Introduction

Set against the sprawling canvas of history, Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade by LilithGames launched in May 2018, and quickly rose to fame due to its rich gameplay experience and historical authenticity. The game allows players to step into the shoes of a rising civilization’s leader, guiding it from the obscurity of the Stone Age to the glory of the medieval ages. With a world map that’s alive and pulsating with activity, players can engage in real-time battles, explore unknown lands, and form alliances with other players from around the world. Fourteen distinct civilizations await the players, each with its unique architecture, units, and abilities. Beyond this, historical figures, from Julius Caesar to Sun Tzu, appear as playable commanders. These real-life personalities come equipped with distinctive skills and can lead your armies, assisting in carving out an empire. It’s evident from the outset that the game is a blend of grand strategy and MMO elements.

Pros and Cons

√ The depiction of civilizations and historical figures lends a depth seldom found in mobile games.

√ Combat is dynamic, and strategy changes in the heat of the moment, reflecting true war scenarios.

√ A living, breathing map where every event has a consequence, ensuring that no two games feel the same.

√ The social aspect is emphasized, allowing players to form bonds, create strategies, and wage wars together.

√ With various missions, explorations, and battles, players always have diverse tasks to keep them engaged.

× New players might find the initial stages overwhelming due to the game’s depth.

× Despite the costless-to-play model, premium in-app purchases can give some players significant advantages.

× Progressing without purchases can be slow, requiring a lot of patience.

× Managing resources, units, and strategies simultaneously can be daunting for casual gamers.

Review

Once you dive into Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade, you quickly realize that beneath its attractive graphics and historically rich setting lies a game of immense depth and complexity. The early game introduces you to the basic mechanics, from constructing buildings, recruiting troops, to initiating research. But as the game progresses, the scope broadens immensely.

The real-time battles stand out as a significant feature. Observing armies move in real-time across the expansive map and clashing with rival factions offers both tension and excitement. These battles demand more than mere troop numbers; the combination of units, the skills of your commanders, and the strategy you employ can significantly affect outcomes.

However, it’s not just about battles. The exploration part of the game feels like an adventure on its own. Unveiling the fog-covered parts of the map, encountering tribes, and interacting with them offers a respite from warfare and adds a layer of strategy. Making decisions on whether to assist, attack, or ignore certain tribes can have lasting repercussions on your kingdom’s growth.

Forming alliances, on the other hand, introduces the MMO aspect of the game. The diplomacy involved, the coordination required for large scale attacks, and the sheer thrill of being part of a bigger entity working towards a common goal are, without doubt, highlights of the game.

However, Rise of Kingdoms is not without its challenges. The game’s depth, while being its strength, can also be intimidating for new or casual players. It demands attention, strategic thinking, and a willingness to learn. This is further compounded by the game’s free-to-play model, which often pushes players towards in-app purchases. Without them, progress feels slow, and at times, the temptation to spend to expedite growth is palpable.

In conclusion, Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade offers a comprehensive mobile gaming experience that expertly blends historical elements, grand strategy, and MMO aspects. While it demands patience and can occasionally push players towards its in-app purchase model, the satisfaction derived from guiding a civilization from its infancy to greatness is unparalleled. Whether you’re a history buff, a strategy game enthusiast, or someone looking for an immersive MMO experience on mobile, Rise of Kingdoms deserves your attention.