A Game of Thrones: Genesis
Preview
Political prowess and strategic planning
by Marko Susimetsä
previewed on PC
Campaigns and military
A Game of Thrones: Genesis will include events from the “history” of the novels, from year -750 to 299. In terms of important events, this covers the span from Nymeria’s arrival to the Kingdom of Dorne and the awakening of the “Others” from beyond the Wall (described in the novel series). The developers promise to take us through Westeros’ founding events and battles, including Aegon the Conqueror’s invasion and the War of the Usurper.
Given that the game is not only about war-mongering, it is perhaps enlightening to take a look at some of the available unit types. For example, there are Noble Ladies that you can marry off to towns or allied castles to create a blood alliance which in turn will be a stronger bond and create more revenue in the long run. These ladies can also try to seduce a lone enemy unit, like an heir, to bring them to your service. One must wonder how she does the same thing with an entire 150-man company. The Rogue can foment unhappiness in towns and try to break alliances between your enemies. He can also try to bribe enemy units, such as mercenaries, assassins and envoys to change loyalties. The Great Lord is your most important unit, akin to the King in Chess. You can marry him off and try to produce an offspring, or move him to a town or an allied castle to raise troops. Losing the Great Lord before an heir is produced will definitely end your game.
It’s most likely a foregone conclusion, but it is perhaps good to mention that A Game of Thrones: Genesis will also include a multiplayer mode, allowing up to eight players to take charge of the various Houses and battle their way to the Iron Throne.
Time to air some doubts and fears
At the time of writing this preview, the developers have yet to start marketing their product properly. Given that the release date is only a couple of weeks away, this makes me wonder what we will actually see when the game comes. There has not yet even been a gameplay video presented to the public.
On paper, the above details sound pretty nice, but the artwork and released press info includes screenshots that make the continent of Westeros seem very tiny. The units look exactly the same as you would expect from any generic RTS title, with health bars and all, and the Wall is white, but is not made of ice like it should – it merely looks like a frosted brick wall. There’s only one keep in front of the Wall and no sign of the dozens of outposts that are supposed to cover its length. In short, the map looks too tiny to offer any actual strategy game experience and the most you will get is probably some tactical gameplay as you move your units around on the small map.
Of course, it is too early to write this game off completely, but those expecting a grand scale strategy game will most likely be disappointed, while those looking for a small, fun game may find what they expected. We’ll all know for sure at the end of this month when the game is supposed to be released.
