Publisher: Ronimo Games
Developer: Ronimo Games
Genre: Real Time Strategy
Release date: Available now

If gaming history has proven anything to us, it’s this: Real-time strategy games on consoles have never really worked out. But sometimes, people learn from their mistakes. When I was given Swords and Soldiers, I was more than reluctant to play. My RTS background is on the PC; I was already a little biased to the genre. But you at least have to try things once, right?

Swords and Soldiers is a game with a lighthearted approach to three civilizations: the Vikings, the Aztecs and the Chinese. During the three campaigns you unveil each race’s story, their strengths and their weaknesses. For instance, the Vikings are known for their brutal power, while the Aztecs utilize their magic to resurrect the dead. Each group is balanced and every character fits within his people’s personality. As in previous RTS games, resource acquisition is essential to victory. Each faction must acquire mana and gold to succeed. Gaining resources opens a branched menu system; the longer you play, the more fighters and magic powers become accessible. However, Swords is unique because of its side-scrolling perspective, which is perfect for the Wiimote. You can scroll and access the menu system with ease. At times I felt like I was using a mouse.

The Swords campaign is the meat of the gameplay, showing you how to use the three civilizations, but it also includes multiplayer and challenge modes. If you are lucky enough to find a partner, multiplayer is a blast. The three civilizations are all accessible and the screen is divided horizontally. This doesn’t become convoluted at all. Multiplayer has its own appeal; playing the game feels like a tug-of-war match as you acquire resources, push your army to your opponent’s base and destroy it. Challenge mode gives you a list of goals that you must achieve. It’s really fun, but it brings nothing new to the table.

Swords is further enhanced by its presentation. This game has character and is a real treat to see come to life. Its vibrant colors and unique drawings make it stand out, and I never got tired of watching this game. At times there would be a little slowdown caused by the number of characters on the screen, but the pacing was never compromised. The artistic quality is the icing on the cake of a fantastic game.

Swords is a very functional RTS, but it doesn’t come without faults. While the side-scrolling is a unique and welcomed approach to the RTS realm, I couldn’t help but feel restricted. There are occasions when the path deviates for strategy, but in the end it feels like a conveyor belt. The gameplay works and is very satisfying, and while the music and sound effects are appropriate, the voice acting is suspect. I cringed when I heard “Get some” when I chose one of the Vikings. I understand the comedy goal of the voice-overs, but at times they just aren’t funny.

Swords and Soldiers is a successful attempt to create a functional RTS on the Wii. It is filled with character and panache, and has methodically balanced gameplay. I really am impressed with developer Ronimo’s first RTS attempt, and think that Swords can set the standard for future console games in this genre. It’s a very accessible experience for both casual gamers and RTS lovers.

Our Score:

Our Recommendation: