Editor's Review

Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade is a popular mobile strategy game developed by Lilith Games, where players build and expand their own kingdoms while engaging in real-time battles and diplomacy. Set in a vibrant world filled with historical figures, the game allows players to choose from various civilizations, each with its unique strengths and characteristics. With its engaging gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and depth of strategy, Rise of Kingdoms has attracted a large player base. However, the game also presents some challenges that deserve consideration.

One of the standout features of Rise of Kingdoms is its rich and immersive graphics. The game boasts beautifully designed landscapes, detailed character models, and vibrant animations, creating a visually appealing experience. The art style is engaging and fits well with the historical theme, making exploration and combat enjoyable. Players can easily get lost in the lush environments and intricately designed cities, which enhance the overall gaming experience.

The gameplay mechanics in Rise of Kingdoms are both deep and engaging. Players start by establishing their own cities, gathering resources, and training troops. The real-time strategy aspect allows for dynamic interactions, as players can join alliances, engage in diplomacy, and launch attacks on rival kingdoms. This combination of city-building and combat creates a sense of progression and achievement as players work toward expanding their empire. The game also features a variety of historical leaders, each offering unique abilities that influence gameplay, adding further depth to strategy development.

Another significant strength of Rise of Kingdoms is its emphasis on community and collaboration. The alliance system encourages players to work together, share resources, and participate in joint battles. This social aspect fosters teamwork and camaraderie, making the game more engaging. Events and challenges that require cooperation between alliance members add to the sense of community, creating a rewarding experience that keeps players coming back for more.

However, Rise of Kingdoms is not without its drawbacks. One major concern is the game's monetization model. While it is free to play, the game heavily encourages in-app purchases to progress more quickly. Players who choose not to spend money may find themselves at a disadvantage, particularly in competitive scenarios. This pay-to-win aspect can create frustration for those who prefer to enjoy the game without financial investment, potentially alienating a portion of the player base.

Another issue is the steep learning curve associated with the game's mechanics. New players may feel overwhelmed by the variety of systems, upgrades, and strategies available. The tutorial does offer a basic introduction, but it could be more comprehensive in guiding players through the complexities of the game. A more detailed onboarding experience would help newcomers acclimate to the mechanics and improve their overall enjoyment.

The pacing of the game can also be uneven. While early gameplay is engaging and fast-paced, players may experience a slowdown as they progress. The time required to build and upgrade structures can lead to moments of stagnation, where players are left waiting for resources to accumulate. Introducing more dynamic events or time-limited challenges could help maintain excitement and keep players engaged throughout their journey.

In terms of overall experience, Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade successfully delivers an engaging and visually stunning strategy game with rich gameplay mechanics. Its strengths lie in its impressive graphics, diverse gameplay, and emphasis on community. However, the issues related to monetization, learning curve, and pacing may detract from the enjoyment for some players. Despite these drawbacks, Rise of Kingdoms remains a solid choice for fans of strategy games and those seeking a historical adventure.

In conclusion, Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade is a captivating title that combines strategic gameplay with a rich historical setting. While it has its flaws, particularly regarding monetization and pacing, the overall experience is enjoyable and rewarding. Players who appreciate immersive strategy games and community-driven experiences will find much to love in Rise of Kingdoms, making it a noteworthy entry in the mobile gaming landscape.

About Game

Step into the formidable shoes of a ruler in 'Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade', an immersive mobile game that invites you to command your very own civilization. Be transported back in time in this innovative game where ancient civilizations entwine with epic real-time strategy (RTS) gameplay, set on a vast and seamless world map filled with unpredictable challenges.

From the makers of Lilith Games, the game incorporates the richness of world history wrapped up into an exciting playable journey. The recent update introduced Greece: the bedrock of western civilization, known for its legendary philosophers, warriors, and poets, now yours to command. Meet ancient Greeks, erect architectural wonders, foster democracy, and showcase your military strength. Take the reins and write your own history.

How to play

• In the 'Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade', you first choose one out of the 14 unique civilizations, each with its own architectural aesthetic, unique units, and special advantages. Then you guide your chosen civilization from a lone clan into an unstoppable force. It's a journey filled with strategic battles that occur in real time on an enormous map. You can join or leave battles at your own pace, lending aid to your allies, or attacking enemies' cities with surprise counterattacks.
• Your scouts play crucial roles in exploring the fog-covered world, uncovering hidden treasures and gathering intelligence on your enemies. You need to manage your troops intelligently for harvesting resources, launching attacks, and defending your own territories. You can even form alliances with other players for capturing strategic locations and gaining resources. Conquering territories alongside your allies and emerging victorious in the massive multiplayer online (MMO) strategy battles earns you a place in your kingdom's history.

Features

• 14 Unique Civilizations: Choose and guide any of the 14 historic civilizations towards greatness.
• Real-Time Battles: Battles take place live on the map, with you choosing when to join or leave.
• Seamless World Map: All in-game action occurs on a vast map with no separate battle screens.
• Exploration & Investigation: Uncover hidden treasures and gather intelligence on your enemies.
• Alliance System: You can cooperate with other players for strategic advantages.