60
Kingdoms manages to present a lot of pretty scenery, rousing sound effects, and dynamite music, but it omits a foundation in adequate controls and unit AI. And without that, all the good looks in the world fall flat.
70
A really good example of real time strategy. Maybe the best, but it didn’t do anything to revive my interest in a tired genre.
80
Where TA offers a slew of different unit types for some traditional, hardcore warfare, TA:K goes the fantasy route with fewer units and buildings and a better story. TA:K is much more like "Starcraft" in its approach to strategical combat, the balance of different units types and gameplay that features varied experiences through the different sides.
9
TA: Kingdoms is one of the most memorable RTS games I've played, the faction roster, the campaign and the music all combine to make a game which really stands out. The replayability is strong with a lot multiplayer maps, a skirmish mode and good story which blends fantasy with genuine human storytelling. The soundtrack is unique and features the work of the same composer behind the Elder Scrolls games and Dungeon Siege.
9
Still playing this particular RTS from time to time since the 2000’s, with its remarkable physics system (unique for its time, and still innovative today!), particularly enjoying its soft RPG feature which makes units gain ranks, keeping me carrying small squads to gain levels until all my army gets gold. Its worst downside are the unbalanced dragon, and especially the avatar (which is insane), but you can banish units types in the map editor (making an extra challenge to leave the opposite faction with their dragon for example!), you decide.
10
A solid RTS with 5 factions and immense unit diversity. However the most fun I've had in ages was re-playing the missions as an RPG. There are a few maps where you cannot build structures, so playing tactically is must. This is encouraged since units gain experience and some leveled units are sufficiently durable and versatile to tackle a variety of challenges, for example "Shielded" Knights [and Sky Knights, which are more mobile], in relatively small numbers (3-5) can dominate many battle fields in SP campaigns. And then come the missions where you get to build Gold/Black/Blue dragons which are messengers of death with wings and with each kill are becoming better at dispensing retribution.
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms
Released On:
Jun 23, 1999
Metascore
Mixed or Average
74
User score
Generally Favorable
8.4
My Score
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All Platforms
Metascore
Mixed or Average
67% Positive
12 Reviews
12 Reviews
33% Mixed
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
0% Negative
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0 Reviews
90
Far from being a fatal flaw, however, this lack of definition is sporadically encountered and can be viewed as a minor annoyance and is, in fact, somewhat offset by impressive designs of larger non-human units, such as ships or flying machines.
80
All right, so the gameplay isn't that far removed from the standard RTS fare but Kingdoms is fresh enough thanks to the unique setting that it gets away with it.
User score
Generally Favorable
71% Positive
20 Ratings
20 Ratings
29% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
0% Negative
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
Jun 4, 2015
10
A solid RTS with 5 factions and immense unit diversity. However the most fun I've had in ages was re-playing the missions as an RPG. There are a few maps where you cannot build structures, so playing tactically is must. This is encouraged since units gain experience and some leveled units are sufficiently durable and versatile to tackle a variety of challenges, for example "Shielded" Knights [and Sky Knights, which are more mobile], in relatively small numbers (3-5) can dominate many battle fields in SP campaigns. And then come the missions where you get to build Gold/Black/Blue dragons which are messengers of death with wings and with each kill are becoming better at dispensing retribution.
Jan 1, 2012
10
One of the most challenging and captivating RTS games of the last two decades. It is truly an underrated masterpiece that will never be forgotten by it's fan base. The replayability **** that is now 12 years old and was largely overlooked at the time of release must always be questioned. But when I play this game now it truly is as wonderful and gripping as when I first played it as a wide eyed boy. It is such a shame Cavedog shut down shortly after making this masterpiece as a game as unique and inspiring as this has been sorely missed in the RTS genre. It truly is magnificent and I cannot express my happiness that I found this game all those years ago. This game stands head and shoulders above all other games in my eyes and if there was one game I could play eternally it would be this one.
80
A solid entry in the field, neither disappointing nor surprising me. I had fun with it, but it certainly won’t eat into my Tribes time. In the end, if you’re tired of Warcraft or the latest C&C expansion has lost its flavor, this is a pleasant alternative.
80
Where TA offers a slew of different unit types for some traditional, hardcore warfare, TA:K goes the fantasy route with fewer units and buildings and a better story. TA:K is much more like "Starcraft" in its approach to strategical combat, the balance of different units types and gameplay that features varied experiences through the different sides.
76
Personally I preferred Total Annihilation for its big guns and tanks and the larger range of strategic options, but this is an excellent effort by Cavedog to create a medieval version of Total Annihilation. A good solid strategy game which should provide weeks of multiplayer enjoyment, although I am disappointed in Cavedog for botching up their whole Direct 3D Mode.
67
A potentially brilliant RTS title sadly damaged by a lack of polish, TA: Kingdoms is still a hugely entertaining experience if you have the hardware (and the patience) for it.
58
In the end, Kingdoms doesn't do much that we haven't already seen in the original TA. The strategy, the engine, and everything else is pretty much the same as it was a couple of years ago. While it's not bad on a really fast machine, it's still a standard real-time strategy game that just didn't make me want to spend $1000 upgrading my computer to make it run smoothly.
Sep 13, 2020
9
TA: Kingdoms is one of the most memorable RTS games I've played, the faction roster, the campaign and the music all combine to make a game which really stands out. The replayability is strong with a lot multiplayer maps, a skirmish mode and good story which blends fantasy with genuine human storytelling. The soundtrack is unique and features the work of the same composer behind the Elder Scrolls games and Dungeon Siege.
Sep 19, 2018
9
Still playing this particular RTS from time to time since the 2000’s, with its remarkable physics system (unique for its time, and still innovative today!), particularly enjoying its soft RPG feature which makes units gain ranks, keeping me carrying small squads to gain levels until all my army gets gold. Its worst downside are the unbalanced dragon, and especially the avatar (which is insane), but you can banish units types in the map editor (making an extra challenge to leave the opposite faction with their dragon for example!), you decide.
SummaryMassive armies will clash. Forests and cities will burn. Tremendous magical forces will level entire fortresses in the blink of an eye. Four completely unique races are vying for control of the mythical world of Darien, each representing one of the four elements -- Earth and Air, Fire and Water. In Total Annihilation: Kingdoms, you'll ta... Read More
Rated Tfor Teen
