Summary
- Release Year: 1999
- Genres: Real Time Strategy (RTS), Strategy
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Cavedog Entertainment
- Publishers: GT Interactive Software
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms (1999)
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms (TA:K) is a medieval fantasy real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Cavedog Entertainment and published by GT Interactive Software. It was released on June 25, 1999, and is a standalone expansion pack to the original Total Annihilation game. TA:K introduces new units, buildings, and gameplay mechanics, as well as a new single-player campaign and several new multiplayer maps.
Setting
TA:K is set in the fictional world of Armoria, a land of knights, castles, and magic. The game’s story revolves around the conflict between two rival kingdoms, the Draken and the Vega. The Draken are a race of humans who have been corrupted by the forces of darkness, while the Vega are a race of elves and humans who are fighting to protect their homeland from the Draken’s evil.
Gameplay
TA:K’s gameplay is similar to that of the original Total Annihilation game, but with several key differences. The most notable change is the addition of melee units, which can now fight alongside ranged units and siege weapons. Melee units are more powerful than ranged units in close combat, but they are also more vulnerable to ranged attacks.
Another new gameplay mechanic in TA:K is the use of resources. In the original Total Annihilation game, players could build units and structures without having to worry about gathering resources. However, in TA:K, players must now gather resources in order to build units and structures. Resources can be found in the form of gold mines, wood mines, and stone quarries.
TA:K also features a new single-player campaign that consists of 20 missions. The campaign follows the story of the Vega kingdom as they fight to defeat the Draken and reclaim their homeland. The campaign missions are varied and challenging, and they offer a great way to learn the game’s mechanics and strategies.
Reception
TA:K was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, beautiful graphics, and immersive setting. It was also a hit with multiplayer fans, thanks to its fast-paced and competitive gameplay.
TA:K is still considered to be one of the best RTS games ever made. It is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience. If you are a fan of RTS games, then you should definitely check out TA:K.
Legacy
TA:K has had a lasting impact on the RTS genre. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics have been adopted by many other RTS games, and its setting and atmosphere have inspired many other fantasy games. TA:K is a true classic, and it is still enjoyed by many gamers today.
Here are some of the key features of TA:K:
- New units, buildings, and gameplay mechanics. TA:K introduces a variety of new units, buildings, and gameplay mechanics that were not present in the original Total Annihilation game. These new additions add a lot of depth and strategy to the game.
- A new single-player campaign. TA:K features a new single-player campaign that consists of 20 missions. The campaign follows the story of the Vega kingdom as they fight to defeat the Draken and reclaim their homeland. The campaign missions are varied and challenging, and they offer a great way to learn the game’s mechanics and strategies.
- Beautiful graphics and sound. TA:K features beautiful graphics and sound that bring the world of Armoria to life. The game’s graphics are still impressive today, and the sound design is top-notch.
- Fast-paced and competitive multiplayer gameplay. TA:K’s multiplayer mode is fast-paced and competitive. The game supports up to eight players, and there are a variety of different maps to choose from. TA:K’s multiplayer mode is a great way to test your skills against other players.
If you are a fan of RTS games, then you should definitely check out TA:K. It is a classic game that still holds up today. TA:K is a challenging and rewarding game that offers a unique and immersive experience.
Review Score
8.5/10