Review: Swords & Soldiers II

Swords & Soldiers II is a 2D side-scrolling RTS (Real Time Strategy) made by Ronimo Games. You may know Ronimo Games for their best known release Awesomenauts.

Swords & Soldiers II is a fun and quirky game that pits Vikings, Persians, and Demons against one another as they all try to obtain the magical genie lamp. Sometimes each faction will attempt to work together, but ultimately they will always betray one another. The game doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that is part of the charm that it offers.

30 Second Review

+ Offers new unit types

+ Replayability is extended by medal hunting & skirmish modes

+ Art style is visually pleasing

– No online multiplayer

– Short campaign

Notable Features

• 2D sidescrolling strategy is back
• Multiple high score-based challenges
• Face off with your friends in dual screen local multiplayer
• Use the touch interface to complete the game from start to finish without pressing a button
• Swords & Soldiers II play supported by the Wii U GamePad in TV-off mode

The Vikings are back!

Swords & Soldiers II is simple in design. There are two factions, one on each end of the map, at any given time. Both factions are attempting to harvest gold by sending their workers to the mine that is located near their base, or by picking up gold that randomly appears on the map. The gold is then used to research upgrades, deploy units, or cast spells. The first team to destroy the opposing enemy base wins. Typical RTS stuff.

Swords & Soldiers II offers new unit types in the Swords & Soldiers franchise. This time around only the Vikings return. Demons and Persians are making their appearance for the first time in the series.

The graphics have also been updated for Swords & Soldiers II. The art style is simply gorgeous. Ronimo Games took their time while developing the visuals and it shows.

The replayability for Swords & Soldiers II is going to be found in challenging yourself to obtain every medal. Each stage has 3 medals to acquire–one for completing the mission, one for using a specific unit type, and one for completing the mission within a certain amount of time. Some of these medals can be very challenging and will require a lot of effort to obtain.

Swords & Soldiers II also offers a skirmish mode and has bonus stages placed throughout the campaign. A few of the campaign missions will even allow you to mix and match units and spells from any of the three factions. While interesting, I wish it would have been utilized more.

Dude, where’s my content?

Despite all the changes and upgrades that have been made in Swords & Soldiers II from its predecessor, it feels as though it’s lacking in content. The original title had 30 missions (10 missions for each faction), while this title only has 15 missions. The campaign is short and can be completed in one sitting if you’re an intense gamer.

Swords & Soldiers II also has bonus missions and a skirmish mode, but this may not be enough to keep most gamers entertained. Gamers that are more focused on gameplay than story may get a little more enjoyment out of this title. That’s not to say the story isn’t good; it’s just short.

Swords & Soldiers II does not support online multiplayer, which is a huge misstep for this type of game. Any game within the RTS genre screams multiplayer. Even though it does not have an online multiplayer, it does have local multiplayer. One player can play using the TV screen while the other player can play using the Wii U GamePad.

Swords & Soldiers II is rated T for Teen due to the use of fantasy violence, suggestive themes, mild language, and the use of alcohol. Keep that in mind before purchasing for a younger gamer in your family.

Exercise some patience…

Swords & Soldiers II is a Nintendo eShop exclusive. It is available for purchase at $19.99. However, I feel this is a little high when you compare this title to CastleStorm, which is also available on the Nintendo eShop for only $9.99.