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KnightShift - First Impressions Preview
Derek dela Fuente
09/06/2003
TVG takes a closer look at this unique RTS/RPG from Reality Pump...
TVG just got the latest preview code from German publisher Zuxxez and we are impressed.
PC strategy gamers will find KnightShift offers, RTS/RPG and all they could wish for and a lot lot more!
The development team behind the creation of KnighShift have an impressive track record which includes EARTH 2140 EARTH 2150: Escape From The Blue Planet, EARTH 2150: The Moon Project, World War III: Black Gold, Frontline Attack: War Over Europe / World War II: Panzer Claws (Engine), and Heli Heroes and coming soon, as well as KnightShift, will be EARTH 2160.
Onto the gameâ¦â¦â¦â¦â¦â¦.
You are Prince John, the rightful ruler of your realm. You have been banished from your throne by way of foul magic to a realm somewhere between life and death for 5 long years by the evil mage Valtamand - and you have only just been released by your friend and mage âGallusâ.
Your task, in a nutshell, is to find your scattered knights and loyal warriors and vanquish the evil Valtamand and reform your kingdom. There are of course many twists and turns along the way but that you will see for yourself.
The closest comparison we could make, for easy reference, between Knight Shift and any other title is âWarcraft 3: Reign of Chaosâ and the overall structure of the game is in fact remarkably similar, but there are also some very radical and important differences too, to be fair. For a start, although the game contains the same elements of RTS linked into a progressive plot with different objectives, it skilfully appears to be steering the game towards RPG element as well - so that they can make the most out of the differing elements of the game.
There are to be three main game modes; Campaign (which is the most like Warcraft), RPG (which is very much like a junior version of say âBaldurs Gateâ esque titles) and Skirmish (which is similar in ways to âAge of Empiresâ). A cool mix with its very own uniqueness!
All of the above game modes are centred around and use the games main structure, which is a point, and click role playing/RTS blend. The view is quite similar both to Baldurs Gate and Warcraft 3, which is an overhead view.
The RPG element is limited throughout all of the modes, even the RPG mode. For example, your characters will pick up better weapons if they should walk over them but there is no choice as to what weapons you use and you will only get an inventory option in the RPG mode. The levelling up is automatic and quite basic and you will barely see a difference between levels. There does however seem to be an improvement in character development when compared with Warcraft 3.
It is quite difficult to define the exact direction of this game due to the diversity of the game play, but this is a good thing! In effect KnightShift has it very own style and feel!
The Campaign mode appears to be the âmain gameâ. There is a long intro sequence setting the scene and the plot progresses steadily throughout the game. You start off on your own and spend a while at the beginning of the game simply achieving minor goals set out for you. Soon though you gain the help of a village, which becomes your base and the RTS part of the game comes into play as you build up your village and create your own army. You will then use these commodities to both protect the village from attack and to take with you on your missions as henchmen.
The game switches between these two modes frequently so as to keep the play varied and it does so amicably. The RPG mode allows you to create your own character choosing from a limited number of character classes, such as barbarian or wizard. You also have the addition of an inventory, which opens up a whole new element of game play.
For example you can store healing items and use them at your leisure. You can also collect other items magical and otherwise. The game play is also different in the RPG mode as your character can roam freely and will only gain quests by interacting with certain characters that he or she will meet. This is a little less linear then the campaign mode and does offer a different gaming experience.
Finally, the skirmish mode holds a lot in common with titles like Age of Empires and other RTS titles. There will be a number of selectable maps (16 in the finished title) to choose from and in each you will be able to choose from a number of options such as âgame typeâ in which you select your victory objectives (for instance âdestroy enemy structuresâ). The aim is simple; you must build your own town/city and build soldiers to destroy your enemies.
Game modes aside, there is great potential in this title and there have been many neat innovations, one example being the tunnel mode, which is switch able at any time. When you enter a tunnel you will need to activate the tunnel mode and you will be able to view the subterranean landscape that you are in, if you switch it back while you are still in the tunnel you will see the land that is above you. We are not sure how useful this might be in the final game but it is a nice idea none the less and think points should always be awarded for trying.
Another aspect relating to KnighShift is the inherent humour throughout, everything is a bit tongue in cheek and nothing reflects this better then the fact that the currency you use to build your towns is milk! You must first create a cowshed and then cows to set grazing which obviously produces milk, which buys you characters and buildings. Silly but fun.
The graphics throughout this title are superb. The characters and backdrops are rendered in loving 3D detail and are also colourful and bright and fun. There is a cartoony sort of humour to the style, which ties in perfectly with the game as a whole.
The sound is also grade A and again reflects the humour of the game. The medieval musical score perhaps isnât so funny as some of the tunes are quite good in fact.
The voice acting is very entertaining though, your main character the prince being a stereotypical royal fop whilst the archer characters are incredibly camp with their occasional commentary.
