GAMES LIKE THE SETTLERS BY GAMELOFT SERIES

Its more traditional RTS approach might draw many newcomers to its banner, but conversely, could also put off die-hard fans. Going by what we've played, Settlers: Heritage Of Kings could well be the first Settlers game to break into the mainstream and truly succeed here in the UK. An RPG system will allow you to furbish veteran troops with new abilities and weapons, and you'll even be able to research new battlefield technology. Heritage Of Kings is introducing more units and tactical subtleties than all of the previous games combined - cavalry units make their debut, and you'll now be able to train every soldier into a rabid killing machine. Spoiling For A FightД¬ombat is also receiving a major overhaul, as it was more of an afterthought than a major gameplay element in the Settlers series. With over 70 unit types available - each with their own set of unique skills - and the ability to barter goods, there'll still be a fair amount of micromanagement too, but not nearly so much that newbies should feel scared off. You'll have to carefully plan which units to build to help your community prosper and conquer the game's 20 levels and seven enemy kingdoms. Were right sir, GCSE Economics wasn't a complete waste of time - means that everyone is dependent on everyone else's skills. Communities will be interdependent, which, thanks to my GCSE Economics teacher Mr Walsh - you

Ambient flora and fauna, static building animations and some impressive fire effects that spread and crackled like a pyromaniac's wet dream, also greatly added to the game's new sense of realism.ДЇear not though, Settlers fans, you haven't been completely forgotten, because community building and exploration are still integral parts of the game. While we were taking the game for a spin, we were impressed to note an excellent new weather system, which saw a nearby lake freeze over in the winter, allowing our enemies to cross over and attack our village. Powered by Criterion's impressive RenderWare technology, a freeform, fully zoomable camera allows you to get up close and personal with your 3D units, revealing a far more serious and lifelike level of detail. Unless you're called Schultz, in which case you're probably crying salty tears right now. Right, let's start with the graphics, which are unrecognisable from previous Settlers games.

GAMES LIKE THE SETTLERS BY GAMELOFT SERIES

Well, forget all that, because the fifth instalment in this community building RTS series has taken a major leap away from its predecessors' ethics and opted instead for a far more conventional RTS approach.

Three years ago when Heritage Of Kings' predecessor Settlers IV scuttled into our offices, it was all about complexity, micromanagement and the kind of cutesy graphics that Germans find adorable, but most Brits find nauseating.

Games like the settlers by gameloft