Reviewed
06.12.2018
Publisher
Circle
Ent.
Developer
Easytech
Format
Digital
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
2018
¥ (Japan)
Mar
8, 2018
$9.99 (USA)
2018
£ (EUR)
Exclusive
Yes
Platforms
Switch
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
2D
View
Top
Down
Genre
Strategy
/ War
Player(s)
1
Options
n/a
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> World Conqueror X is the latest war strategy simulation
game in a long-running series. It's classic hex, turn-based strategy with
axis and allies forces to command. Battles take place from WWII historical
events to recent fictional events. The player controls ground and sea units,
plus missile and aircraft sorties. The object is simple: destroy the enemy,
take over their cities, and protect mission assets. The aspect that makes
this type of game so intriguing is that the same battle never resolves
the same way. |
| Graphics |
|
> The graphics in this genre don't need to be exceptional, and this game
fits that bill well. During a battle, the player sees a hex map of the
battlefield, complete with terrain scenery and various units (identified
by icons). Optional battle animations appear on the bottom corners of the
screen -- just a meaningless distraction. The portraits of generals that
can be acquired are well done, as are the menus. The best graphical feature
would have to be the missile launches and ensuing atomic explosions. Overall,
no complaints. |
| Control |
|
> Everything controls just the way one would expect. A turn consists of
unit creation, movement and battles, plus missile or aircraft sorties.
I'm not sure exactly how the game decides when you can recall a move (undo),
but it's sometimes available. One of the best control features is the ability
to move units into favorable positions first, and then attack. This is
great for strategic surrounding and morale affects. I also appreciate the
ability to add a general to command a particular unit. Each general has
stats on unit type and movement, which can greatly enhance the attack power
of the associated unit.
> The one gameplay area World Conqueror X falls a little
short on is feedback. Units can level up, but there's no experience line
or count. Also, I'm not a fan of starting from predetermined force levels
throughout the Scenario Mode. The player should be able to transfer units
(that have ostensibly leveled up) from one scenario to another. Or how
about starting the Conquest Mode with leveled units you've earned? Would've
been nice. One last thing that is over-simplified: air sorties cost resources
when deploying from a city, and are just the distance attack mode of aircraft
carriers. In other words, there are no aircraft units. |
| Sound |
|
> Music-wise, there's some basic military themed music that I set at a
low volume just for atmosphere. There's nothing there that will bother
you, and nothing to justify the release of an OST. As for sound effects,
they're basic explosions, movements, firing, critical hits, etc. -- and
that's just fine. No downside. |
| Fun |
|
> World Conqueror X has two main modes. 1) Scenario Mode
- 40 battles between three time periods: WWII Europe, WWII Pacific, and
Cold War. These scenarios have non-upgradeable cities, objectives and turn
limits. 2) Conquest Mode - choose from over 20 countries with upgradeable
cities in an all out world domination war. I find the Scenario Mode to
be much more palettable, as battles are localized and much more manageable.
The Conquest Mode involves every country in a worldwide melee that can
take several minutes just for the computer to resolve turns; and it can
be rather daunting to keep track of all the events across multiple fronts.
Of course, one can fast forward the turns, but then the already insuffucient
feedback is reduced to nothing at all.
> What they should've done for Conquest Mode is allow the player to choose
the countries involved (say 2, 3, 4, etc.), and then duke it out to see
who will prevail. Perhaps a Campaign Mode would be a great expansion? Also,
the ability to heal units is very lacking in both modes. Once you've accessed
a city capable of this feat, it takes way too long for damage to be healed
-- borderline useless.
> Anyway, there's also a HQ menu selection that allows the player to hire
up to 12 generals (who greatly enhance units), upgrade the base unit abilities,
and showcase city upgrades that have been earned. It's fun to replay the
Scenario Mode levels that were of particular interest, or perhaps to score
a three star perfect victory. I do enjoy strategic war games, and this
one delivers a good helping. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> There are not many strategy war games for consoles to choose from these
days. I do enjoy this genre quite a bit, and bought World Conqueror
X on sight. This game brings back fond memories of Third
World War (Sega CD) and Iron Storm (Sega Saturn).
Not as good as the aforementioned games, but surely enough to keep you
satisfied. For a mere $9.99, I can recommend this game to like-minded gamers
out there. If you don't fancy a strategy war game with a boardgame-like
experience, then move along... |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
7.8 | Graphics: 7.5 | Control: 8.0 | Sound: 7.5 | Fun: 8.0 |
~ Shinobi
~
|
