Let's just hope Infinite Interactive learns its lesson next time - it certainly has the talent, it just doesn't yet have the engine to do this franchise justice.Īnd So the Warlords strategy bandwagon rolls on, its entourage of six titles - four turn-based, two RTS - about to be joined by game number seven and RTS number three - Warlords Battlecry III. In fact, had the combat been more involving and the whole thing not looked like a hatful of arseholes, it'd be knocking on the door of our PC A-List. So, despite its appearance, Battlecry III ain't half bad after all. And while the plot is pretty unspectacular - apparently narrated by a bored Stephen Hawking - the flexible nature of the campaign means you can dip in and out of it at your leisure. So, on to the freeform campaign, which tasks you with travelling around the mythical world of Etheria completing either plot-driven missions, fun bonus tasks (such as killing more enemies than your opponents in 30 minutes), or buying items and hiring mercenaries.

There are a whopping 28 classes and 16 varied races (five of which are new) to choose from, as well as a huge pool of abilities for your Hero to develop (depending on their race and class) and over 100 brilliantly imaginative spells to learn.

Holding Out For A HeroĪs with all Warlords games, the campaign - which isn't only large but freeform too - is packed with superb RPG elements and revolves around an upgradeable Hero unit. Yup, from now on, I'm going to be all glowy and positive, because under Battlecry Ill's messy visuals and combat lies a great game. And don't even get me started on the hideous menus and interface.īut that's where my major criticisms end. Also, the frenetic nature of an RTS means it's essential to be able to see what's going on forget troop tactics and using the laughable formations - units mostly just bunch up into ugly and indistinguishable clumps of limbs and heads. But they are important, especially when you're forking out a years' savings on a new graphics card. Sadly, Battlecry III is no exception, as it looks identical to its two predecessors. If you need evidence, just look at any of the recent turn-based Warlords games or their real-time Battlecry siblings.

No matter how good a game is, if it looks like a cowpat smeared on a monitor by a Turner Prize winner, it's never going to attract the plaudits it deserves. Why? Why I ask you? Why has one of the longest-running and most respected strategy series-eses ever still not worked it out? Worked out what you ask? Well, take a look at these screenshots and you'll probably guess.

Warlords battlecry 3 races