Seven Years War is a real-time strategy game based on the Japanese invasions of Korea that occurred from 1592 until 1598. The history primarily serves as a backdrop and is not a major focus of the game. When you begin a game, you can choose to play as either Japan or Chosun. Chosun is name of Korea at this time in history. There are ten missions for each of the two sides. As Japan, early missions are not terribly difficult but they get harder as the war drags on.
Chosun starts out somewhat disorganized, but they quickly begin to counterattack.
The gameplay of Seven Years War is similar to other real-time strategy games, such as Command & Conquer. Unit and building types fit the historical setting appropriately. Your forces primarily consist of footman, archers, and gunners. You also control peasants. They’re unable to fight, and instead construct buildings and harvest food (potatoes/rice). Food acts as money to buy different buildings and units. Each building has its own function that fits the historical setting. A headquarters allows you to buy more peasants and store harvested potatoes. Barracks give you the ability to purchase additional units. Mills can process harvested rice. There are other building types such as watchtowers, shipyards, and beacon towers. The unit
 | | |
types are varied enough to allow for different tactics in battle. You also have control of naval forces during missions and sea control is vital. A unique feature in Seven Years War is weather effects. This includes a day/night cycle and seasons. At night, your army’s visibility is lessened and food requires rain to grow, so careful planning during missions is crucial in order to achieve victory.
Seven Years War is graphically on par with other strategy games from the late 1990s, which is just fine for this kind of game. Units and buildings are all easily identifiable and the terrain visually palatable. There’s no music in the game, and it would have been nice to hear some rousing battle tunes. The sounds of battle are pleasing to the ears. A flurry of arrows being fired at your opponent sounds like a flurry of arrows being fired at your opponent.
Overall, Seven Years War is an average real-time strategy game that doesn’t get to complex. It’s easy enough to get into if you’re new to the genre, yet still fun if you’re an experienced player. This game is worth the download.
