Hail to the king!
Overview:
This game is a turn based strategy game giving you the opportunity to play through the campaigns of 4 noteworthy military leaders, Joan of Arc, Richard the Lionheart, Saladin, and Minamoto. The playing field is a grid layout, and seems fairly simplistic at first until you realize how addicting it is. The urge to play just one more turn stays with you the entire game and then some, and the best part is, it's fun for all ages.
Graphics:
The graphics are simple, with a top down map view approach, and over exaggerated buildings, but it has a charm that makes you love it whether you want to or not. The units look great, and the sprites change according to what race you are. The japanese water wheels are personally my favorite thing, but others find their own things about the visual style to love. It really is impossible to describe it accurately though, so playing is the best way to experience it.
Sound:
The sound on this game is great, the music never drowns out the action, but provides a good background, the farms and mines make noises when you click on them, and the battles sound fierce. Every unit makes some kind of sound when you order them to go somewhere, and it's a nice touch. The sound compliments the visual style quite well.
Controls:
The controls are easy enough that anyone can pick it up and play, because one button controls most everything. You click on a unit, choose what to do, click again with the same button and so on. It is a solid, and simple control scheme.
Gameplay:
While the visual style and control scheme tend to make you think otherwise, the gameplay is very deep. Different units achieve bonuses on different terrain, some counter others, some can convert others, and resources are gained based on how many resource farms you control, much the same as any other PC strategy game. Different terrain causes different movement, and you can build in all cardinal directions of a town, giving different army options. The A.I itself is challenging, and can be set to a variety of different behaviors. The strategic elements of this game keep you playing. Looks are decieving with this strategy game.
Miscellaneous:
There is also a library section in the game that gives accurate actual historical descriptions of all aspects of medieval life. It was a nice addition, because you learn random trivia facts without even trying. Who said games can't be educational?
Conclusion (AKA tl;dr section):
This is a charming, surprisingly deep strategy game that has the ability to suck you in and not let you go. If you even remotely enjoy strategy games, look into this one, as it appeals to every type of gamer. I got this game a long time ago, but I still go back to it frequently. Fantastic little game, and an all around keeper.