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Excellent Strategy! But that's not what everyone wants...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 21
Date: December 15, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I've never so much diversity on reviews for a single game! As you can see, I gave it a 5 myself, but I can see where someone else would give it a 1 or 2. Confused? Well, this is why: "Disciples: Sacred Lands" is a very unique fantasy role-playing turn-based STRATEGY game. And no, it's nothing like Warcraft or Starcraft which are real-time strategy games where you amass hordes of armies and attack in mass. (Sidenote: If that's the gaming experience you're looking for, turn to the latest and best in that genre -- Warlords Battlecry.) So then what's Disciples all about?

The name of the company who made this game is called "Strategy First" and by looking at this game, one can see that their company name is also their motto. This game takes thought, preparation, and there are many different options to win. Basically, you're given an objective or quest to complete -- how you do that is up to you. First, you select a monarch -- either a Warrior, Mage, or Guildmaster, each of which gives your empire certain bonuses. Next, who will you hire as your first general? For example, if you are the Human Empire (1 of 4 races) then you can choose the Pegasus-Knight, Ranger, Archmage, Archangel, or Thief. They cost different amounts, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. Now you must select what other 0 - 3 individual units will serve under that leader's command from out of 4 other different units types -- again, with varying strengths and weaknesses and at different costs. (Note: An army of 1 - 6 units MUST be lead by a general.)

Now what? Well, your group's formation is key to winning battles. Once that's setup, will you upgrade your capital with various buildings to enhance your armies once they reach a certain level of experience? Or will you research spells? And once your generals themselves upgrade a level, what extra empowerment will you give them out of several different options? Etc, etc.

Then the battles. It's important who you attack, and not every unit can attack every other unit. Some can only fight adjacent units, others can fight any, and others can attack all at once. Note that the characters don't "walk around" during battle, but rather face off one in a static picture on a seperate screen. Once they choose their attack they become animated, but that's the extent of it. So if your looking for stunning graphics, you won't find it here. (However I do have to say that the artwork is excellent!)

Think of it like this -- a chessboard. Each unit has a certain value set upon it, and each has their own abilities. The difference is YOU get to setup the chessboard with whoever you want. Buying all queens would be too expensive, while buying all pawns will give you numbers, but no backbone. As in chess, the pieces have to work together, but in this game, your units gain experience, becoming stronger and stronger through battling or potions and spells they come across.

One thing I'll also mention is the limitations on the army size. Yes, I also found it annoying at first that I had a minimum of four units (including the general) and a maximum of six after a LOT of fighting. However, I soon came to realize this was all part of the strategy element. "Finesse and tactics" play a larger role here than "might makes right." In fact, the company thought about bumping up the min and max units to 6 and 8 in the upcoming sequel, but they found that it took away to much from the strategy element. (Sidenote: If you are interested in VERY detailed battle tactics -- meaning taking control of every single movement and action of every single unit in every single battle -- then check out Age of Wonders, assuming you can forgive its rather "cartoony" appearance.)

Like I said, I LOVED this game. I liked not having to run around managing multiple things at once, but instead, I could sit back and think, "Hmmm. Now what are my options here, and what's going to be the best way to win this." See what I mean? It's STRATEGY FIRST as the company name implies. And if you like that sort of thing, then this will be the game for you, otherwise, if you're looking for non-stop action, go somewhere else. (Final sidenote: Strategy First is working on a sequel... If nothing else, check out the screenshots and artwork for this game, or download the demo which is 40 Meg.)

One final thing to note are the 4 empires: The Human Empire, The Mountain Clans, The Undead Hordes, and the Legions of the Damned. I only mention this in the event that some people and/or parents may have reservations about fighting with creatures like zombies or demons from the latter two empires. Otherwise, turn on your brain, toss in some imagination, and enjoy!

Slick graphics, boring game

1 Rating: 1, Useful: 8 / 10
Date: May 25, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game based on strong reviews, and was sorely dissapointed. Although the production values are slick, the underlying game has some serious design flaws that make it fairly dull. My big problems with it:

BORING TACTICAL COMBAT: The tactical combat system is so simplistic that any moderately intelligent player will quickly get tired of it. There are almost no options. Every unit can do exactly one thing. (Most units attack, a few units heal instead.) So the only thing left for the player to do is click on the unit's target. It's the sort of rote busy work that a computer could do as well as a human being, so one has to wonder why they have the player doing it all.

BADLY THOUGHT OUT MAGIC SYSTEM: There is a preponderence of offensive magic which seriously unbalances the game. There are a huge number of spells which can damage an enemy stack anywhere on the board, and very few defenses against them. (Units in towns are immune, as are those which are invisible.) As a result, those high level heroes that you've spent the whole game building up can be killed in an instant if they leave town, and there is almost nothing you can do to protect them.

BADLY THOUGHT OUT ARTIFACTS SYSTEM: There are a ton of artifacts in this game, but since each hero can use only two (and then only if they have the skill), a lot of them just sit around collecting dust. Also, there's a real lack of variety here, as with the spell system.

LITTLE VARIETY IN THE MAGIC: The spells vary a lot in the graphics associated with them, but not much in effect. Compared to the old games Master of Magic and Lords of Magic, there is a real lack of variety in the things you can do with magic.

Overall, I found this game poorly thought out and not worth my time. Those seeking a really good Fantasy Strategy Game would be better off trying a couple of older titles: "Master of Magic", and "Lords of Magic". Both leave this game in their dust.

This game is great don't listen to everything you hear

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: June 12, 2000
Author: Amazon User

TACTICAL COMBAT: Sure all you do do is chose who you attack orheal and yes that is CLOSE to all you do. There are differences suchas that ceirtain units attack all opponets while some only attack one. With this the lines (of troops) must be set accordingly. Also the varity of units call for strong thought in unit placement. Also the units can advance with enough experience so you might need to seek out NPC's to attack and advance your units for large battles.

MAGIC: Magic is NOT an unfair table-turner. spells that destroy instantly found on mabye one scroll in the whole level. The magic is just used to turn favour to your units in a battle.

ARTIFACTS: Artifacts are supposed to be rare and hard to use. So your leaders only can use them after they are trained to use them. Thay can only carry two because going into battle with a unit that is holding 500,000 artifacts (or betterr winnig odds) is just no fun.

VARIETY OF MAGIC: Sure lightning and ice storm do the same thing: they hurt your adversaries. But most magic is varied in their effect on units. They can change MANY different attributes of those units effected (good or bad) and that is were the magic shines.

FINAL This game is an appex of turn-based stratigy...

Not much of a game.

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: August 24, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This game looks like it was done on a bit of a budget-- the cutscene graphics are straight scan-ins from line drawings, there aren't many levels in any of the campaigns, and the combat is extremely simplistic.

In addition, all of its plusses are accompanied by annoyances. On the plus side, it's fun for a while to determine how your tiny little band of troops has to be deployed to beat a particular battle. What's annoying is that one hero can only be accompanied by FIVE troops at most, and only if he's a high level; most of the game it's three; sometimes only one. You never have a significant number of heroes, so your armies are severely limited. Plus side: city management is streamlined. Minus: it's cut to the bone, and actually kind of uninteresting. Plus: magic graphics are great. Minus: the actual spell effects are very basic.

Plus: it's addictive for a little while, while you're learning it. Minus: Afterward, you'll wonder why you wasted your time.

If you want a good Fantasy Turn Based Strategy game, look at Age of Wonders instead.

It had promise

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 5 / 12
Date: February 05, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Out of a slow year for really cool video games, Disciples' box cover offers promise, overhead strategy combined with rpg rules in a turn based setting. Not to mention four distinct races. Unfortunately the game is so painfully difficult, and not even fun that the tireless gamer must wait even longer for Blizzard to release Diablo II without anything to tide him/her by.

One of the best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: April 29, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This is a good game for people who like games such as, StarCraft, but desire more RPG features in a game. One of the best i've played.

I like it for what it is.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 1
Date: January 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Ok people have "complained" about stuff with this game. For what it is; I like it.

There are 4 races: Empire(human), Moutain Clans(Dwarves), Undead Hordes, Legion of the Damned.

You have 4 campaigns for each race.

You have 3 leaders to choose: Warrior Lord, Mage, Guild Master.

Overall the game is small version of the 3DO heros genra. The AI is ok but I have noticed it does not follow up attacks(normal level) and most can win by getting your leader and the your warrior types to their highest levels.

Magic is ok but as expected there is overlap. Basically the same damage but different graphics. However, at times it can get annoying as the computer pounds your army with spells as you race off to attack a heavily defended castle.

One thing I think is lacking is the AI choosing differnt leader types(ie mage against your warrior lord).

Also, the last level also includes to artifacts that gurantee the victory no matter what.

Your home castle has a super entity protecting it. I have not found a way to attack it just yet. It is probably possible but building up a couple groups and multiattack your enemy.

Even though there are many questionable features, I still liked the game!

I am told the sequals are much better but I will get to them after I play all classes and then have a run at the highest levels.

disciples... not just another RPG

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 1 / 2
Date: March 23, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Though the game itself is quite dragging the fact that you must keep a cool head and plan every move before you make it keeps your mind sharp and alert as to the possible outcome of each battle. You must also keep track of what your opponents are doing as they can be very tricky as to their reactons to your attacks. All in all the game was a good investment as it has inspired my son to think before he acts both in the game and in real life. As long as you don't mind using you MIND then this turn based game is a good mental workout

Fun game, but keep the volume down

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 0 / 0
Date: July 17, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Disciples: The Sacred Lands is a real great game. I played it all the way through with all four races and thoroughly enjoyed it. This game is definitely worth it if you like turn-based games, and even if you don't, you may still wish to give it a go. I have 3 major problems with this game:

1. The sounds: The music is alright, but very staticy even on high quality speakers. The voices for the characters and sounds in battle are my biggest difficulty with the audio aspects of Disciples. The voices are difficult to understand and unpleasant in general. Though the somewhat disturbing edge to it may have been intentional, it isn't disturbing just bothersome to the ears.

2. Chance to hit: Though the chance to hit is usually about 75%, I've found that this is far from accurate. There have been battles in which every one of my units has missed every one of the enemy units twice in a row. On occasion, one of my characters will miss 3 or 4 times in a row. Based on general percentages from actual experience, the real chance to hit when it says 75% is about 40-60% depending how fortunate you are.

3. Multi-player: The multiplayer setup isn't bad, not really. However, I have problems with the inability to put in more than 4 players. Several friends of mine play the game and like it as well, but we can't all play at once because of 4 player limitations.

Aside from those 3 things, I love Disciples I and look forward to the sequel.

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