Summary
- Release Year: 2005
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Blue Byte Software
The Settlers: Heritage of Kings (2005)
Introduction
The Settlers: Heritage of Kings is a 2005 real-time strategy game developed by Blue Byte and published by Ubisoft. It is the fifth installment in The Settlers series, and the first to be rendered in 3D. The game tells the story of a young prince, Dario, who must regain control of his dead father’s throne from the evil Mordred.
Gameplay
Heritage of Kings breaks from the typical pattern that previous Settlers games had established. While the basic real-time strategy concept of resource micromanagement remains the same, many gameplay features have changed from those of The Settlers IV and slightly resemble Cossacks: European Wars.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a new resource, called “influence.” Influence is generated by buildings and can be used to purchase upgrades, new units, and other benefits. This adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully manage their influence resources.
Another change is the way that units are produced. In previous Settlers games, units were produced from barracks and other military buildings. In Heritage of Kings, units are produced from a central building called the “town center.” This makes it more difficult to produce large armies quickly, as players must first build a large town center before they can start producing units.
The game also features a new combat system. In previous Settlers games, combat was relatively simple, with units simply attacking each other until one side was defeated. In Heritage of Kings, combat is more complex, with units having different strengths and weaknesses and being able to use a variety of different formations and tactics.
Story
The story of Heritage of Kings follows Prince Dario, the young heir to the throne of the kingdom of Settlers. Dario’s father, King Edgar, has been killed by the evil Mordred, and Dario must now reclaim his birthright and defeat Mordred’s forces.
Dario’s journey takes him across a variety of different landscapes, from lush forests to snow-capped mountains. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters, including allies who help him on his quest and enemies who seek to thwart his progress.
Graphics
Heritage of Kings is the first Settlers game to be rendered in 3D. The game’s graphics are impressive for their time, with detailed models and lush environments. The game also features a dynamic day-night cycle and weather system, which adds to the realism of the game world.
Music
The music of Heritage of Kings is composed by Thomas Hertzler, who also composed the music for previous Settlers games. The soundtrack is a mix of orchestral and electronic music, and it perfectly captures the game’s atmosphere of adventure and intrigue.
Reception
Heritage of Kings received positive reviews from critics, with many praising the game’s graphics, gameplay, and story. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
Legacy
Heritage of Kings is considered to be one of the best games in The Settlers series. The game’s innovative gameplay and stunning graphics helped to set a new standard for real-time strategy games. Heritage of Kings also helped to popularize the use of 3D graphics in strategy games.
Conclusion
The Settlers: Heritage of Kings is a classic real-time strategy game that still holds up today. Its unique blend of resource management and combat, combined with its beautiful graphics and engaging story, make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
