Even though I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a strategy guy, per se — any game that requires me to answer questions beyond “how will I shoot this thing in the face” and “from what angle will I shoot this thing in the face” usually makes my brain hurt — I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that Solium Infernum is out, and from what little I’ve played, is also really goddamn good.
Your mission: steal Satan’s newly-vacant throne and become the strongest Archdemon in Hell. This isn’t just some simplistic combat-based strategy title wrapped in Paradise Lost packaging, however: you’re going to have to use far more than just brute force to get what you want. Though there certainly is a lot of combat, Solium Infernum is, at its heart, a game about politics. You’ll have to lie, cheat, steal, and manipulate the other demons to get what you want. Do you need to capture a rival’s stronghold but can’t, because you haven’t any reason to declare war on him? Why not manufacture one by insulting him in public, or demanding a tribute so big he can’t possibly give it to you? Is one of your enemy’s troops a little too effective at taking over the map? Bribe the bastard into joining your side!
I’ll admit that the game is effectively unplayable unless you read the manual first, but the game is still surprisingly playable given its complexity — this isn’t Dwarf Fortress. You won’t need to watch twelve hours of tutorial videos just to figure out how to upgrade one of your units.
If you’re interested in a strategy game that focuses more on manipulation than mortar fire, you can get the demo here, or buy it here. And lemme know if you do — I need people to play multiplayer against.
Published: Nov 27, 2009 12:00 pm