King’s Bounty: Dark Side (2014)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

King’s Bounty: Dark Side (2014) Review

Step into the Shadows of Teana

Prepare to embark on an epic journey to the dark side of Teana in King’s Bounty: Dark Side, a captivating turn-based strategy game released in 2014. Developed by 1C Company and Katauri Interactive, this standalone expansion to the King’s Bounty series invites you to explore the unseen realms of this fantastical world.

A Realm of Darkness and Intrigue

As you venture into the uncharted territories of Teana, you’ll encounter a cast of unforgettable characters and delve into a gripping storyline that delves into the depths of morality and the eternal struggle between good and evil. Unlike the previous King’s Bounty titles, Dark Side places you in the shoes of three anti-heroes: Daert, a fallen paladin; Neolin, a cunning demoness; and Orwin, a ruthless vampire.

Each of these characters possesses unique abilities and motivations, offering diverse gameplay experiences. Daert, once a noble knight, now embraces the darkness, wielding powerful holy magic to smite his enemies. Neolin, a seductive and enigmatic demoness, commands an army of undead creatures, spreading fear and chaos across the battlefield. Orwin, the cunning vampire, relies on stealth and deception, using his vampiric powers to drain the life force from his foes.

A Strategic Masterpiece

King’s Bounty: Dark Side stays true to the series’ renowned turn-based combat system, offering a challenging and rewarding strategic experience. The game introduces several new gameplay mechanics that enhance the depth and complexity of battles.

One notable addition is the “Morale” system. Each unit now has a Morale stat that affects their combat effectiveness. High Morale units deal more damage and have increased defense, while low Morale units are more likely to flee or be defeated. Managing your units’ Morale is crucial for success, as it can be influenced by various factors such as leadership skills, special abilities, and battlefield conditions.

Another new feature is the “Corruption” system. As you progress through the game, your anti-hero characters will become increasingly corrupted by the dark forces they wield. Corruption grants powerful bonuses but also comes with drawbacks. For example, Daert’s holy magic becomes more potent, but he also becomes more susceptible to demonic influences. Managing Corruption is essential to unlocking your characters’ full potential while mitigating the risks it poses.

A World of Enchanting Beauty and Peril

King’s Bounty: Dark Side boasts stunning visuals that bring the world of Teana to life. From the lush forests and desolate wastelands to the opulent castles and eerie dungeons, every environment is meticulously crafted to immerse you in the game’s dark fantasy setting.

The character designs are equally impressive, with each unit featuring intricate details and unique animations. The battlefields are dynamic and interactive, allowing you to use the terrain and obstacles to your advantage. Whether you’re commanding an army of undead or leading a charge of holy knights, the visuals of King’s Bounty: Dark Side will leave a lasting impression.

An Epic Adventure for Strategy Aficionados

King’s Bounty: Dark Side is a masterclass in turn-based strategy gaming. With its captivating storyline, compelling characters, innovative gameplay mechanics, and stunning visuals, it offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the King’s Bounty series or a newcomer to the genre, Dark Side is a must-play for anyone who enjoys challenging and rewarding strategy games.

Key Features:

  • Embark on an epic journey to the dark side of Teana as one of three anti-heroes: Daert, Neolin, or Orwin.
  • Experience a gripping storyline that explores the depths of morality and the eternal struggle between good and evil.
  • Master the innovative “Morale” and “Corruption” systems to enhance your strategic prowess on the battlefield.
  • Lead armies of diverse units, from undead creatures to holy knights, each with unique abilities and strengths.
  • Immerse yourself in stunning visuals that bring the world of Teana to life with enchanting beauty and perilous dangers.

Pros:

  • Compelling storyline and unforgettable characters
  • Innovative gameplay mechanics that add depth and complexity to battles
  • Stunning visuals and immersive environments
  • High replayability value with multiple character campaigns and challenging difficulty levels

Cons:

  • Some may find the game’s difficulty to be unforgiving
  • The story can be somewhat predictable at times

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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