I had to format my computer a couple of days ago and have been busy reinstalling programs and games over the past few days, so didn't have time to write a full review today. It isn’t really a review; just a summary of the games features plus several links to screenshots, screenshots of the in game tutorial and a video as well as some decent reviews posted elsewhere on the net. It’s past 3am and I’m too tired too write a full review so I hope you’ll forgive me for the lack of a decent one today. I have played the game for a couple of hours on and off throughout the day (The demo allows you to play the first several levels).
Introduction
Quote:
Play a quick action strategy game, different from any you have seen before! Kingmania is a fast and simple, yet challenging, game that will test your ability to make quick tactical decisions. You control different buildings, using their power and the power of hordes of your lieges to defeat your opponents. And if you like online challenges, you can play with your friends in multiplayer mode!
ref: http://kingmania.300ad.com/ accessed 24th May 08
Main game features:
30 levels Over 30 structure upgrades
5 mass destruction spells
5 opponents with different strategies - find their weak spots!
Multiplayer mode to play with your friends online!
System Requirements:
OS................XP/Vista
CPU...............1.2GHz
Graphic Memory....64MB
3D rendering......OpenGL recomended
If you don't have openGL installed you can get it free from:
http://www.berkelium.com/OpenGL/sgi-download.html
For those with up to date computers that have a decent graphics card, there is a beta version of KingMania Advanced available from:
(www.gameofyear.com/download/kingmaniaAdvSetup.exe)
I’ve disabled the hyperlink because the link takes you to a direct download which isn’t allowed on this site. The Advanced version is only a free bonus for standard Kingmania owners. If you do have problems accessing the download you can also find the link by following the link to the home page, which I've given above under the quote.
Video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=fA-b1Ducaxk
Tutorial Images:
All on one page:
http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/Whiterabbit_01/gaotd/Kingmania/?start=all
As a slide show:
http://s109.photobucket.com/albums/n61/Whiterabbit_01/gaotd/Kingmania/?albumview=slideshow
Googled Images:
http://images.google.co.uk/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=Kingmania+game&btnG=Search+Images
http://images.google.co.uk/images?gbv=2&hl=en&q=Kingmania&btnG=Search+Images
http://images.google.co.uk/images?hl=en&q=Kingmania+&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2
Worthwhile reviews:
http://www.gametunnel.com/gamespace.php?id=403&tab=3
http://www.softwareheadlines.com/modules/planet/view.article.php/233776
http://www.reflexive.com/KingMania.html
Conclusion
I recommend downloading and trying this game out; though if you’re not sure, check out the video link that I’ve posted above as it gives you an idea as to what the game play looks like. Playing it on the hardest difficulty setting (accessible from the levels map) makes for a very challenging game. Be sure to know the game mechanics before you try it on this setting as otherwise you’ll soon lose your wizards tower and castle (and thus lose the ability to create new knights). The graphics are of the isometric form, with the ability to pan around and zoom in using the mouse cursor and simple controls that you’ll find in game. I don’t think I could play it for protracted periods though, because the game play does become a little tedious after awhile which makes this an ideal arcade game for filling up those odd few minutes you’ve nothing better to do. (I recommend playing it for no more than about half an hour at a time) It’s a change from the usual puzzlers, arkanoids and shooters; requiring a little strategy as well as luck to progress.
It’s definitely worth a 7 out of 10 IMO and will be staying on at least one of my computers.