CROWN WARS: THE BLACK PRINCE

Tactical medieval combat with a gory edge

- Ian Evenden 

XCOM, but make it medieval. This could be Xth-century COM, except it’s set in the 1300s. Crown Wars takes tactical combat with a squad of distinctive characters, adds base-building in the form of an entire fortified village, and makes thoughtful additions to the formula that key in to its setting.

A council meets, presumably in secret, but their security measures must be off as the castle is attacked and it’s left to a curious group of warriors, one wearing antlers, to hold back the encroaching enemy while the councillors burn documents. Luckily, it’s the tutorial, so heavily armoured lady knight Louise can make bloody one-hit kills with her warhammer while you get to grips with action points and the movement system.