The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom
- March 23, 2010
- Blue Byte Software
The Settlers 7: Paths to a Kingdom is a historical real-time strategy game that offers both single-player and multiplayer options. In this sequel, players can choose their own path to victory while creating, building, and managing their kingdom in an innovative, customizable, and highly replayable experience. The game features new graphics, a revamped battle system, and deep strategic gameplay.
Mac OS
PC
Reviews
- Beautiful graphics and charming setting that enhance the gameplay experience.
- Deep and complex economic management system that offers various strategies for victory.
- Engaging gameplay with a mix of city-building and RTS elements, providing a unique experience in the genre.
- Uplay's always-online DRM creates significant accessibility issues, often preventing players from enjoying the game.
- The game can feel overwhelming due to its complex micromanagement and time-pressure gameplay, making it less enjoyable for casual players.
- Combat mechanics are simplistic and lack depth, which may disappoint players looking for a more strategic combat experience.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this title has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its strategic depth and unique mechanics, while others criticize its clunky interface and overly competitive nature that diverges from the more casual experience of earlier installments. The game features a steep learning curve and a complex economy, which may appeal to dedicated strategy fans, but its execution has been deemed ham-handed by some, leading to a less enjoyable experience overall. Overall, while the graphics and some gameplay elements are praised, the gameplay itself is seen as flawed and not as engaging as previous titles in the series.
“If you like the idea of RTS, but don't like the super fast twitch gameplay that requires you to have a certain number of 'actions per minute' to feel like you're being successful, this might be the game for you.”
“[Extremely deep and complex economy, gorgeous graphics, balanced, exciting risk/reward gameplay].”
“Its such a shame that Settlers 2 or even 3 outshine such a later title; even Knights and Merchants holds up better in terms of gameplay. Settlers 7 reached too far, too fast and fell.”
“This game opted for a much more competitive, strategic, and time-pressure oriented gameplay over the previous game's casual and laid-back buildup at your own pace.”
“As a strategy/city building game with a lot of unusual mechanics and a bit of a learning curve, this game was never going to appeal to everyone.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised, receiving an 8/10 rating for their stunning detail and pleasing Victorian art style, which enhances the visual experience of landscapes and character designs. Players appreciate the variety in geographical appearances across different campaign maps, contributing to the game's overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the graphics are complemented by excellent music and sound effects, making for an engaging return experience.
“The graphics, music, and sound effects are fantastic.”
“The graphics are superb and the newly added co-op mode is a nice change of pace to the competitive gameplay!”
“Victorian art style for characters and structures looks pleasing.”
“The game has some graphical landscape details, but they often feel underwhelming and lack the depth expected from modern titles.”
“The varying geographical and terrain campaign map appearances are inconsistent, making it hard to appreciate the overall visual design.”
“While the Victorian art style for characters and structures looks pleasing, it doesn't compensate for the lack of detail in other graphical elements.”
- story5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players finding it lacking or "meh," while others appreciate the decent narrative and the tutorial provided in the campaign. Overall, it appears to be a weak point, with ratings as low as 2/10, though some content like DLC and game modes are seen as redeeming factors.
“Story is decent, overall 9/10, great tutorial for new players!”
“I played older settlers missions for hours.”
“The DLC and the empire game modes make up for the story.”
“The campaign is terrible but offers a tutorial for the first 6 missions.”
“The story is a bit 'meh' but the DLC and the empire game modes make up for that.”
“The game: graphics: 8/10, story: 2/10, multiplayer: 5/10, gameplay: 4/10.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game has been criticized for being buggy, particularly in the building interface and the overall user experience, which some players found clunky. Additionally, issues with Ubisoft's Uplay platform have led to frustrations regarding game access and account verification, further detracting from the overall stability of the gaming experience.
“This allows time for the owner's army to arrive, interrupting, at which point the meter freezes until the battle is resolved.”
“For one, it's buggy, or was when I last played it - I haven't had the chance in a long time now because Ubisoft still hasn't verified that I have the game on my account.”
“I like Ubisoft games, but their 'Uplay' is just a pitiful, buggy mess that does nothing to hamper piracy and only saves them money by getting their crazier customers to buy their games twice.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
While the campaign offers a satisfying experience, the true replayability lies in the skirmish modes. However, some users note that once the campaign is completed, overall replayability may be limited.
“It has a very satisfying campaign, but the skirmish modes are where the real replayability shines.”
“Every playthrough feels unique due to the diverse strategies and choices available.”
“The random events and different character paths keep me coming back for more.”
“Don't miss out on a sale because there is little replayability once the campaign is done.”
“It has a very satisfying campaign, but skirmish modes are where the real replayability is.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players note that the early game focuses heavily on acquiring various permanent performance boosts for settlers, military units, and other advantages, indicating a strategic emphasis on optimization from the outset.
“The early game is a race for a multitude of permanent performance boosts for settlers, military, and other advantages.”
“The optimization mechanics allow for strategic planning that significantly enhances gameplay efficiency.”
“I love how the game encourages players to optimize their resources for maximum impact in both short and long-term strategies.”
“The early game feels like a race for a multitude of permanent performance boosts for settlers, military, or other advantages.”
“Optimization is severely lacking, making it difficult to manage resources effectively.”
“The game's performance issues hinder the overall experience, especially during critical moments.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players express strong dissatisfaction with the game's monetization strategy, particularly criticizing the requirement to download Ubisoft's DRM, which they perceive as intrusive and unnecessary. This has led some users to abandon the game entirely, preferring to stick with platforms like Steam.
“But, given recent updates, there's no way in hell I'm playing this game anymore - I'm not downloading the Ubisoft DRM, or as their advertising team would probably call it, 'community portal.' I don't want to be part of Ubisoft's crappy community; that's why I have Steam.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely regarded as charming, contributing positively to the overall experience.
“The atmosphere is enchanting and immersive.”
“The game's atmosphere draws you in and keeps you engaged.”
“Every detail contributes to a captivating atmosphere that enhances the experience.”
- music1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music, along with the graphics and sound effects, is highly praised, contributing to an overall fantastic audio-visual experience.
“The graphics, music, and sound effects are fantastic.”
