Eador: Genesis PC

Eador: Genesis for PC is an independent turn-based strategy/RPG game developed by Alexei Bokulew and Snowbird Game Studios (previously known as Snowball Interactive). The project, inspired by titles such as King’s Bounty, Heroes of Might & Magic, or Disciples, received an initial Russian release in 2009, while an English version followed a few years later (2012).

Plot

The action of the game takes place in a fantasy world that was subjected to an apocalypse caused by a massive outburst of magic energy. All that is left are drifting remnants of the land, each ruled by a different overlord known for his unique aspirations and ruling style. The player assumes the role of one of such rulers, leading his faction with a goal to conquer and unite the run-down world.

Mechanics

When it comes to mechanics, Eador: Genesis is characteristic for reintroducing typical elements seen in every classic turn-based strategy games/RPGs. The game sees us colonize explored areas that are characteristic for their different types of surfaces and amount of resources and technology. We traverse the map and visit encountered settlements as well as talk with neutral characters. Moreover, the player controls a self-sufficient city, which can be expanded (in a manner similar to Heroes of Might & Magic series) and outfitted with additional buildings that can be used to recruit units as well as heroes. Combat was handled similarly to what we could see in other classic titles of the genre – the battles are influenced by the landform, as well as the available spells and individual abilities of our heroes, representing different races and classes. We are left with over 170 buildings, 80 spells, and 70 different types of units.

Technical Aspects

Eador: Genesis for PC sports two-dimensional graphics that are characteristic for their minimalistic and aesthetic feel, further reinforced by the lack of animations – the units found on both the world map and the battle views are static.

As a result of an fixed 4:3 resolution (1024x768), the users of modern panoramic monitors may be forced to play with a cropped screen with black stripes on both sides of the playing field. When it comes to audio, the authors introduced appealing ambient sounds and a decent soundtrack.

The idea and the gameplay it offered was replicated in Eador. Masters of the Broken World, a 2013 follow-up that in essence was a remastered version of Eador: Genesis.

Last updated on 03 February 2014