Status:
- Complete in Box
- Play Tested
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Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War - PS3 Review
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War, developed by Omega Force and published by Koei, is a real-time strategy game set during the infamous Hundred Years' War between England and France. Released on the PS3 in 2007, it mixes tactical combat and action elements, focusing on large-scale battles and commanding troops. While it stands out due to its unique blend of strategy and action, it also has its share of limitations that might not appeal to everyone. Heres an in-depth review of Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War.
Story & Narrative
The story of Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War is set during the actual historical conflict between England and France. The game is presented through the perspective of a mercenary character who can be customized by the player. The protagonist, a nameless hero, can choose to ally with either the English or French forces, or remain neutral and pursue a personal agenda as a mercenary leader in the chaotic war.
The plot is largely focused on the overarching conflict, with major historical events and figures (such as Joan of Arc) making appearances, though the games story is more a backdrop than a driving force. The focus is primarily on the battles rather than the personal lives of the characters. The mercenary character can participate in various key battles, helping either faction achieve dominance. While the inclusion of famous historical figures adds some flavor to the story, it feels more like an excuse to justify the large-scale battles rather than offering an immersive narrative experience.
The lack of a deep, central storyline or significant character development is a drawback for those who prefer more engaging narratives in their games. However, the games focus on tactical action and strategy takes precedence over storytelling.
Gameplay & Mechanics
Bladestorm: The Hundred Years War combines elements of action, strategy, and role-playing to create a unique gameplay experience. Players control a mercenary captain, who can lead a variety of different unit types across massive battlefields. The game is more focused on commanding troops and participating in large-scale battles rather than individual combat or exploration.
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Combat & Action: The player controls the protagonist in third-person perspective and can switch between controlling different types of units, including archers, knights, pikemen, and more. The action is fast-paced, and battles feature hundreds of enemies on-screen at once. The protagonist has a special ability called the "Bladestorm," which allows them to perform powerful attacks and deal massive damage to groups of enemies. This ability is essential for taking down large groups of enemies quickly and efficiently.
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Troop Command: The main gameplay revolves around commanding your units in real-time. The player can control up to 10 different squads of soldiers, and each squad has its own strengths and weaknesses based on their class (e.g., cavalry, archers, spearmen). Switching between squads and directing them to specific objectives on the battlefield is crucial to success. Players can issue orders, move units, and even lead troops directly into battle, though managing so many squads at once can be overwhelming.
The game's focus on real-t
