While Battle Realms has fewer types of buildings and units than RTS games like Empire Earth, the items are exquisitely rendered. This deft move by the designers means a wide variety of units with only a scant number of buildings. Additionally, Geishas can study the arts of healing to the point of sacrificing themselves to heal others. Such a unit can train up to the ultimate, a Samurai, skilled with bow and sword.

After basic training, warriors can continue their studies, as in the case of an archer who learns the arts of hand-to-hand combat in the dojo to become a Dragon warrior, capable of melee or magical ranged attacks. Peasants appear from huts and can build, gather, or train to become warriors in military buildings, but creation slows down as the populace nears its limit.

Perhaps the most interesting part of Battle Realms is unit training. Conversely, strategists who learn the lay of the land and respect the pros and cons of each unit will find the nuances truly enjoyable. Gamers used to a 'million men with sticks' or 'tank rush' tactics will find the game frustrating. What evolves from the simple economy and sparse number of units is less of a RTS game and more of a game about squad warfare. The only two prevalent resources are water and rice, and the set population is usually 30+ instead of the normal 100 or so. Battle Realms's story unfolds in an understated, but gripping manner. Along the way, allies and enemies will twist the plot, occasionally guided by your choice of providence to attack next. Unification means defeating the splintered clans of the Serpent, the Wolf, and the mysterious Lotus. Battle Realms is a perfect example of the 'less is more' concept put to good use, and a fun game to boot.Īs Kenji, exiled head of the Dragon Clan in a broken land that resembles ancient Japan, you return to once again reunite the people under your family's banner. Often, focusing on subtle details over a flood of features makes for a title worth returning to again and again. Simplification in a complicated gaming world is an elegant thing, if done right.

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