Nacon’s Crown Wars: The Black Prince, developed by Artefacts Studio, brings a mix of historical intrigue and dark fantasy to nearly all major platforming, including the PlayStation 5. This turn-based tactics and strategy game offers a fresh perspective on the Hundred Years’ War, blending it with elements of the occult and delivering a challenging, engaging experience for fans of the genre.
The game’s premise unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of 14th-century France. Ravaged by knights and brigands, it’s not doing great, but an even more sinister force lurks in the shadows at the same time. As the lord of your domain, you’re tasked with thwarting the plans of the Order, a dark cult intent on seizing control of the kingdom. This blend of history and supernatural elements adds depth and intrigue to the narrative, making for a compelling story that unfolds through well-crafted missions and character interactions.
Crown Wars: The Black Prince features well-developed tactical combat mechanics, offering a rich and satisfying gameplay experience. Players command a squad of up to six soldiers, chosen from six distinct classes: Crusader, Alchemist, Beastmaster, Flayer, Duelist, and Gunner. Each class comes with unique skills and weapon preferences, allowing for diverse and strategic squad compositions. The combat system rewards careful planning and synergy between different unit types, making every battle a thoughtful challenge while also adding replay value.
One of the game’s other interesting features is the ability to customize and upgrade your soldiers. With up to 32 companions to train, players can unlock new skills and attacks, enhancing their squad’s effectiveness in battle as you learn to use and combine them. The customization options also extend to the appearance and names of your soldiers, adding a personal touch that deepens your connection to your team.
The management aspect of Crown Wars: The Black Prince doesn’t stop there either. From your castle, you can recruit, equip, and train your soldiers, as well as upgrade up to seven buildings in your domain. These upgrades provide strategic advantages, such as new weapons, potions, and items that can be used in combat. Managing resources is crucial, as it directly impacts your ability to complete missions and thwart the Order’s plans. This strategic layer adds depth and replayability, as players must balance their offensive and defensive capabilities.
Visually, Crown Wars: The Black Prince impresses with its detailed environments and character models. The game’s art style effectively combines the medieval warfare with the eerie, otherworldly elements of its dark fantasy theme. The sound design complements this aesthetic, with a haunting soundtrack that enhances the atmosphere and immersive audio effects that bring the battlefield to life. However, this is still a mid-price title, and you’ll notice less polish and detail than in higher budget titles in the genre.
While the game offers a robust and engaging experience, it is not without its flaws. The complexity of the tactical combat and management systems comes with a difficulty curve that is steep. Some missions may also feel repetitive, as the core gameplay loop relies heavily on tactical battles and resource management.
In conclusion, Crown Wars: The Black Prince is a worthy addition to the turn-based tactics genre, offering a rich blend of historical and supernatural elements. Its tactical gameplay, extensive customization options, and engaging world and narrative make it a standout title for strategy enthusiasts. While it has a few rough edges, the overall experience is rewarding and immersive, providing countless hours of strategic planning and combat. For fans of tactical strategy games and dark medieval fantasy, Crown Wars: The Black Prince is an easy recommendation.
Score: 7.6/10
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