Theocracy
- November 24, 2022
- Marcel Strbak
- 20h median play time
Get on Steam"Theocracy is a single-player, turn-based strategy game that takes about 20 hours to complete. As the leader of a theocratic empire, you must use divine power, military force, and miracles to convert and conquer enemy regions. Manage and improve your territories, cast miracles, and watch out for heretics. With various ways to approach each situation, the game offers a unique and engaging experience."
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Theocracy offers a fresh and simplified take on the classic Civilization formula, focusing on religion and strategic gameplay without overwhelming mechanics.
- The game features intuitive mechanics that allow players to quickly engage with the gameplay, making it accessible for both new and experienced players.
- It includes interesting elements like mythology and magic, as well as a random map generator, enhancing replayability and variety in gameplay.
- The game has some technical issues, such as running only in full-screen mode and lacking sound effect volume control, which can hinder the user experience.
- The user interface is minimal and can be confusing, lacking features like production queues and clear navigation for new players.
- Some players feel that the game could benefit from additional mechanics, such as road building and siege engines, to enhance depth and strategy.
- gameplay4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simple yet engaging mechanics that prioritize religion as a central objective, reminiscent of Polytopia. Players appreciate the balance between simplicity and complexity, allowing for enjoyable strategic decisions without overwhelming micromanagement, while also encouraging exploration of surprising twists throughout the game.
“Simple mechanics, interesting gameplay.”
“Theocracy makes the religion mechanics of later civilization installments shine by turning it from an afterthought into the main objective and simplifying everything else, pretty much like Polytopia did.”
“The mechanics are simple enough so you don't end up micromanaging your cities, but also complex (and sometimes funny) to keep you hooked for one more turn. There are also a few surprising twists, so don't read too much into all the tutorials later in the game; it's better to find them on your own.”
“Not drown you in overwhelming layers of too many overlapping mechanics.”
“Theocracy makes the religion mechanics of later civilization installments shine by turning it from an afterthought into the main objective and simplifying everything else pretty much like Polytopia did.”
- music3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the ability to adjust the music volume, but express frustration over the inability to change sound effect volume within the game, requiring a workaround through system settings. Some users find it beneficial that the game defaults to having the music volume turned down completely.
“I like that the game defaulted to the music volume being turned all the way down!”
“The music volume can be changed, but there is no way to change the sound effect volume.”
“The workaround is to set the system volume outside the game so that you are happy with the sound effect volume, and then adjust the music volume.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by its clever commentary on the relationship between science and faith, often presented in a lighthearted manner. Players appreciate the balance of simple yet engaging mechanics that lead to amusing situations, along with unexpected twists that enhance the overall experience.
“The design is very neat and simple (contrary to Dominions), and there's something really funny in how television can reduce science and increase your faith on one hand, and how too much science is bad for your theocracy.”
“The mechanics are simple enough so you don't end up micromanaging your cities, but also complex (and sometimes funny) to keep you hooked for one more turn. There are also a few surprising twists, so don't read too much into all the tutorials later in the game; it's better to find them on your own.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are described as simple yet effective, reminiscent of classic titles like Civilization II, which enhances its modding potential. While the current visuals may not be cutting-edge, they contribute to a satisfying gameplay experience, especially for fans of the genre. Future updates may introduce more advanced features, including scenario creation tools and unit animations.
“The game has a random map generator, supports easily accessible and very Civ2-like rules and graphic files, making it good for modding. The author plans to add scenario creation tools and possibly unit animation (presumably similar to Civ3 and Civ2: Test of Time) in the future too.”
“If you don't mind simpler graphics, this is a 4X game that satisfies that 'just one more turn' itch.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“Character models are poorly designed and animations are stiff, making the game visually unappealing.”
“The environments are bland and repetitive, which detracts from the overall immersion.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's interface is primarily optimized for mouse use, which may result in small text that can be challenging for some players, but overall, it remains functional and usable.
“The interface is well-optimized for mouse use, making the game quite user-friendly despite the small text.”
“The optimization of the game allows for smooth gameplay, enhancing the overall experience.”
“I appreciate how the game has been optimized to run efficiently, providing a seamless experience even on lower-end systems.”
“The text is a bit small, and the interface is optimized for a mouse, which can be frustrating for players using other input methods.”
“The game suffers from significant performance issues, making it difficult to enjoy the experience.”
“Optimization seems to be an afterthought, as the game frequently lags and crashes during gameplay.”
