Kingdom Eighties Review (Itchy Samurai)
Since I first stumbled upon the original Kingdom, it's been my go-to for that cozy gaming experience – you know, the one that lures you in with its calming tunes, charming pixel graphics, and a gameplay mix that's simple yet surprisingly intricate.
Over the years, I've dipped my toes into different versions of the game, each bringing its own unique twist. My top pick? Definitely the Shogun expansion. Exploring new islands, encountering fresh monsters, riding mounts, and constructing towers – every iteration felt like an exciting new adventure.
Now, let's talk Eighties – the latest addition to the Kingdom family. This time, it's not just about building and surviving; there's a narrative weaving through each stage, turning each island into a chapter. Four chapters later, and you've got yourself a game with an ending. It's not the strongest story you'll experience, yet it works.
But, here's the thing that bugs me a bit – the game's a bit on the short side. Complete all four chapters with a regular playthrough, not diving too deep into every nook and cranny, and you're looking at roughly 5-6 hours. And that's me being optimistic. For a 12 euro price tag, it feels a tad brief. Sure, you can stretch it out with replayability, aiming for all the achievements like I did, but there's a limit.
Now, there's this "mixtape" mode they threw in – a survival setup where you replay specific chapters, with extra rules and a tougher difficulty. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I'm sure it's got its own fanbase.
One thing that kind of bugged me was the fact that there's no co-op mode. Honestly, games like Kingdom, especially ones with this vibe, should totally have a coop feature – it's like a given. I've got some sweet memories of chilling on the couch with my GF, diving into the Kingdom series together, and not having a coop mode in Eighties just felt a bit off.
Let's dive a bit more into what makes Kingdom: Eighties so special—the whole 80s vibe is just spot on, I've got to admit. The game manages to capture that nostalgic feel perfectly, with loads of nods to classic movies, series, and games. It's like a blast from the past with all these neat details in different scenes, making the whole experience feel super immersive.
And can we talk about the music? Oh man, it's on another level. The Kingdom series has always nailed it in the music department, and Eighties is no exception. The tunes are crazy good. I caught myself more than once just standing in-game, soaking in the 80s vibes from the soundtrack. It's like being transported to this whole other world, whether it's the woods or the busy streets.
So, this 80s setup they've got going on isn't just a backdrop. It's the heart of the game. The references, the details, and that killer soundtrack—it all adds up to an experience that deserves to be played. Kingdom: Eighties becomes this trip down memory lane, a visual and musical feast that really pays homage to the awesomeness of the 1980s. It's those little touches that make it more than just a game; it's a memorable journey back in time, and that's what sets it apart in the Kingdom series.
I appreciate you taking the time to read through my review. I hope you'll find this and my other reviews somehow helpful! :)