Genesia (or "Ultimate Domain," for those who have played the CD Rom version, as I have) is a turn-based kingdom-building strategy game. One of the oft-forgotten classics, this game incorporates all of the major elements of a classic strategy game: citizen management, military expansion, trade, diplomacy, and technological research are all essential to achieving victory over two rival kingdoms. The interface is extremely intuitive and self-explanatory, and the gameplay is highly addictive, closely resembling the “one more turn” appeal of Sid Meyer’s Civilization series.
The object of the game is twofold.
Genesia (or "Ultimate Domain," for those who have played the CD Rom version, as I have) is a turn-based kingdom-building strategy game. One of the oft-forgotten classics, this game incorporates all of the major elements of a classic strategy game: citizen management, military expansion, trade, diplomacy, and technological research are all essential to achieving victory over two rival kingdoms. The interface is extremely intuitive and self-explanatory, and the gameplay is highly addictive, closely resembling the “one more turn” appeal of Sid Meyer’s Civilization series.
The object of the game is twofold. Victory can be achieved either by conquering both rival kingdoms or by discovering 7 of the 9 jewels that are hidden across the vast world map. This second objective requires that these jewels be stored
in a temple on one’s territory (and therefore allows for the capture of enemy jewels to add to one’s own stock).
Every game of Genesia has three players (with computer players of various difficulties occupying whatever empty seats remain). The game’s multiplayer is limited to hot-seat (where each player takes their turn in the “hot seat” and relinquishes control of the game after their turn for the next player to cycle in), but this style suits Genesia extremely well. The very design of the game encourages in-depth, even-handed matches that players will relish more than any game of Risk. Games can continue on at the players’ pace (due the feature of a timer the players can set at the beginning of the game to limit turn-length to their liking), and one match can last anywhere from several hours to several weeks, if the players are so inclined.
The world of Genesia is quite expansive. Each of the numerous world maps consists of a grid of 64 territories with vastly varying terrain to be occupied. Players begin on one territory apiece and can expand by settling virgin lands or seizing existing rival settlements. Owning a territory gives access to all of the land’s inhabitants and allows the option to build upon that territory. Seeing as the population cap on each territory is 24 settlers, it is easy to see that expansion can lead to a vital increase in production potential.
Genesia’s technology tree is also of an impressive scale for the time of the game’s release. Research choices ranging from armor and vaccinations to boats and hot-air balloons can make the difference that will turn the tide in your favor.
In essence, if you like turn-based strategy, this game will surely not disappoint. Fond memories of hunkering down to check my warehouse stores during a harsh winter or surveying my defenses in anticipation of the combined assault of two human foes have endeared this game to me more than any other in my 18 years of gaming. Genesia is a DOS classic- it would be a tragedy if it were to slip into obscurity unsung.
