Warlords: Darklords Rising 3
Warlords III 3 Darklords Rising PC CD beastly allie army war power strategy game
Game
Windows
RedOrb
1998
CD
$7.99
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Last year, Red Orb Entertainment released Warlords III: Reign of Heroes, the much-anticipated sequel to Warlords II. And although Warlords III was a great game, some of the best features of its predecessor, such as the excellent army editor, weren't included. With Darklords Rising, Red Orb has filled in some of the gaps, and reaffirmed the Warlords franchise as one of the best strategy series around in the process.
In Warlords III, you're positioned as the commander of a fantasy army at war. You gain power by capturing cities, which provide you with both the income and the ability to produce more armies. Along the way, you command heroes that seek out quests to uncover magic items or beastly allies to aid you in the conflict. There are even mercenary armies and heroes who can join your cause, as long as you have enough gold to pay for their services.
Veteran Warlords enthusiasts will find almost all of the features that made the deluxe edition of Warlords II such an enjoyable game. Included in Darklords Rising are 31 new armies, five new hero types, a scenario editor, a campaign designer, new skills and spells for heroes, new options before and during gameplay, nine new game types, new victory conditions, new scenarios, new campaigns, and new terrain types. This horde of features gives Darklords Rising almost endless replayability. Strategy gamers who have yet to check out the Warlords series will find themselves occupied for hours upon hours just experimenting with all that this gem has to offer.
The story follows Reign of Heroes, but this time you play your foe from the previous game, Lord Bane, who has come to reconquer the lands of Siria. Throughout the campaign, you'll have to deal with old allies and enemies in almost a reverse plot of Reign of Heroes in which you led the knights of Siria. While this story isn't explicitly original, the chance to play with evil armies and watch them gain experience more than makes up for it. In addition, the other campaigns give you the chance to play the armies of other races besides the ghastly undead or honorable knights. Although they're considerably shorter than the main one, the orc and dwarven campaigns allow for some variety.
As for the graphics, they're pretty much the same as in Reign of Heroes, giving you the overhead view of the landscape with realistic terrain. The land features (trees, mountains, hills) don't have the cartoonish quality of Heroes of Might and Magic II, with the exception of water and lava, which are brighter than is to be expected. The realistic terrain in Darklords Rising makes for more believable battlegrounds than are found in its competitors. The new scenarios and game styles in this version are also a great asset. Common game types such as "king of the hill" and "capture the flag" are included, along with others that highlight some of the unique features of the Warlords playing style. Heirs to Ancient Power and Battle of the Titans will appeal to those who enjoy Heroes of Might and Magic, where controlling individual heroes and their armies is the key. In Heirs, you're provided with a powerful magical artifact, and in Battle, you're given a highly advanced level-ten hero. In this manner, the focus of the game is directed more towards building armies around your hero.
Darklords Rising gives you both a scenario editor and a random map generator, and the amount of detail you can put in your custom scenarios is truly amazing. As long as you stay within the standard Warlords rules, you have complete control of the major elements of the game. The only drawback is the lack of an army editor. The Warlords II Deluxe Edition featured such an editor, which allowed you to create any type of army, including sci-fi and World War II ones. They gave you premade armies ranging from the realistic, such as the Civil War set, to the fantastic, such as the elemental beings set. This great feature made Warlords more than just a fantasy wargame, promoting it to the realm of a "wargame creation program." Sadly, this feature has not been included in Darklords Rising due to the difficulty of allowing you to animate your custom armies.
If you're looking for something to tide you over until the holiday rush, Warlords III: Darklords Rising is highly recommended. In fact, you might even forget about the games you've been waiting for. In this update of Reign of Heroes, SSG has done a great job of giving fantasy wargame fans a game worthy of the Warlords name.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
In Warlords III, you're positioned as the commander of a fantasy army at war. You gain power by capturing cities, which provide you with both the income and the ability to produce more armies. Along the way, you command heroes that seek out quests to uncover magic items or beastly allies to aid you in the conflict. There are even mercenary armies and heroes who can join your cause, as long as you have enough gold to pay for their services.
Veteran Warlords enthusiasts will find almost all of the features that made the deluxe edition of Warlords II such an enjoyable game. Included in Darklords Rising are 31 new armies, five new hero types, a scenario editor, a campaign designer, new skills and spells for heroes, new options before and during gameplay, nine new game types, new victory conditions, new scenarios, new campaigns, and new terrain types. This horde of features gives Darklords Rising almost endless replayability. Strategy gamers who have yet to check out the Warlords series will find themselves occupied for hours upon hours just experimenting with all that this gem has to offer.
The story follows Reign of Heroes, but this time you play your foe from the previous game, Lord Bane, who has come to reconquer the lands of Siria. Throughout the campaign, you'll have to deal with old allies and enemies in almost a reverse plot of Reign of Heroes in which you led the knights of Siria. While this story isn't explicitly original, the chance to play with evil armies and watch them gain experience more than makes up for it. In addition, the other campaigns give you the chance to play the armies of other races besides the ghastly undead or honorable knights. Although they're considerably shorter than the main one, the orc and dwarven campaigns allow for some variety.
As for the graphics, they're pretty much the same as in Reign of Heroes, giving you the overhead view of the landscape with realistic terrain. The land features (trees, mountains, hills) don't have the cartoonish quality of Heroes of Might and Magic II, with the exception of water and lava, which are brighter than is to be expected. The realistic terrain in Darklords Rising makes for more believable battlegrounds than are found in its competitors. The new scenarios and game styles in this version are also a great asset. Common game types such as "king of the hill" and "capture the flag" are included, along with others that highlight some of the unique features of the Warlords playing style. Heirs to Ancient Power and Battle of the Titans will appeal to those who enjoy Heroes of Might and Magic, where controlling individual heroes and their armies is the key. In Heirs, you're provided with a powerful magical artifact, and in Battle, you're given a highly advanced level-ten hero. In this manner, the focus of the game is directed more towards building armies around your hero.
Darklords Rising gives you both a scenario editor and a random map generator, and the amount of detail you can put in your custom scenarios is truly amazing. As long as you stay within the standard Warlords rules, you have complete control of the major elements of the game. The only drawback is the lack of an army editor. The Warlords II Deluxe Edition featured such an editor, which allowed you to create any type of army, including sci-fi and World War II ones. They gave you premade armies ranging from the realistic, such as the Civil War set, to the fantastic, such as the elemental beings set. This great feature made Warlords more than just a fantasy wargame, promoting it to the realm of a "wargame creation program." Sadly, this feature has not been included in Darklords Rising due to the difficulty of allowing you to animate your custom armies.
If you're looking for something to tide you over until the holiday rush, Warlords III: Darklords Rising is highly recommended. In fact, you might even forget about the games you've been waiting for. In this update of Reign of Heroes, SSG has done a great job of giving fantasy wargame fans a game worthy of the Warlords name.
For Windows (32-bit Systems) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
