An addictive and relaxing town building game.
THE GOOD
-Relaxing gameplay
-Upbeat music
-Fun multiplayer
THE BAD
-Repetitive
-Music gets nauseating in long sessions
OVERVIEW
A Kingdom for Keflings (AKFK) is a nice relaxing town builder. The setting is somewhere between the Medieval and Renaissance periods. You play as a gentle (well sort of) giant in the land of Keflings. You'll have the choice to pick a pre-set giant or use your Xbox Live Avatar. Keflings are your little helpful workers that can be easily trained to do just about anything for your town. But don't be afraid to "roll-up" your sleeves and partake in the labor too. This game offers a nice and relaxing style that anyone can enjoy.
GAMEPLAY
The game begins with you, four Keflings and a basic workshop. There really is no object to the game other than build whatever you want whenever you want (provided you meet the hierarchy needs first). You can kick around your Keflings for some amusement or put them to work. There are many resources to collect and deposit (like trees, rock, gems, etc…) at certain workshops where you can make useful constructions like platforms and towers. When you combine the correct constructions in the right configuration you'll create buildings. The building structure works using a hierarchy system which means you have to build certain buildings in order to make new ones. There is really only one major setback with the game play and that is due to the repetitive nature. You'll have your fair share of fetch missions and monotonous labor but this comes with most town builders.
A Kingdom for Keflings has many helpful building aids to make the construction process a snap. First, you can decide what building to make next from the "blue prints" section using the RB button. When you find the building you want just set it to the LB button. Now you'll be able to use the LB button at anytime to find out what you need to build next. Another helpful feature is that each workshop indicates, via a yellow arrow, which components you need so you don't start building things that aren't required. This game also lets you tear down and rebuild with ease. All you have to do is walk up to a building and punch it until it breaks apart. Then just move the pieces elsewhere. The ease in building is a nice touch and keeps the game doing what it does best; being relaxing!
There are a few fun extras to enjoy in this game. There is some minor exploration to do which leads to finding items to enhance your character or kingdom. Also, once you create a place for a mayor (which later leads to a king), he or she will ask you to do random tasks for a nice reward. Another fun feature is the multiplayer support. Through Xbox Live you and three other people can talk, build and work together to create a magnificent city!
GRAPHICS & SOUND
The visuals work for this type of game. The buildings look great and you even have the option to customize the look by adding colors, trees, and sculptures. With plenty of extra customization options, you can really make a gorgeous looking town.
The music is a double-edged sword here. On one hand the music is calm and relaxing; a perfect fit for A Kingdom for Keflings. However, since each season (summer, spring, fall, and winter) has a unique three minute song, it can be mind-numbing in long sessions. I've actually had to quit the game once because I couldn't take the music any longer. My recommendation is to take this game in small shifts or you'll go crazy.
CONCLUSION
I love A Kingdom for Keflings. It may have a few setbacks but all-in-all it can be a fun, relaxing and addictive town building game. The entire game is easy to operate and a tutorial is available so anyone can play. If you are looking for a laid back game or just looking to take a break from all the action games you're playing, then I would recommend this one to you. A Kingdom for Keflings is like relaxing in the sun on a warm summer day. Enjoy!