Rereleasing an indie game is always something that can be handled in a variety of ways, but few do it substantially. If you’re lucky, you’ll get some bonus content or a playable mascot, but nothing beyond major mechanical and conceptual changes, which is sometimes what a game needs. I’ve become particularly wary after critiquing so many, but with Kingdom being a strategy game, it has to do a whole lot new to impress. So does it?
Gameplay:
On the surface, Kingdom: New Lands is a minimalist strategy game, giving off the vibe of Superbrothers: Sword & Sorcery, although different in terms of genre. Examples like this can be found the game’s forward thinking structure. You need to resource properly and use the right people for certain tasks, in order to keep on surviving. This also cuts out some overly linear traits I was worried about, on top of this aspect being great on it’s own.
Story & Design:
While I’ll get into some of the needed changes that have been added to Kingdom, the game’s campaign has suffered the opposite effect. There isn’t a clear difficulty curve, eschewing any form of growing expertise. This makes the most intense parts in the game feel hollow, considering it’s nearly impossible to clutch and continue.
However, the game’s other changes feel quite refreshing. There’s more exploration which dissipates some of the repetition found in pre-night segments. Some of the game’s goals have been expanded as well, leading to a much more complete product.
Presentation/ Visuals & Audio:
Kingdom New Lands is yet another example of how to do pixel art right, as there’s an exquisite amount of detail and prowess. The sound design is quite exceptional too, featuring a haunting soundtrack and compelling effects. If anything, this subsides the game’s weak story sections.
Conclusion:
Kingdom: New Lands isn’t exactly serene, but it has enough worthwhile moments due to fleshed out design. The one rough patch is pretty divisive (I’ve seen others gloss over the challenge) so this makes the game slightly less compelling to anybody who isn’t a strategy advocate.
Kingdom New Lands gets a 8/10 (Very Good)
If you’d like to read more features and or reviews like this, please check out The Cube on Medium.com, or our Twitter @TheCubeMedium for more updates.
