Be a King Review

Being a king is hard work, especially when you've got to build up your kingdom with nothing but huts and peasants to start with. This is the set-up for about 75% of all Real-time strategy (RTS) games, and such is the case with Be a King. Developer 300AD has created an RTS that manages to hold its own against the masses thanks to some refreshing quirks.

Be a King uses many RTS staples: you build various structures to populate your community, and the more people you have, the more you can accomplish. Your income (from taxing the commoners) is used to buy materials, which allow you to create more buildings. You also have to protect your citizens from outside forces like bandits and monsters, etc. The game is divided into levels, which you clear by accomplishing a set of objectives, such as earning a certain amount, building certain buildings, reaching a certain population, and so on. This is a nice addition, since it keeps you on track, rather than aimlessly expanding your empire and eventually becoming so powerful that you're no longer threatened by anything the game throws at you.

The graphics are all in 2D, which is acceptable, but seems a little simplistic. This is especially evident when you see the characters move: the sprites are pretty basic. The game could benefit from some 3D, even if it's just in the buildings and environment. The fireworks that shoot off as you complete a level are a nice comical touch.

Sound-wise, Be a King is quite impressive. The intro and tutorial are entirely voiced, which is more than can be expected from many similar genre games. The music is nicely composed, and certainly enhanced the experience. War ballads and epic Old English tunes are abundant and they're excellent.

While it's a solid game, there are some flaws and letdowns. I found myself unable to do some things that I wanted to; things like build my establishments wherever I pleased. Instead, you can only build on designated plots of land, which limits the level of customization possible. Plus, there seems to be a lot of periods of waiting. This is probably just because part of the genre involves waiting and watching things unfold in front of your eyes. Unfortunately, there's not much to watch, since there's very little to manage. Just a little interactivity while you wait would be nice.

Be a King is a good RTS. Careful management of your resources and time are required. Plus, the objective-based gameplay is a nice twist. Basically, the game is great for newcomers to RTS games. Hardcore RTS fanatics will find it to be relaxing and simple, but with enough charm to still make it fun.

Graphics:
Average quality graphics, to put it simply. Nothing stood out, but it's not like it's unattractive. Additionally, the sprites could stand some spit-and-shine.

Sound/Music:
A voiced intro and tutorial was an unexpected (and rather nice) surprise. The music is well composed and fitting: epic Old English strings and horns arrangements.

Gameplay:
Nicely done, but not incredibly polished. I liked many aspects, like the simplicity and the inclusion of individual "levels," but I found it lacking at points. Good, but not refined and groundbreaking enough to make it great.

Concept:
While Be a King executes it well, its concept has been re-visited in just about every RTS game. The concept of "you're a king/leader, go build your empire" is nothing new.

Value:
The game is long, and people looking for a decent deal on a friendly RTS will be pleased with the price, it can be had for as low as $8.00.

Fun:
While not the most sophisticated RTS, Be a King is still a game with lots of appeal. There's plenty to love, even with its small hiccups; just enjoy the game as a whole, and don't look too much for a deep experience.

Overall For Casual Gamers:
Overall For RTS Fans:
Fans of the genre will think that it's a fun diversion, and then head back to larger and more complex games. For the casual gamer, Be a King is a fun game that will act as a gateway to RTS games that are both grander in scheme and depth.