Diplomacy is Definitely Not an Option
Feudal Frenzy with Endless Enemies
Early Access Review
last updated Dec 04, 2023
It's like concocted in a cauldron by a mad alchemist marrying tower defense with RTS elements, the game delivers a punchy experience that tickles the masochistic pleasure center of any strategy aficionado.
Conquering Chaos with Clicks
Wielding the scepter of a feudal lord in 'Diplomacy Is Not An Option,' players are thrust into a whirlwind of strategic anarchy right from the get-go. As if concocted in a cauldron by a mad alchemist marrying tower defense with RTS elements, the gameplay delivers a punchy experience that tickles the masochistic pleasure center of any strategy aficionado. Ever heard of the 'delightful despair' of surviving waves of relentless foes? This game serves it up like the daily special at your local medieval tavern. If you've been dreaming about swarms of peasants storming your castle as you manically erect fortifications, this is your jam. The ebb and flow of engaging combat and nerve-wracking defense keeps you on your toes, and trust me, discovering your previously foolproof strategy is now as effective as a chocolate teapot is part of the charm.
Aural Ambiance of Aggression
Close your eyes, and you can almost smell the burning pitch as the game's audio immerses you in the battle's fury. The clangs and clatters of medieval warfare are a constant companion, matched with the foreboding undertones of an impending horde that will tickle your fight-or-flight instincts. The soundscaping is spot on, complementing each clash and clamor with a rousing soundtrack fit for a lord—or a besieged earl, for that matter. As enemy armies crash against your walls, the music swells, injecting a sense of urgency that gets your blood pumping. Beware though, lose yourself too much in these sounds of siege and you might just start barking orders at your cat in full feudal flair.
Beauty in Simplicity
Graphics here are like a minimalist's dream at a Ren Faire, low poly yet brimming with charismatic charm. The game's aesthetic is a breath of fresh air in the sometimes monotonously hyper-real landscape of modern RTS titles. 'Diplomacy Is Not An Option' proves that you don't need a bazillion polygons to create an alluring world, as it paints a pretty picture of feudal life amidst chaos. Performance-wise, the game manages to maintain its composure even when the screen is swarming with enough peasants to start a small country. It's a visual feast that doesn't choke your rig, ensuring smooth gameplay that'll keep you gawking at the detailed animations instead of cursing over dropped frames.
The Unseen Rough Edges
It's not all sunshine and sieges though, as some gamers might stumble upon grim glitches in their quest for glory. Might want to keep an eye out for pesky load times with a penchant for overstaying their welcome, reminiscent of those royal in-laws that just won't leave your banquet hall. A handful of players have reported being rudely greeted by frustratingly long load times, sneering at you from stuck loading screens like they own the place. It looks like the blacksmiths behind this title are hammering away at some hotfixes, so let's hope those issues will soon be as forgotten as Latin.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Door 407
Release Date
October 04, 2024
The Feudal Verdict
With a keen blend of defense and resource management, 'Diplomacy Is Not An Option' could be crowned as the new obsession for strategy game lovers seeking a challenge. It's a fortress of fun with an added sprinkle of trebuchet-induced terror. There's room for improvement, but the foundations are as solid as castle walls. Keep your sword sharp and your wits sharper, and you may just find yourself addicted to repelling the storming masses.