Summary
- Release Year: 2002
- Genres: Adventure, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Funatics Development
- Publishers: Funatics Development
Cultures: Northland (2002): A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
Cultures: Northland is a real-time strategy and adventure game developed by Funatics Software and published by Kalypso Media. It is the second installment in the Cultures series, and it was released for Microsoft Windows in 2002. The game is set in the world of Norse mythology, and it follows the story of four human heroes who must band together to defeat the evil god Loki.
Gameplay
Cultures: Northland is a real-time strategy game at its core. Players must gather resources, build structures, and train units in order to complete objectives and progress through the game. The game also features a number of adventure elements, such as quests and puzzles.
One of the unique features of Cultures: Northland is its focus on culture. Players can choose to play as one of four different cultures: the Norse, the Celts, the Egyptians, or the Indians. Each culture has its own unique units, buildings, and technologies. Players must learn to use the strengths and weaknesses of their chosen culture in order to succeed.
Another unique feature of Cultures: Northland is its non-linear campaign. Players can choose to complete the game’s missions in any order they wish. This allows for a great deal of replayability, as players can experience the game’s story from different perspectives.
Story
The story of Cultures: Northland is set in the world of Norse mythology. The evil god Loki has been banished from Asgard by Odin, and he is now plotting revenge. Loki has cursed four human heroes–Sigurd, the Frank, Hatschi, the brave Saracen, Bjami, and Crya–with his intrigues and traps. The heroes must band together to defeat Loki and lift his curse.
The story of Cultures: Northland is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and it does a good job of bringing the world of Norse mythology to life.
Graphics
The graphics in Cultures: Northland are dated by today’s standards, but they are still charming and effective. The game’s world is colorful and detailed, and the character models are well-animated. The game also runs smoothly, even on older computers.
Sound
The sound in Cultures: Northland is excellent. The game’s music is atmospheric and immersive, and the sound effects are realistic and well-done. The game’s voice acting is also top-notch, with the actors delivering believable and engaging performances.
Overall
Cultures: Northland is a great real-time strategy and adventure game. The game’s unique focus on culture and its non-linear campaign make it a standout in the genre. The game’s story is well-written and engaging, and the graphics, sound, and gameplay are all top-notch. If you’re a fan of real-time strategy games or adventure games, then you should definitely check out Cultures: Northland.
Score: 8.5/10
Pros:
- Unique focus on culture
- Non-linear campaign
- Well-written and engaging story
- Great graphics, sound, and gameplay
Cons:
- Graphics are dated by today’s standards
- Some missions can be difficult
Review Score
8.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
