Monarchy is a 2D side-scrolling platform game available on Nintendo Switch, published by Brain Seal Entertainment. In this game, you play as a monarch with the goal of building and defending your base, exploring the surrounding forest, and managing your resources. You can create an army to follow you, discover mysterious secrets, and fend off enemies attacking your base at night. With siege mechanics including battles against siege rams, towers, and catapults, there’s a game mode for every season. Additionally, there is a local split-screen co-op mode, although I haven’t had the chance to try this yet.
Monarchy leaves a positive first impression with its charming graphics and well-designed challenges. The game starts with an introduction mode where instructions are provided purely through pictures. This might be challenging for those who prefer written or verbal instructions. You play as the monarch, mounted on a horse, accompanied by a little defender who helps you hunt and fend off bandits. The initial tasks involve setting up your base, establishing defenses, and recruiting more people. The day and night cycle is quite fast, and if you are caught exploring the forest at night with an exhausted horse and inadequate defenses, you can be killed by bandits or enemies, resulting in permanent death and restarting the game.
Trial and Error: Navigating the Gameplay
The gameplay involves a lot of trial and error. Early on, I made several mistakes and found it challenging to survive for long periods. You can venture out to find raids, earn money from mines, and recruit more people from huts. Your little guardian can also hunt animals for money. Managing your finances is crucial, as you only have a small barrel for coins and can lose them if it’s overfilled. It’s essential to balance spending on upgrades and recruiting people, which can be a steep learning curve for those not familiar with strategic gaming.
Enchanting Visuals and Flawless Design
Visually, Monarchy is beautiful. The scenery is nicely done, with plenty of cute animals and characters scattered around. Each level has its own mysteries to explore, adding to the game’s charm. The forest becomes darker as night approaches, keeping you on your toes. I imagine that as you level up and improve your personal and base defences, the difficulty of night-time encounters decreases. Fortunately, I have not encountered any bugs or glitches, making for a smooth and flawless gaming experience.
My Overall Enjoyment
Monarchy is an enjoyable game that combines strategic depth with charming aesthetics. From the very first moments, the game captivates with its beautiful graphics and well-thought-out design. The vibrant, detailed scenery and adorable character animations contribute to a visually appealing experience that draws players into the monarch’s world.
Monarchy offers a variety of unique levels, each with its own set of challenges and mysteries to uncover. The day and night cycle adds an extra layer of strategy, requiring players to carefully plan their activities and manage their resources to survive the treacherous nights. The gameplay’s trial-and-error nature ensures that each session is a learning experience, gradually improving your skills and strategies as you progress.
One of the game’s highlights is its balance between accessibility and difficulty. It caters to both seasoned strategic gamers and newcomers to the genre. The introductory mode, while relying on picture-based instructions, sets the stage for a challenging yet rewarding journey. Players must navigate the intricacies of base building, resource management, and defence setup, all while exploring the surrounding forest for valuable resources and potential recruits.
Despite its strategic complexity, Monarchy remains fun and engaging throughout. The presence of a little defender companion adds a sense of camaraderie as you hunt and fend off bandits together. The fast-paced day and night cycle keeps the gameplay dynamic and requires quick thinking and adaptability.
Priced at £12.49, Monarchy offers excellent value for money. The game’s depth, combined with its charming visuals and smooth performance, ensures that players will find themselves returning for more. The various modes and levels provide ample content to keep you entertained for hours, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a new strategic challenge.
Monarchy is a well-executed game that successfully blends strategic gameplay with beautiful design. Its charming graphics, engaging mechanics, and balanced difficulty make it a perfect choice for both experienced gamers and newcomers to the strategy genre. Whether you are a fan of strategic gaming or simply looking for an enjoyable and visually pleasing experience, Monarchy is a game that promises to deliver.