Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Indie, Real Time Strategy (RTS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Horde: The Northern Wind (1999)
Horde: The Northern Wind is a real-time strategy game developed by Slavic Magic and published by Buka Entertainment in 1999. The game is based on Russian folk stories and mythology, and tasks the player with building and defending a settlement while developing their economy and army.
The game begins with the player choosing one of three heroes: Ilya Muromets, Dobrynya Nikitich, or Alyosha Popovich. Each hero has their own unique abilities and strengths, and the player must choose the one that best suits their playstyle.
Once the player has chosen their hero, they are taken to a map of the game world. The world is divided into provinces, each of which is controlled by a different faction. The player must conquer these provinces in order to expand their territory and gain access to new resources.
To conquer a province, the player must first build an army. This can be done by constructing barracks and training units. The player can also recruit units from the local population. Once the player has a large enough army, they can attack the enemy province.
Combat in Horde: The Northern Wind is turn-based. The player moves their units around the battlefield and attacks the enemy units. The player can also use spells and abilities to support their units.
If the player is victorious in battle, they will conquer the province and gain control of its resources. The player can then use these resources to build new structures, train new units, and research new technologies.
The player must also defend their settlement from attack. The enemy will often send raids to try to destroy the player’s buildings and kill their units. The player must build walls and towers to protect their settlement, and they must also train a strong army to defend it.
Horde: The Northern Wind is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique blend of strategy and action. The game’s beautiful graphics and engaging gameplay make it a must-play for fans of real-time strategy games.
Gameplay
Horde: The Northern Wind is a real-time strategy game that tasks the player with building and defending a settlement while developing their economy and army. The game is played from a top-down perspective, and the player controls their units directly.
The game world is divided into provinces, each of which is controlled by a different faction. The player must conquer these provinces in order to expand their territory and gain access to new resources.
To conquer a province, the player must first build an army. This can be done by constructing barracks and training units. The player can also recruit units from the local population. Once the player has a large enough army, they can attack the enemy province.
Combat in Horde: The Northern Wind is turn-based. The player moves their units around the battlefield and attacks the enemy units. The player can also use spells and abilities to support their units.
If the player is victorious in battle, they will conquer the province and gain control of its resources. The player can then use these resources to build new structures, train new units, and research new technologies.
The player must also defend their settlement from attack. The enemy will often send raids to try to destroy the player’s buildings and kill their units. The player must build walls and towers to protect their settlement, and they must also train a strong army to defend it.
Setting
Horde: The Northern Wind is set in a fictionalized version of ancient Russia. The game’s world is based on Russian folk stories and mythology, and it features many of the creatures and characters from these stories.
The game’s story takes place during a time of great turmoil. The land is being ravaged by hordes of monsters, and the people are looking for a hero to save them. The player takes on the role of one of these heroes, and they must travel the land, defeat the monsters, and restore peace to the kingdom.
Characters
The player can choose to play as one of three heroes in Horde: The Northern Wind:
- Ilya Muromets: A legendary Russian hero who is known for his great strength and courage.
- Dobrynya Nikitich: A skilled warrior and diplomat who is known for his wisdom and cunning.
- Alyosha Popovich: A young and reckless warrior who is known for his bravery and quick wit.
Each hero has their own unique abilities and strengths, and the player must choose the one that best suits their playstyle.
Reception
Horde: The Northern Wind was released to critical acclaim. The game was praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging gameplay, and unique setting. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Horde: The Northern Wind is considered to be one of the best real-time strategy games of all time. The game’s innovative gameplay and unique setting have made it a classic among fans of the genre.
Legacy
Horde: The Northern Wind has had a lasting impact on the real-time strategy genre. The game’s unique setting and gameplay have inspired many other games, and it is still considered to be one of the best examples of the genre.
The game has also been praised for its cultural significance. Horde: The Northern Wind is one of the few games that is based on Russian folk stories and mythology, and it has helped to introduce these stories to a wider audience.
Horde: The Northern Wind is a truly unique and special game. It is a must-play for fans of real-time strategy games, and it is also a valuable cultural artifact that can teach players about Russian folk stories and mythology.
Review Score
8/10
