Break out the tights and grab the
bow and sword, it’s time to take from the rich and give to the poor.
The mythical hero lives, fights and
can be defeated if you are not careful. Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood
Forest, a PC release from Spellbound and Strategy First, is a tactical real-time
strategy game that places game players in the heart of tremendous upheaval and a
tenuous time when the throne and fate of a county lie in the balance.
The game is a mission-based foray
into the legendary time when the throne of England was usurped by a corrupt
brother and his evil henchman, the Sheriff of Nottingham. Robin arrives home to
find himself proclaimed a victim of the Crusades, his land stolen and those who
would stand up to the injustice labeled criminals and hunted as such. His first
task is to locate an old friend (Lord Godwin), who has disappeared thus sending
Robin on a journey toward Sherwood Forest.
Because Duke Leopold has Richard
the Lion-hearted hostage, and is demanding an enormous ransom, the Sheriff and
his cronies have levied heavy taxes against an impoverished nation. Gathering
men of courage by his side, it is up to Robin to see that all is set right.
The game does a very nice job of
keeping the tone of the times, and marching steadfastly along the timeline that
many know so well. But just as important, this program does a very good job of
utilizing the skills and derry-do often associated with the time-honored tale.
Into the courtyards of Nottingham,
Robin must free those men (including Stuteley, a master craftsman capable of
building traps) about to face the gallows. With his sword, bow and courage, he
wades through the soldiers, cuts the ropes or releases the stocks and together,
the band begins to form the basis of the “merry men.” But once in Nottingham,
the way out is fraught with danger. Soldiers line the way, archers, pikes and
swords dance in the glare of the sun to deny Robin and his plucky band.
In many regards, this is a grand,
albeit linear, adventure. You can’t leave the easy way; you must fight your way
to freedom. Often, you must explore the towns you find yourself in. The gates
are drawn, but somewhere lays the switch that will lower them.
The first two missions begin either
in a castle ground on just outside the gates. After mission two, you can enter
Sherwood and each successive mission is launched from there. Each mission team
consists of five game characters and players must select which to use in
accordance with the type of mission you are on.
Graphically the game is very nice.
You can zoom in, but that seems somewhat silly. The graphics tended to pixilate
when in extreme close up. Enemies are also color coded so show the difficulty in
fighting them – blue is good, black is very bad. And some of those you encounter
and must fight to begin with are not the bad guys: they just misunderstand that
you are all on the same side.
Of course, what Robin Hood tale
would be complete without giving a little to poor? You will find beggars
throughout the game and stopping to share a few coins reaps its own rewards.
The game’s mapboards are
wonderfully rendered, from the castles to the forest. This game will have
avatars climbing vines, jumping on tables to fight, leaping over walls – almost
like the Errol Flynn movie come to life.
The vocal acting can be a little
tiresome (“he’s so handsome,” whisper the ladies – first time, cool, 10th time
it is old), and vocal stylings of Robin are understated. However, the fighting
effects and music are very well done.
The game’s AI is also very good.
Archers will hide behind shields, and lone soldiers are as likely to run and get
help before engaging in a battle. You can use a bow to pick off the enemy, or
the sword (and other weapons), or knock them out. If you choose the latter, they
will come too, and stars circling above their head will indicate how long they
will stay unconscious.
Robin Hood – The Legend of Sherwood
is well done, and quite enjoyable. The missions get harder as you progress, and
players will be asked to use their brains rather than just blindly wading into
battle. Fans of the era, fans of Robin Hood, and fans of tactical combat games
will find this game worth notching their bows for.
This game is rated for Teens.
Gameplay: 8.5
The missions launch automatically, and the
play, once engaged, is seamless. The maps are a good size and offer diversity of
terrain, which is necessary to completion of some of the missions.
Graphics: 8.2
You can zoom into the game, but the graphics
pixilate when you do so. The animation is very good, and you can move your
characters during a fight to get a better angle and be harder to hit. The game
is bright, with lush environments.
Sound: 8
The vocal acting can be a little
understated, but the overall sound quality of this game is very good.
Difficulty: Medium
The game sports several difficulty levels to
suit most gamers, and the player interface is well designed. The game AI is also
very good, and enemies are likely to use some tactical elements against you
(such as archers hiding behind shields during their attacks, or using
elevation).
Concept: 8.8
The game is very well done. This isn’t
Robin’s first foray into the gaming world, and the game isn’t so much about him
as the setting but all the elements are in place for an enjoyable gaming
experience.
Overall: 8.5
An enjoyable outing in an historic time,
Robin Hood offers solid tactical combat and delightful animation. This game
looks good and plays well.
