Preview by Graham Clifford

The Crusades used to be an overlooked period in history for gaming, but recently it has become quite the popular setting. The Total War series has holidayed there twice and first instalment of Assassin’s Creed was also based there. Now Paradox is getting in on the action and they too have now based an entire game around the period.

I must admit that I do find this period fascinating. Also, the cult status of the Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller coupled with the fanaticism of ensuring Jerusalem was in the right hands certainly lays the foundation for conflict and it’s this conflict that fuels most games based around this period.

Imagine if CA and Paradox teamed-up
If you’ve ever seen any screenshots or videos of Lionheart: Kings’ Crusade then the words Total War clone may echo away throughout your skull, but I would kindly ask to quash that thought because it’s completely untrue. There are some minor similarities, but certainly not enough to get the lawyers involved.

In this preview of Lionheart I took part in one mission, the battle of Acre. Before beginning the battle though, I was given a quick glance at the campaign map. Unlike most strategy games you don’t recruit dozens of different armies, but instead recruit one. Each army can also be customised in various ways to improve their role in battle. Units can have upgrades on weapons and armour as well as be equipped with potions and elixirs that all provide health bonuses.

Hero units can also find relics through the Crusades which can be equipped to provide bonuses to all nearby troops. In this preview version I was able to give King Richard the horn...a horn...a magical horn...you know what I mean. It will be interesting to see what Paradox fans make of these magical items and elixirs since most strategy games that have come out of their studio usually favour historical accuracy.

Armies can also have individual members attached to them. Priests provide a health bonus and also increase the percentage of losses recovered after a battle. Captains increase unit’s defensive and offensive abilities which make them essential in any campaign. Certain battles also have specific objectives. In this battle I was assaulting the city of Acre so in the army bonuses section I invested in siege costs.

Depending on the battle I could also have invested in other areas like sabotaging city walls. It seems that army management will be the key to victory in the Holy Land and an essential element in Lionheart: Kings’ Crusade. I like this feature as you feel more attached to your army on a personal level. Many units will gain battlefield achievements that increase their skill and talents so you can always rely on your veterans to get you out of a tough jam if needed.

Orlando Bloom ruined Kingdom of Heaven
Once you’ve managed your army you’re taken to the battle screen. Battles are a lot different compared to the Total War series. You don’t start with your full army on one side of the map and the enemy on the other, but instead are taken to the pre battle screen. Here, you’re given essential details of the weather, terrain and enemy. Each battle will have certain objectives and key points.

In the battle of Acre you will have to select what units to land on the beach with. There you will have to hold a port in order for the rest of your army land. From there you must launch an offensive to two different locations marked as siege points. When these are taken you can construct siege equipment which will then lead to an offensive on the city itself. Of course the AI just won’t sit idle by. They will be looking to launch offensives on the port and other key areas in a bid to thwart your battle plans.

Finally, the game showed off its diplomacy which I was not overly impressed with. Other factions inhabit the holy land and your actions will please some and anger others. Take the siege of Acre for example. Choosing to attack at night would have pleased Venice, but attacking during the day would please the Papal States. Picky demands like that give the impression of a diplomacy system that was only implemented at the last second. Hopefully in the full release we see a more complicated system.

One to watch?
Graphically, the unit detail and maps are excellent. Zooming in on a company of knights really shows the engine at its best. One small criticism I have is the clone armies. I know the feature is very taxing on FPS, but the option to turn it on or off would have been welcomed. There wasn’t much sound to be heard from the game itself, but given the fact it’s a preview copy it’s understandable.

I have high hopes for Lionheart: Kings’ Crusade. It certainly should make Creative Assembly look tentatively over its shoulder as Paradox has a great reputation for strategy and it seems to be edging ever closer to its rival.

Lionheart Kings' Crusade will be released on October 15th on PC-DVD and is available now for pre-order at Amazon