Tzar: The Burden of the Crown (2000)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Tzar: The Burden of the Crown (2000)

Tzar: The Burden of the Crown is a real-time strategy (RTS) game developed by Haemimont Games and published by Take-Two Interactive in 2000. The game is set in a fictional medieval world and tasks players with conquering neighboring kingdoms and destroying their castles.

Tzar features three playable races: the Europeans, Asians, and Arabians. Each race has its own unique set of buildings, units, and special abilities. The Europeans are a well-rounded race with a strong focus on infantry and cavalry. The Asians are known for their powerful ranged units and siege weapons. The Arabians are a versatile race with a mix of infantry, cavalry, and ranged units.

The game’s campaign mode consists of 12 missions, each with its own unique objectives. In some missions, the player must destroy an enemy force, while in others they must protect a citadel from attack. The campaign mode also introduces the game’s three different difficulty levels: easy, normal, and hard.

In addition to the campaign mode, Tzar also features a skirmish mode where players can battle against AI opponents or other human players. Skirmish mode can be played on a variety of maps, each with its own unique terrain and resources.

Tzar was praised for its innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and challenging campaign mode. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Tzar is a real-time strategy game in which the player controls a group of units and buildings in order to conquer neighboring kingdoms. The game’s basic gameplay mechanics are similar to other RTS games such as Warcraft and StarCraft. The player must gather resources, build structures, and train units in order to grow their army and attack their enemies.

One of the unique features of Tzar is its focus on diplomacy. Players can form alliances with other kingdoms, trade resources, and even marry their daughters to foreign rulers. Diplomacy can be a powerful tool for expanding one’s empire without resorting to war.

Another unique feature of Tzar is its unit customization system. Players can upgrade their units with new weapons and armor, and they can also train them in new abilities. This system allows players to create a truly unique army that is tailored to their own playstyle.

Setting

Tzar is set in a fictional medieval world known as the Realm of Aon. The realm is divided into a number of different kingdoms, each with its own unique culture and military. The game’s story follows the rise and fall of these kingdoms as they struggle for power and control.

The Realm of Aon is a harsh and unforgiving world. The land is ravaged by war and disease, and the people are constantly struggling to survive. However, the realm is also a place of great beauty and wonder. The forests are filled with ancient trees and magical creatures, and the mountains are home to snow-capped peaks and sparkling glaciers.

Characters

Tzar features a cast of memorable characters, each with their own unique motivations and goals. The game’s protagonist is Ivan, a young prince who is destined to become the Tzar of Aon. Ivan is a brave and compassionate leader, but he is also haunted by the death of his father.

Other important characters in the game include:

  • Sophia, Ivan’s sister and the princess of Aon. Sophia is a wise and beautiful woman who is a trusted advisor to her brother.
  • Boris, Ivan’s cousin and a powerful general. Boris is a skilled warrior and a loyal friend, but he is also ambitious and ruthless.
  • Anastasia, a young woman who is destined to become the Tzarina of Aon. Anastasia is a kind and gentle woman who is loved by all who know her.

Reception

Tzar was released to critical acclaim in 2000. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, detailed graphics, and challenging campaign mode. Tzar was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

The game has been praised for its:

  • Innovative gameplay: Tzar’s focus on diplomacy and unit customization set it apart from other RTS games at the time.
  • Detailed graphics: Tzar’s graphics were some of the best in the industry at the time, and they still hold up today.
  • Challenging campaign mode: Tzar’s campaign mode is full of challenging missions that will test even the most experienced RTS players.

Overall, Tzar is a classic RTS game that is still enjoyed by many today. If you are a fan of the genre, then you owe it to yourself to check out Tzar.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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