Monarchy – Review
Monarchy is a 2D strategy game that invites players to build and defend their kingdom against encroaching threats. While it presents a unique blend of resource management, base building, and exploration, its execution is a bit of a mixed bag.
A Royal Mess or a Regal Triumph?
One of the game’s most significant strengths lies in its minimalist art style. The vibrant, hand-drawn graphics create a charming and immersive world. The simplicity of the visuals belies the complexity of the gameplay mechanics, which can be both daunting and rewarding.
The core gameplay loop revolves around resource gathering, building structures, and defending your kingdom from waves of enemies. Players must carefully balance these tasks, ensuring that their resources are allocated efficiently. While this loop can be quite addictive, it can also become repetitive, especially in later stages of the game.
One of the game’s most intriguing features is its open-ended approach to base building. Players are free to construct their kingdom in any way they see fit, as long as they can defend it from attacks. However, this freedom can also be a double-edged sword. Without clear guidance or objectives, players may find themselves wandering aimlessly, unsure of how to progress.
The game’s difficulty curve is another point of contention. While the early game is relatively easy to grasp, the later stages can become brutally difficult, especially for inexperienced players. The lack of a proper difficulty setting can be frustrating, as players may feel overwhelmed by the constant waves of enemies.
A Royal Verdict
Monarchy is a game with great potential, but it falls short in several key areas. While its minimalist art style and unique gameplay mechanics are commendable, the lack of clear direction and the steep difficulty curve can hinder the overall experience.
Pros:
- Charming art style
- Unique blend of resource management and base building
- Open-ended gameplay
- Addictive loop
Cons:
- Steep difficulty curve
- Lack of clear direction
- Repetitive gameplay in later stages
- Performance issues on certain platforms
In conclusion, Monarchy is a decent strategy game that offers a unique and engaging experience. However, its flaws prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you’re a fan of the genre and enjoy a challenging experience, Monarchy may be worth considering. But be prepared for a steep learning curve and a few frustrating moments.
Additional Notes:
- Consider playing with a friend to alleviate the difficulty and add a cooperative element to the gameplay.
- Explore different strategies and building layouts to find what works best for you.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment and make mistakes. It’s all part of the learning process.
With a few tweaks and improvements, Monarchy could become a truly exceptional game. Until then, it remains a promising start with room for growth.
