Kingdom Under Fire: A War of Heroes

Just the right mix of graphics, sound and strategy to make for an entertaining evening of orc-bashing.

I could criticize KUF for an overall lack of spirit, but beyond this nebulous quality, there are some real concrete problems with the game. First and foremost, the game is too hard.

Great graphics and storyline can't quite make up for its lackluster AI and tedious gameplay.

Although fun for a few levels, the problems in this game quickly build up to the point where they bury any fun you might have been having with a mountain of frustration.

If the taste of orcs and humans battling on a 2D plain while gathering gold and other resources hasn't become stale to your senses, then by all means dive into this feast of rehashed mediocrity. I'm looking for something with a little more kick.

With a boring story and uninspired game play, there is hardly reason to recommend this game, especially with the market filled with RTSes and RPGs that stand head and shoulders above KUF.

Since the entire title is built around the concept of gradual character development through combat, the lack of a save option instantly nullifies any and all value that the innovation might have brought.