Graphics mar Kingdoms' total mythical romp

Total Annihilation Kingdoms

***

Cavedog PC

$99.95

Reviewer: Peter Eley

In the beginning, a conflict over the transfer of consciousness from flesh to machines escalated into a war which decimated a million worlds.

The two protagonists, the Core and the Arm, all but exhausted the galaxy's resources in their struggle for domination.

Total Annihilation was perhaps the best game of its type two years back - futuristic, real-time strategy combined with cool 3D graphics, innovative gameplay and great multi-playability.

It is hard to see how that product has transmuted into Total Annihilation Kingdoms, a strategy game set back in the mists of time.

While it is a perfectly playable swords-and-sorcerers romp through the mythical kingdom of Darien, it isn't as good as Total Annihilation.

The main letdown is the graphics. Total Annihilation's units and landscapes were large, clear and colourful. Kingdoms' units are small and often hard to pick out in the game's forest-style terrain.

But it's not all doom and gloom. The storyline is strong, and linking sequences and mission structure draw you into what is an epic game.

The four main characters are Elsin, Thirsha, Lokken and Kirenna - immortal brothers and sisters all after the throne of Darien.

Each gets a 10-mission campaign, each with its own dedicated unit structure. For example, Thirsha's forces are made up of animals, Lokken relies on black magic, Kirenna on naval forces and Elsin on cavalry and infantry.

It's a complex game with difficult but absorbing missions, particularly in the latter stages.

What a pity the graphics aren't better.

Interestingly, although Cavedog recommends a minimum Pentium 233, the video card requirements are for any that support DirectX 6.1 - no mention of 3D graphics acceleration.

In fact, Cavedog says that in many cases such hardware will make little, if any, difference to how the game looks.

Required: Pentium 133, 16Mb Ram.

* Send your comments by e-mail to: peter_eley@herald.co.nz