by:	September 27, 2005

"Legend holds that when war threatens Bersia with destruction, seven knights will appear to bring salvation. The legend came true when the mysterious Khiliani, leader of the Dark Legion, took Earsten Hexter of Bersia in his campaign to destroy the world. Seven heroes, led by Keiser, rose up against Khiliani to rally for humanity and defend Bersia."

Wait, I know you may want to stop reading now but it does get better. Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes is actually a prequel to last years Kingdom Under Fire: The Crusaders. ‘Heroes’ takes place on the same continent, Bersia, five years prior to the Encabolossa War (who cares about the name?) that revolved around the first game. Is it any better? Well technically yes but they do have several stereotypical characteristics found within so many other fantasy games.

The story is still a little lacking and I am a stickler when it comes to stories within video games. I believe that the stories create the mystification that holds players on through the game wondering the finish and how it will reach its climax. Kingdom Under Fire doesn't contain the exhilarating story I require with my fantasy games but it does hold the attention for long enough to be entertaining. That's a good thing too as the game lasts anywhere from 25-40 hours depending on how you play and your skill with video games.

There is seven campaigns to play through each varying on their alliance within the game. You'll be able to see each perspective and decide which ultimately was your favorite after playing them all. I lean towards the dark side (I am so evil haha) and it could have to do with Morene Strident, the beautiful half-Vampire found within the first game. Also returning is Leinhart, Cirith, Urukubarr, Rupert, Ellen and a few others. Not all of their campaigns are unlocked right off the bat. Only three are available right off the bat so be prepared to play this difficult game to unlock them all. When I say difficult, I mean it. The game doesn't have any other difficulty levels so you're in for one hell of a ride, playing Heroes. If you are new to the series you're out of luck too. There is no tutorial or first mission to guide you through the game's basics.

If you are familiar with the game, not much has changed in the gameplay or controls. You'll be commanding several groups on the battlefield. Ranging from infantry, archers, cavalry, air units and so much more are at your disposal. The only character you have direct control though is the hero of the campaign. That one character you're going to be running around the battlefield hacking and slashing away at the enemies with elegance. Orders can be directed with the Left and Right Trigger as you cycle through the troops then you'll have to position them in the location you want them on the battlefield. The black and white buttons allow you to use your Hero's ability while the B Button asserts the Special Move you may have (such as evading and counter-attacking). A & X are your normal attack buttons so be prepared to fight your way through tons of enemies on the battleground. There is so much here in the controls as this is a real-time strategy game. All of the controls unfortunately can't all be spoken about but I guarantee you that you'll resort to the manual a few times to figure out certain tactics and maneuvers.

There are a lot of welcome additions to Heroes that make it superior to Crusaders. Xbox Live has been spruced up with three separated modes online. Troop Battle, which essentially allows up to six players to face off head-to-head or team up (who would want to team up with such havoc displayed in the game), is there as the generic online battle mode. The Hero Mode takes away the strategies and squares off players (up to six too) in hero-to-hero combat. The last mode through Xbox Live is a co-operative mode called Invasion. Invasion is for up to three players and it is a more of a test of endurance more than anything else. You'll be through the gauntlet of enemies as they come by the waves. Before I move on from the Xbox Live capabilities, there is a Spectator mode if you aren't up for action and just want to watch.

Another unique feature that has been added must be covered too. Custom Battle mode has now been added. It will grant those players who want to make their own battles, the ability to do so. You can order which Heroes to be used in the battle; the number of troops and how many units are on the map. Can't forget that you also pick the map but there isn't an ability to modify the maps, which would have been a welcomed addition if it was included. Custom Battle mode is more of a sign of what's to come in the future rather then a well-encircled feature that is complete.

The graphics hold up, despite number of units on the screen at one time. The game allows 200 units on the screen at one time so be prepared for mayhem at every angle. The designs of the characters are superb. Each unit has their own distinctive look and stand alone with their own looks. One problem is that they do tend to mesh together and look like one big blob, but that can be taken care of by killing them off quickly. The music is once again different from the usual arrangements found in fantasy games and movies. It isn't your epic/classical music that is harmoniousness and easy to listen to. Rather it's hardcore rock and metal playing throughout the game. If you are fan of the genre, you'll love the score in Heroes. If you hate that genre or just don't like anything different from you are used to, then you won't like Hero’s music at all. The sound effects are all there and are adequate to fulfill the lust you may have for great sound effects. The only downfall is the voice acting again but I wasn't expecting too much concentration on that particular area for this prequel.

Be sure to check out our Wallpaper section for official 'Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes' wallpapers:
Official Wallpapers

Share this:

9 8 8 8 9 8.8

Is KUF: Heroes a notch above Crusaders? Yes. Has enough improved from the last outing? Yes. Do I recommend the game? Yes. Kingdom Under Fire: Heroes is an all around solid game without too many flaws that are a hindrance. The flaws are easily overlooked and I suggest picking up Heroes unless you can't stand metal/rock music.

Discuss this in the forums!