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A descent game

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 9
Date: March 17, 2000
Author: Amazon User

After playing Lords of the Realm I was pretty excited for LoM. I was slightly disapointed when I started playing it. It is pretty difficult to get started. They start you of with a warlord and three other types of warriors. But, to purchase new warriors it is too expensive. So, you take your time trying to collect resources, then an enemy army attacks and kills you real fast. To the upside if you actually get passed the first part of the game it starts getting fun. It really gets fun when you take over other villages and can make new types of armies. Even though I wasn't really impressed by this game I have played it a lot.

Not as good as I had hoped

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 3 / 9
Date: April 09, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Lords of Magic looked like a pretty good game when I read the back of the box in the store but I found it to be extremely frustrating when I played it. It seems as though the computer is starting out with many more resources because I could never catch up to my neighbors in terms of units and resources. Waiting times between turns is way too long, as is waiting for a unit to heal. Also the lack of a small map on the bottom of the screen makes it really hard to orient yourself in the bigger picture. Also, the map stays basically the same no matter how many times you play. Sometimes a few things move but basically it's all the same.

Difficult , but rewarding.

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 24 / 24
Date: May 25, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Right up front, you need to know that this is not an easy game. Video jocks who play all those fast paced (and basically brainless) real time strategy games will probably not go for this one. However, thoughtfull players with some tactical skill who like a real challenge will find this game very rewarding.

The heart of the game is its tactical combat system, which is by far the best that I've seen in any fantasy game. Maneuver plays a big part in it: Using your faster units to circle around and hit your opponent's archers. Using your slower melee units to screen your archers from his troops. Using the terrain to set up "kill zones" that you can lure your opponent into. It will take a little getting used to, so expect to loose your first few battles until you figure out how things work.

The game has an interesting variety of units and spells, and a particularly nice selection of artifacts that you can find in dungeons and such.

The strategic level is good but not great. You collect resources, you build things, you research spells, same as in most games. One nice addition is the ability of high level characters to train new units, letting them start off with some experience. This solves the problem that occurs in so many games of this type, where new units starting late in the game are basically hopeless.

The two real weaknesses in the game are 1. A very limited diplomatic engine. There are a total of eight powers in the game, but your options for peacefull interaction with the other seven are pretty limited. 2. Weak AI players, at least on the strategic levels. Some of the computer players do absolutely suicidal things, like walking their undefended leader up to one of your strongholds. Even the toughest, Balkoth Lord of Death, isn't nearly as aggressive as he should be.

Overall, this is a challenging but very interesting game that players with some tactical skill will really enjoy.

Oh, and one fast note for new players: The hardest part of the game is the opening. To maximize your survival chances, make your starting character a wizard of life, then on your first four turns, attack four level one dungeons. Then use all your resources to hire mercenaries and attack the great temple.

Good luck!

The Demo

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 6
Date: May 31, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I first started out playing the demo I found it very difficult because there were so many limits so when I got The real thing it was very easy so biginners should start with the demo.

Unused Potential

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 4 / 7
Date: July 03, 2000
Author: Amazon User

At first I really was enjoying this game, but it's gotten old after I beat it the first 3 or so times and I began to realize a bunch of things concerning usability. Maybe I'm just not using all the features to their fullest advantage though, so I'll give the game the benefit of the doubt. As for the interface, there are plenty of ways to make gameplay much more smooth. I find it primitive and, if possible, at the same time it is overcomplicated. I can't say I'm an expert at this, but it seems from reviews I've read concerning other software (concerning "intuitive" interfaces) that the interface can best be described as not at all intuitive. The saving system and the restrictions imposed when one gives commands in combat are my biggest pet peeves.

What the game lacks in functionality, it makes up for in amazing graphics and music. Both are truly magnificent. The quests may give you a challenge where the normal mode at times doesn't.

I enjoyed Lords of Magic but I'm sure I could have found a game that was more worth my time and money.

It's all right, a little dissapointing

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 2 / 6
Date: July 03, 2000
Author: Amazon User

The game looked good on the back of the box, but what I found inside was a little dissapointing. The computers intelligence was less than flattering and the way you went about collecting resources was boring. (Kill, plunder kill) Needs some work. The game tries to do too much with too litlle. Great graphics and though, nice variety of spells.

Noah

Difficult To Love, But Worth The Effort

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 10 / 16
Date: July 22, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Find a demo first! What fans of LOM don't mention is that it is a SLOW paced game for a looong time. You start out with very little in the way of resources - either money or troops, and even with an unbroken chain of victories you'll go forty/fifty turns before your army starts to amount to more than three units! I didn't find the tactical game (the "heart of the game" according to one reviewer) all that compelling - the battlefields are similar, your opponents are generally more experienced and more numerous, and after dozens of encounters recapturing outposts, mines, etc. from random marauders, I am thankful for the autocalc option. I am frustrated by the long time(two/three turns)needed for my handful of troops (basically, my entire army!) to recover from their wounds since more marauders and enemy faiths continue to move through my land with impunity. The artifacts, experience bonuses, character improvements, all of those details that make you want to play one more turn, are just not impressive! Tiny amulets, unusuable potions, weird spell buttons, clumsy unit grouping/ungrouping, are all put offs. I've grown to enjoy LOM but I invested a lot of time in it, and I don't know whether many will want to do the same.

What's wrong with a little competition

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: September 16, 2000
Author: Amazon User

First of all, this is not necessarily an easy game to play, at least from the strategic standpoint. I found the graphics great, the interface very workable, and the flexibility of the possible scenarios outstanding. The game can also be used with initial defaults, if you don't want to be flexible. The game is a basic game of good vs evil, with eight (8) "Faiths", or groups of people in the fictitious world of Urak. Each 'faith' has it's strengths and weaknesses. I prefer the Order faith, but that's because I like the Medievel group of Knights, Paladins, and Wizards. This game was not easy for me in the beginning. I got knocked around pretty good when I first started. But, after a couple of times of getting beat up by a Hydra, I learned pretty quick. I'm glad the game was challenging. That's why I buy a game, to be challenged a little and to test my brain. This game can definitely be complicated, with all the possible characters and scenarios. For instance, each faith has its own version of a warrior, a thief, and a mage user. That's 24 different beginning characters types. Not to mention the ability to choose what the beginning character start with in the way of experience, or other characters. Then, there are 8 different maps that come with the game, and a map editor that allows you to create your own.(This part wasn't always easy, though). I have won adventures taking as short as 40 'days'and as many as 400. Somehow, I get more fun from the 400 day adventures. 1.(The regular game starts with all 8 groups of people taking turns in sequence. When all groups have had a turn, that's one 'day'. this takes about a 30-60 seconds after the player is finished with his/her turn, barring any conflicts)

looking forward to LoM II

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 5
Date: October 04, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Lords of Magic is a very ambitious game. It has great graphics and sound, and it is quite different from all of the Warcraft clones out there.

Unfortunately, the game has many problems. The AI is seriously flawed in combat, and when bartering with computer players. Also, the game is just too easy. It may take a while to biuld up your forces, but you can win the game without ever encountering serious opposition. Sure, the marauding parties are a constant nuisance, but they usually never accomplish more than taking over a brewery for a day or two before you eliminate them.

Despite its flaws I really like what the game tries to accomplish. With a little more variety and much better AI the next Lords of Magic could be the best fantasy-strategy game available.

A great fantasy game with potential!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 6
Date: October 11, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Though this game has many flaws (AI etc.), it still is a great source of entertainment. The variety of units and champions produces great replay value. I had a lot of fun playing this game, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone who like games. Although it's a stragedy game, the graphics are still top quality. And unlike many other fantasy/stragedy games, you can see your units in combat. Close up too. For those of you who love stragedy/fantasy games, this is a must buy, you'll enjoy it a whole lot! For those of you who aren't... Well just buy it anyway, or else you'll miss out on one of Sierra's greatest products. (Thanks Amazon for carring this great game!)

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