newcomers learn the mechanics.
- The graphics and overall presentation feel dated, which may deter new players who are accustomed to modern visuals.
- The Steam version has been reported to have frequent crashes and bugs, leading some players to recommend alternative versions from fan projects.
- The combat mechanics can become monotonous, often reducing battles to overwhelming enemy forces with siege equipment rather than strategic engagement.
- gameplay35 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its polished and simple mechanics, offering a fun and immersive experience with high replayability, despite its dated graphics and lack of a robust multiplayer community. While the core gameplay is considered exceptional and ahead of its time, some players note that it can become monotonous and recommend familiarizing oneself with the mechanics for a deeper appreciation. Overall, it remains a solid fantasy RTS with complex features that many players still enjoy.
“It does not have any fancy campaign, with cutscenes, a lot of narration, etc. What it has is a polished and simple gameplay system that is extremely fun and brings huge replayability.”
“The gameplay is perfect for what I want; RTS fighting, resource-based economy (resources don't end, they just respawn in a different area), no population limit, no military limit, espionage, boats, siege weapons, etc. I like many games, but I love this game.”
“My first RTS game growing up, this game was extremely immersive and ahead of its time with a variety of features and complex mechanics, truly a masterpiece.”
“Gameplay can become monotonous.”
“Sadly, many of the game mechanics were oversimplified in the later edition.”
“Because of complex underlying mechanics, you can almost beat your enemies just to see half your army defect because you haven't maintained morale.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 31 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game, originating from 1997, are generally considered dated, with some users noting glitches and basic visuals. While they may not impress by modern standards, many players appreciate the game's charm and mechanics, suggesting that the graphics do not detract significantly from the overall experience. There is a desire among some fans for a remake that enhances the visuals while preserving the original gameplay.
“The graphics are lovely!”
“The game originated from 1997; its graphics have aged a fair amount, yet they did not do so in a horrible way.”
“The game offers some nice graphics, although there are some ugly glitches here and there; it is pleasant all the same.”
“Graphically, the game feels quite dated, but it doesn't take long to get a feel for the basics, although it's possible to lose the tutorial if played at high speed to train initial military units.”
“How I wish that there was a remake of this game with better graphics, widescreen, more nations, more units, bigger maps, but with the same gameplay and mechanics.”
“When my friends see me playing this game, they think I'm just passing time with an old game with poor graphics.”
- replayability6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The game offers a polished and straightforward gameplay system that emphasizes fun and challenge, resulting in high replayability. While it lacks a traditional campaign with cutscenes and narration, its engaging mechanics encourage players to return for multiple playthroughs.
“It does not have any fancy campaign, with cutscenes or a lot of narration. What it has is a polished and simple gameplay system that is extremely fun and brings huge replayability.”
“The replayability level here is impressive.”
“Replayability level here?”
“A challenging strategy game with a lot of replayability.”
- music6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with users expressing satisfaction with the soundtrack and its alignment with their expectations. The simplicity and variety of choices also contribute to an enjoyable auditory experience.
“The soundtrack, the civ choices, and the simplicity were all exactly what I wanted.”
“I like the soundtrack.”
“The soundtrack, the civ choices, and the simplicity were all exactly what I wanted.”
- story4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers a customizable campaign with no overarching story, allowing players to set their own goals, alongside basic scenarios with pre-set objectives. While the narrative aspect is minimal, the gameplay remains highly addictive and engaging.
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted through nostalgic anecdotes, such as a player recalling how their younger brother's discussions about the game's violence led to parental trouble. Additionally, the amusing realization of forgetting gameplay mechanics after nearly two decades adds a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
“And on a funny note, this game actually got my parents in trouble since my youngest brother would talk about all of the blood and gore in this game when he was in kindergarten.”
“And yes, I spent tons of time playing this game, and a funny fact is when I bought this game on Steam, I ran it on my new PC and actually forgot how to play it because 18-19 years have passed by (now currently, in the time of writing this review, I am actually 30 years old).”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game features appealing graphics but is marred by frequent bugs and glitches, which can disrupt gameplay to the extent of requiring users to log out and back into Windows. Overall, while enjoyable, stability issues detract from the experience.
“The only issue is that it can be pretty buggy, and at times you will have to sign out of Windows and log back in to play.”
“The game offers some nice graphics, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and boring, often leading to frustration and a desire to give up. However, many appreciate the rewarding experience of transforming a struggling kingdom into a powerful empire, which adds a sense of accomplishment despite the grind.
“Grinding becomes so tedious and boring that I eventually gave up on it, but I must admit my favorite part of this game is transforming a small kingdom that can barely support itself into a mighty empire that can easily throw money at any issue and come out on top.”
“The grinding aspect of the game is incredibly repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged, even though I enjoy building my empire.”
“I found the grinding to be a major chore, which detracted from the enjoyment of developing my kingdom into a powerful empire.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, highlighting its ability to immerse them in the experience of ruling a country, which has contributed to their long-term engagement and enjoyment. This unique emotional resonance sets it apart from other strategy games.
“Out of all the strategy games I have played, there hasn't been another game that made me feel more like I was actually ruling a country like this game does. That has been the reason I have played it regularly for so many years.”
