Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders
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| Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Phantagram |
| Publisher(s) | Microsoft (US), Deep Silver (EU) |
| Platform(s) | Xbox |
| Release |  12th October 2004 29th October 2004 |
| Genre(s) | Crowd-combat fighting game / Real-time tactics |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders is the sequel to 2001's real-time strategy game Kingdom Under Fire: A War of Heroes, which was released exclusively on the PC. This follow-up, developed by Korean series creator Phantagram.
Overview
Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders continues the storyline put forth by the first game. But the gameplay is very much different. Instead of a traditional RTS, Phantagram decided to combine elements from the popular Dynasty Warriors, and bits and pieces of many RPG's. Instead of controlling just your main character, you fight with multiple armies or "units" in this game. Each unit is controlled RTS style, you can either use the minimap or the main screen to move your forces around.
The Dynasty Warriors part of the game only shows up when your main unit, the main character's unit, engages in a melee battle with another enemy unit.
There are many kinds of units in this game. You have your standard infantry, which soak up damage and engage units in melee. You also have anti-cavalry infantry which acts sort of like a wall against the cavalry, slaughtering any that come within range. This is useful for ranged units such as archers or catapults, or for cavalry. When the unit is engaged in melee, it cannot be used for anything other than. For example, if a mortar is in melee, it cannot fire on a faraway force unless the unit engaging it is killed.
You have multiple kinds of ranged units. There are archers who can fire at ground forces, or fire at air units if needed. There are catapults, mortars, ballistas, etc. etc. which are the artillery of the game. There are also air units, which have the added bonus of attacking from the air therefore never having to worry about engaging in melee. But, they can be taken down by archers and other air units. Air untis are basically artillery with wings.
You have cavalry, which can run through enemy units doing massive damage with impunity.
Besides the standard fighting, there are spells that can be cast on the battlefield. Any unit that isn't a support unit like air units can learn any kind of spell. You can throw fireballs, toss meteors, heal your army, or send ghoulish suicide bombs to explode in your enemies forces.
The world in which kingdom under fire is set is the continent of bersia, on which there is a military super power: Ecclesia a human country in the west. Heironiden, also human. Azilia which is a puppet state of Ecclesia. Arien which is an elvish kingdon within heironiden. The dark elf state ruled by half vampires, Vellond. There is also a country full of orc and ogre tribes: Hexter.
Characters
Human Alliance
Gerald- Main Weapon: One-Handed Sword, Main Skill: Melee- Six years ago, Gerald joined the Hironeiden Army as a mere soldier. Two years ago, showing exceptional valor during the Hextor invasion, he was promoted to Captain of the entire Eastern Defense Force.
Clever and quick-witted, he confounds his enemies with unconventional, yet efficient, tactics.
Gerald excels at analyzing a situation accurately and values skill over rank or bloodline.
Kendal- Main Weapon: Warhammer and Mace, Main Skill: Melee- A General of the Second Division Ecclecian Holy Knights, Kendal was born in Azilla, a tributary of Ecclesia. He now defends the Holy Ground against the Dark Legion.
As an Azillan, he must maintain strict faith in God. He has issues with this assignment of defending the Holy Ground, but his honor prevents his from objecting.
A champion for his cause, as well as a precise tactician, Kendal can lead his troops to greatness.
Walden-Main weapon:sword and shield, Main Skill: Melee- A leader of a troop of well trained spearmen but is hated by many of his own men.
Prologue
First War of Heroes-Xok's Knights Legend holds that when war threatens Bersia with destruction, seven knights will appear to bring salvation. The legend came true when the mysterious khiliani, leader of the Dark Legion, took eastern Hexter of Bersia in his campaign to destroy the world. Seven heroes, led by Keither, rose up against Khiliani to rally for humanity and defend Bersia. The battle turned when a fallen hero, Rick Miner, was resurrected through the immortal power of the Ancient Heart. Together with the rest of Xok's Knights, he defeated Khiliani at the Alter of Destruction.
This was the First War of Heroes, now known as "Xok's Knights"
Second War of Heroes
Rumors linger long after the end of the second War of Heroes. What transpired between Neeble and the Ancient Heart? Did all of the war's participants truley vanish? Mists.Legends.Echoes of good and evil, No clear record of this war remains. Nevertheless, the site of its final battle-the Alter of Destruction-now is considered holy ground.
An Uncertain Time of Peace
Fifty years have passed since the Second War of Heroes. The legendary artifact that caused the Great War, the Ancient Heart, is a faint memory. The Alter of Destruction lies in ruins, and none who lived through the final battle remain. Children no longer listen to the battle songs of hope and death from an old man who says he was there. The adventures of the Ancient Heart and Neeble, the tales of Xok's Knights-doesn't anyone want to hear their stories? Were they just stories? And so, a peace crept into the world as a long winter changes subtly to spring. Why not? With the Dark Legion diminished, Humanity rose in power. No one believed the disaster of 50 years ago could ever happen again. There was no sign of war, and East and West Bersia have become allies. But, to some, it seems like a sunny sky slowly filling with clouds, peaceful and bright. Maybe you wonder wheter the clouds might hold a passing shower or even a rainstorm? You also might feel, however, that the answer to a question you dare not ask draws near. Will the Dark Legion rise again? History has a tendency of repeating itself...
Your Mission
The Dark Legion has massacred a group of villagers living near a former battleground, which since has become sacred land. The short lived peace in the world is over, and the Humans and the dark Legion are now at war.