Medieval Dynasty Review: A New Generation of Kingdoms
A Broad Brush Stroke Through the Medieval Wilderness
last updated Dec 13, 2023
The overwhelming joy of constructing and maintaining a medieval settlement with friends is undeniable.
A Quest for Survival Wrapped in a Sandbox Cloak
Strap on your chainmail and sharpen your hoe, because 'Medieval Dynasty' isn't just another brick in the castle wall of survival games. Here we've got a cornucopia of farming, building, and crafting with a dash of The Sims-style management tossed into the medieval mix. The newly added cooperative splendor takes camaraderie to new heights as you and your comrades weave together a bustling medieval tapestry. But heed this weary traveler’s warning: the learning curve could be compared to climbing a castle turret. There's no tutorial to hold your gauntleted hand, so expect frequent pilgrimages to the almighty Google for enlightenment. No spoon-feeding here, folks – it's a rugged path to glory well-worn by the boots of those with patience.
Aural Hymns From The Dark Ages
Sound off the trumpets and let the lute play! The soundscape of this medieval world is a banquet for the ears. The crunch of autumn leaves underfoot, the clash of steel, and the homely chatter of NPC villagers all add layers of satisfying crunch to the rustic loaf of immersion. Rumors speak of new music that'll make you want to strap on your dancing clogs and jig with the peasants! It's a symphony of aural delights that serves well to transport you into the heart of the Middle Ages.
Ye Olde Pixel Tapestry
Visually, 'Medieval Dynasty' plants its flag firmly amongst the rolling hills of the pretty realm. The seasonal changes are a sight to behold, painting the canvas of the world with colors that ebb and flow in delightful harmony. But brace for the occasional storm, as performance can be as turbulent as a peasant uprising. Reports from the village square tell tale of occasional bugs and hitching frame rates that haunt the otherwise serene landscapes. It's clear the developers are fermenting a beautiful vintage here but remember to keep ye olde bug spray at the ready.
The Fellowship's Expansion
Let's talk a turkey-leg about the coop mode – a grand feast for those looking to share their medieval drudgery with a friend. Though a handful of pests may nip at your ankles in the form of bugs, the foray into cooperative play is like adding spice to mead – it's delightful! However, there's an elephant in the great hall: death in co-op seems to have stolen the Grim Reaper’s edge. Fallen comrades return too swiftly to battle, equipped as if death were merely a slap on the wrist. The developers might do well to bring the scythe down a mite harder if they wish to preserve the sting of mortality.
STEAM RATING
Developer
Render Cube
Publisher
Toplitz Productions
Release Date
September 23, 2021
Verdict & Summary
With its rich tapestry of survival mechanics and village management, ‘Medieval Dynasty’ invites you to don the mantle of a medieval ruler. Balancing the scales between cultivating a quiet life of farming and the thrill of cooperative play, the game shows off an ambitious blend of genres. While the co-op does come with its fair share of springtime bugs awaiting squashing, the overwhelming joy of constructing and maintaining a medieval settlement with friends is undeniable. Performance hiccups and a steep learning curve might ward off the faint of heart, but for the persistent lord or lady, this dynasty might just be worth the bloodline.