Black Moon Chronicles is based on a very popular French graphic novel entitled ‘Chroniques de la Lune Noire, written by Francois Marcela-Froideval. It is a real-time strategy game with a fantasy theme, much reminiscent of the Warhammer saga, especially Dark Omen.
The hero of Black Moon Chronicles is the warrior-mage, Wismerhill. As Wismerhill, the user must choose the length of the adventure desired, either a skirmish (single random battle) or a campaign. Wismerhill begins as a solid, but not all-powerful character, but he gains hit points with his experience from combat.
The skirmish option is an excellent tutorial for the gamer to get the hang of the interface and learn about the different factions he or she will have to ally with in the campaign model. The campaign model begins as a simple mission-based game, but quickly becomes more complex when Wismerhill has to discern between several factions with whom to join forces. Each faction has strengths and weaknesses ranging from control over the undead to higher troop morale.
There is some level of micromanagement within the army. Wismerhill must determine how the money he has made from completing missions will be spent. He can purchase and train available troops, or invest the money to research new types of units and/or magical spells. Mainly, however, the
 | | |
tactical battles are the crux of the game. Wismerhill must deploy and position troops in order to outflank, outnumber, or overpower the enemy as he attempts to complete his missions. During the battles themselves, the AI is subpar, but still presents enough of a challenge to be valid. There are no fortifications, or building of culture and resources. It is all about the military, primarily offensive units. Black Moon Chronicles is so military conscientious that each individual soldier has his own experience meter, based on his actions and the battles he participates in. The user must have great attention to detail to manage this budding army strategically and complete quests. The only part of battle that is missing from Black Moon Chronicles is the fabled “fog of war.” Everything is visible from the beginning.
The missions are linear in nature. One must be completed before another is issued and they interrelate fairly well with one another. Occasionally, dialogue with a character will lead to choices within the mission assignments, but for the most part, they are predefined. Still, the graphic display is nice and the sound effects seem to add to the comic book-type of theme. It is a good strategy game with an excellent and unique theme.
