Some people are nostalgic of the Golden Age of video games, when good graphics and sound effects could not compensate for lack of originality or lack of realism. If you are one of them, maybe you should take a look at Medieval Lords. Even though the program itself is very small (only 322 KB), the A.I. is quite strong and there are numerous strategic possibilities.
The game is played on a large geographic map, with no graphics at all. Yes, of course, it is dry-looking, and the lack of mouse support does not make Medieval Lord much appealing.
But once you get used to the controls, it is surprisingly easy. Recruiting soldiers, crushing a rebellion, sending your ships to invade a rival's country, or proposing an alliance to a fellow lord can be done in split seconds. The game is turn-based.
Time frame is set in Europe between 1028 & 1530 AD, and you can choose to play any territory of Eastern or Western Europe. I advise to pick a western territory first (for example Leone or a Spanish territory), since it is easier to gather money for your armies and you are not surrounded by enemies. You play the role of an advisor, and if your master dies (either assassinated or of old age), you have the opportunity to leave and advise another
lord of a different territory, or keep on advising the new lord.
What I find the most fascinating about Medieval Lords is the combination of war, strategy, management and role-playing. Religion also affects choices you can make, because of crusades, heresies, loyalty etc. During certain years, the pope will support your wars by sending you troops and/or money. All those aspects blend perfectly to make a game which is, in my opinion, unique. I played it for months and am still not tired of it.
Apart from those points mentioned above, there are other negative sides. Even if it is patched, the game will crash from time to time so it is recommended to save often. Also, multiple rebellions in your territories can be very tiresome, since you need to crush the rebellions before planning anything else, or the situation worsens and your enemies take advantage of it. When such things happen, consider that your enemies are funding the rebellion and attack them as soon as you pacify your territories. This might be the most frustrating aspect of the game, however it is also part of its realism.
Overall, if you like strategy games set in Middle Age Europe, Medieval Lords is a must. Give it a try, your hard drive certainly has enough free space left for this game!
