King of Dragon Pass

This is a one of a kind game, which has had a lot of imagination, love and craftsmanship go into it. The hand-drawn artwork gives it real character, and the interactions with your advisors have a lively and engaging tone to them. It can be a tricky game to work out, as most of the 'workings' or mechanics are not visible, so you make a lot of decisions unaware of exactly what the consequences will be, but this adds to the fun and challenge, and I have respect for the writers of the scripts, stories and plotlines, as it always feels like the results of your decisions are fair and plausible, even if they seem harsh at times. You control a clan of settlers in a semi-explored land, people by other clans who share culture and mythology with you, and also by various fantastic beasts who can be harmless or aggressive, depending on chance and how you interact with them. Everything feels mystical, and decisions are made not just based on the material benefits - such as how many cows you can gain in a trade, a raid or a farming decision - but also based on how the Gods and spirits might react. Your survival always feels perilous, and things often start to go wrong, so it's a real challenge, but a satisfying one.

This game is one of the best simulation/strategy games I've ever played. The details of what you do are pretty much covered by other people, so I'll just give you my general thoughts on the game. It's simple fun and addictive game play. SOME people have complained that there's too much randomness in it, but I figured out that it all has to do with your magic. Where you put points at the beginning of the year and what shrines/temples you have (with the associated perks) drastically changes the game (plus, treasures can have a huge positive and negative impact!). Once I figured that out, it was almost no challenge at all (but in a good way). The only other thing to mention is that after 20 hours or so of game play it can get a LITTLE redundant. It's still fun, and COMPLETELY worth $6. And it's amazing how after the 35+ hours I've put into it I'M STILL encountering new random events, but at the end of the day it can feel like you're doing the same tasks over and over again. Nevertheless, for $6, this is one of the most balanced, polished games I've ever played and will keep you entertained for HOURS. Even when I get kinda bored with the game I can easily see myself coming back months from now to play it. Oh, and if you're concerned about the interface cause it's so old (I HATE games from the 90's ONLY because of the lackluster interface), then fret not, the interface is actually amazingly streamlined. it might not LOOK too pretty, but for a game from the 90's it's revolutionary.

I don`t know how I missed this game when it first came out as I was quite a games fan for years, but just a few days ago someone mentioned this game and it sounded interesting. It was only for mobile(cell phone) and not on Android. Just as I was about to forget it as a loss cause I remember someone saying it was originally PC. So off I went to check GOG to see if the PC version was resurrected- and it was! Gog have done a great job of transferring the graphics and artwork to Win7. Everything is clear and easy to read. I couldn`t be bothered to read the manual as I wasn`t sure if it was worth it, but the interface made it really easy to jump into the Tutorial. I was immediately impressed, so quit and started a NEW game. This is one of those gems that does what I love, plays easy, has loads of strategy and tactics, but you never know what it`s going to throw at you each session. it`s also different every time you play. Ok you are the ruler of a Viking-type Medieval-fantasy settlement newly arrived. You choose your history, beliefs and a name for your Clan. The season begins, your first choice is your Clan Ring which is a small group of advisers that tell you what they think you should do in just about everything. It`s actually all quite diplomatic. You set up your farmers, your warriors and almost immediately something will happen. it could be a dispute between friends, rival feuds, strange magical or ghostly happenings or even just a flood- all of which needs a decision of several from you. Almost everything has a consequence, good or bad. If you don`t like games where you might have to make tough decisions with later consequences and there`s nothing to tell you if you`re right or wrong until it`s happened, then this is not for you. But I love it. What seems at first a very simple, even quiet game soon becomes more and more involved, with more and more events. New things keep happening all the time and you wonder just how much is there in this game? You may have to fight rival Clans, or Ally them (which is good). You can send men out on long quests to find fantastic objects that can help (or hinder or both) in battle. The game is very realistic in certain ways as you sometimes actually have to do stuff that today would be considered unsavoury... for example, a new born calf appeared white. this is a great sign of good luck. `great!` I thought, `We`ll keep it and look after it.` `Actually, it would be better to sacrifice such a wonderful find to our god!` my advisers tell me. I thought about it and did. The people were happy because the gods were happy. what a waste, but not in those days. the manual even says you should not think like a 21st century person, but like an 11th century person. Advisers also are more than they seem. they have personality and even get involved in all kinds of stuff that may involve you changing the Ring. Everyone is vulnerable to something going wrong- or right. The artwork is simple but well done, expressing what`s going on very straight forwardly andwith character. Colours are luminous too! I would prefer them a little less rosy, but that`s just me. The music is perfect, simple to reflect the times but with the right mood for each situation. I actually found myself humming it at work! It does get harder eventually and right now I`ve lost all my Warriors because they basically went on strike! I`m doing all kinds of things to appease them to protect our city again! Criticisms? My only real criticism is the screen where you see your whole settlement. I would`ve like it clearer and better looking, even rotatable 3D, but we are talking about a game made in 2000! Some people won`t appreciate it due to impatience and the flashy game of today (like my daughter :P), but many of you looking for a real immersive experience of settlement management, governing and expansion in medieval-fantasy world will! A great game that is easy to play and hard to master!

There is no other game that delivers what KODP does as consistently or with anywhere near as much depth. Punishing and eccentric, demands your attention and your indulgence.

The game has one of the richest, deepest lores I have ever encountered. Moreover, the atmosphere of leading a small viking-like tribe is spot-on. You have to juggle food supply, trade, relationships with neighbors, raids and warfare, and most importantly, relations with gods, both ancestral and helpful as well as alien and hostile. Both music and graphics are also very good. Must play, IMO!