Gameplay - 7/10
Storyline - 9/10
Graphics - 7/10
Game Score : 23/30
If you ever wanted to be a politician, have your own country or just plain control people to do your bidding then this game is perfect for you. Set in medieval times, it allows you to build a kingdom through quest-driven game-play and live out your wildest ambitions. You start off using the Monarch as the main character but gain access to control others as the game progresses. Players will be able to control several types of 'heroes', or professions. Each will have different abilities and responsibilities. These include:
- Monarchs will control the kingdom and be able to deal with neighboring kingdoms diplomatically. They can engage in duels, marry important NPCs, and issue proclamations.
- Wizards can enchant or fight using their spells, which are learned from a large spellbook and include motions which must be memorized.
- Spies can poison other Sims, or steal for the kingdom.
- Priests come in two varieties, Peteran and Jacobian. Peteran Priests follow a simpler path and try to convert Sims with uplifting sermons. Jacobian Priests use fear as a conversion tool, and wear expensive clothing.
- Blacksmiths use ore mined in the kingdom to produce armor and arms.
- Physicians are expected to keep people healthy using period technology, particularly leeches.
- Knights can train for strength and endurance and are used to conquer new lands.
- Merchants have access to foreign goods and trade opportunities.
- Bards can recite poetry and play lute music for other Sims.
Honestly I was never really a fan of this gaming franchise but they have done well for themselves in the industry and have found a portion of the market to call their own. Personally I never really entertained the thought of playing this game mainly because when I play games its to escape reality not so much mimic it; so for me its main theme of role-playing life of sorts never really appealed to me. However for the sake of this blog and my pride as a gamer I decided to give it a go; just like the american school policy of "No child left behind" I have adopted a "No game left behind" policy.
The Sims: Medieval seemingly is a well structured and fun game to play. I must admit at the end of the day the wide range of control and options that they give you is very addictive. I found myself creating a kingdom called Eden and made the monarch of the kingdom Jesus Christ; yes I know some will find that offense but meh; whatever, it's just a game. Anyways; something as trivial as that brought me many hours of laughter seeing people refer to him with the little of Lord because it's medieval times so I in essence had made the 'Lord Jesus Christ' in the game. The attention to detail in character creation is truly noteworthy and you will be sure to take great pride in your creations as you progress through the game. Not to mention the wide variety of choices to interact with NPC's (Non Playable Characters) and their varying opinions and responses to you is highly entertaining. Go ahead and give this game a go if you feel like bending some people to your every whim or maybe you just want a break from this life and enjoy another; it's like they say suicide is not the answer, but The Sims: Medieval could be...
