Chariots of War

Daily PC Game Review Score: 7 / 10
Game Category: Strategy - Turn Based
Date: 10 Jan 2011

A huge imposing warrior brandishing a wicked spear accompanied by rousing battle music - this is what greets you when you first load up Chariots of War, a turn based strategy game from Slitherine Ltd. You can't help but anticipate the fun you will have with this game.

The premise of the game is simple - it simulates war during the Cradle of Civilization - this was where mighty empires fought for water, resources and the arable land in the Fertile Crescent (that's the region of Mesopotamia and the Levant - or known today as the Middle East). In fact, on the surface most aspects of the game appear to be simplified so that you, the player, can easily get into it.

But, this is precisely the thing that led to the polarized views on Chariots of War. Is there enough strategy in this game for you? I believe so.

I can hear the drums of war

As you browse through the list of 14 campaigns available to you, you will notice that there are two huge ones (with 50 over nations to choose from) and many other medium-sized ones. The very first campaign in the list is a mini-sized two nation tutorial to teach you the ropes of the game. By default, the "Historical Settings" radio button is enabled. This mode allows you to play the indigenous people for the selected nation. You will also notice that you can play several other sides like the Bedouin, Egyptian, Hittites, and Sumerian. Each of these , but only if you selected the "Alternative Settings" radio button.

Setting up for an epic battle

When you start a campaign proper, you will notice that the map's art is pleasing and functional without too much complexity. At the right column are game buttons required to access several views, like the Trade, Diplomacy and Empire View, or to view armies and cities. Below the game buttons, you can see the 9 resources present in the game.

War looms

When you select a city to view up close, you may be surprised that the screen is reminiscent of the magnificent empire building game - Civilizations. In fact, many of the ideas from that game can be found in Chariots of War. Again, everything in the city view for Chariots of War appear to be a tad bit utilitarian. But don't be fooled, there are quite a lot of options and strategic choices hidden on this one screen alone.

Humble beginnings

Perhaps the most people argue about is the combat mode.

When two stacks of armies approach and collide in an all-out battle to the death, you will find that the only control you have of your army is at the start. Upon initiating a battle, you will need to position your armies strategically on a battle map. By just providing simple orders and proper placement of your armies, you hope to achieve a glorious victory.

Once you are happy with your army placement and the orders issued to them, just press a button and the entire battle is simulated for you. You will see tiny people marching (or sometimes running) towards each other to fight to the death - and you have absolutely no control until you either rout your enemies, or your army gets decimated in an embarrassing defeat.

What do you mean I can't control them?

This is the point where you will either develop a love or hate for this game. Fortunately for me, this is great; it's such an elegant concept!

Not forgetting the need to enter trade and select diplomatic options, this game is not so simple as others think upon first appearances. Most battles I have had in the game have been challenging and sometimes I had a neck-to-neck race just to defeat another nation.

Would I recommend Chariots of War then?

Without doubt, my reply would have to be a yes.

An overall view of your empire