Gameplay

 

 

 

 

Rage of War featured two major factions: Romans and Celts. The basic game modes are Adventure(campaign) Mode and Single Player/Multiplayer Mode. In the Adventure Mode, players assume the role of Larax, a tribesman who pledges his life to Kathobodua, the goddess of war, following a raid by Teutons destruction of his village and death of his wife (cliché back then too).

 

Along the way, players get a chance to embark on small quests and recover small items then boost the hero's abilities. In addition, Larax gets a chance to assemble large armies every now and then for set-piece battles. Gradually, players are introduced to more resource management and military recruitment techniques.

 

 

 

 

Interestingly, the game put a lot of emphasis on the general/hero, who could command and organize around 40 units (if I remember correctly). Multiple heroes allow users to manage larger armies. Heroes can also train their soldiers to improve their experience but the health bar does decrease during the process, which renders those units unfit for battle immediately after the secession.

 

Another interesting element is the fact that most often brute force does not work when trying to destroy an enemy village/city. Instead, players were forced to make quick tactical decisions on siege engines, flanking and ranged attacks in order to win battles. Players who opt for brute force, generally need a very large supply of gold to replenish armies quickly enough to overwhelm foes.

 

 

 

 

Everything else happened inside the cities and forts located close by. Key structures in the city allowed players to recruit soldiers, manage funds, recruit priests (essential for healing) , peasants (to repair, build and create armies). Some interesting micro-managing elements introduced a simple but interesting aspect of realism into the game. For instance, gold and other resources must be transported with mules.

 

Soldiers stationed in forts, must be constantly supplied with food. Also, soldiers not under the command of a general were more likely to be unwieldy and unable to organise and execute more advanced tactics.

 

 

 

Single Player/Multiplayer Modes

 

 

 

 

Single player/multiplayer modes  were quite interesting too. This allowed players to customise a variety of different elements including the behaviour of AI opponents.

 

Players could program their opponents to be chaotic, orderly or defensive. In addition, players could also choose from three different difficulty settings.

 

 

 

Graphics and Music

 

 

 

The game map featured 2D isometric scenes  created with an extensive variety of different terrain types.  The visual details of the characters are beautiful and quite vibrant.

 

However, the music and voice acting was certainly subpar, especially when compared to things like Total War Rome.

 

 

 

Verdict

 

Overall, this is one game I might consider playing even now. It was intuitive, fun and visually pleasing. While I have seen the greener side of gaming with Total War, Supreme Commander and others, Rage of War will always rank amongst the best.

 

If you want to play a retro game while avoiding the feeling of being born in the 70's, then this is a great choice. 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed by Navam Niles