 ... is a adaptation of a board game, published 20 years ago but still with a small, but persistent community. They probably will be happy to see this title reviving their favourite game...
INDEX
Synopsis
Story
Gameplay
Comment
Links and Download
SYNOPSIS
Cry Havoc is a nearly flawless adaptation of a well known board-game which doesn't pay tribute to the computer concerning its atmospherics. If you are interested in strategy board game you definitly should try this one. The graphics taken from the original game are beautiful and so is the enchanting music. Features the possibility of loading additional maps and has an editor for custom scenarios.
STORY
It seems like the main deficit in freeware developed strategy games is the story. Cry Havoc: Test of Faith has a interesting title and you could imagine quite a thrilling story around it. Nevertheless, the developer chose to keep close to the desktop game, originally published Standart Games and Publications Ltd. In my humble opinion it would improve the single player part of the game quite a lot, would there be a story-driven sequence of scenarios.
GAMEPLAY
Cry Havoc:Test of Faith is turn-based. Two players at maximum play against each other in turns, which consists of 4 phases each: Offensive fire, where long range weapons are being shot, the moving phase, where you move your units, close combat, where, well... close combat is being executed and finally the Defensive Fire, where you mark some fields with your long range units. When,during the moving phase of the opponent, an enemy unit steps on this field, it will be shot by your warrior - you will have to guess, where the enemy might walk.
You can play the game on one computer, or via internet or LAN on two different computers, or you play against the computer - the game has an integrated AI. With about 38 (!) different units you really are spoilt for choice at the beginning of a match, when you "buy" your units and place them on your map.
the terrain also affects the values of your units. Ground floor, for example is low in movement costs, but has certainly no cover; a forest can block the sight of your bowmen and water is impassable for some units.
COMMENT
This really is a nice and well programmed game. I enjoyed the graphics, which are static (no animations at all) but really beautifully designed in the style of medieval drawings. Of course, one has to admit, that the sprites are taken from the original game - so this credit should go to the designers of the boardgame. The maps are designed like classical desktopgames with a hex-structure. The music also is original medieval and fits perfectly in the game. I like Cry Havoc: Test of Faith, because it is a social game, that is you best play it on one computer with a good friend, like you play a board game, but with some comforts regarding the evaluation of the damage done and the management of moving point, for example. I generally am sceptic concerning adaptations of board games, but this one really is done with some effort and dedication. Only flaw is the non-existing story mode, which would add one big advantage in comparison with the original desktop game. Maybe someday the developers will think about this 'opportunity' to enhance an existing game even further by using all the possibilities an adaptation of a board-game in bits and bytes can offer. And this specially concern CryHavoc: Test of Faith, because it is not the only adaptation of the game out there. (read the blog Cyberboard[not yet written])
LINKS AND DOWNLOAD
Website: http://www.battlephase.com/cryhavoc/index.html
Cry Havoc Blog: http://www.cryhavocgame.blogspot.com/
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Written by
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on 2009-07-15 03:56:56
very nice game, add me to play online :D |
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