Broadsword: Age of Chivalry (2015)

Broadsword: Age of Chivalry offers a turn-based strategy experience set in medieval Europe, allowing players to progress through mission-based gameplay while commanding one of four distinct armies: the English, the French, the Spanish, or the Hapsburgs. The game emphasizes strategic planning, careful unit deployment, and utilization of unique hero units to influence the battlefield.

Playable Factions and Units

Players can lead armies consisting of a variety of units, including archers, knights, pikemen, and catapults. Each faction also has specialized units unique to their nationality, providing tactical diversity. Additionally, special hero units such as Henry III, Joan of Arc, and El Cid can be deployed, each possessing unique hero powers that can affect entire battles and provide strategic advantages.

Campaign Mode

The single-player campaign is divided into two primary storylines. The first campaign follows Joan of Arc as she leads her forces to drive the English from French territory. It begins with the Siege of Orleans and continues through the Battle of Patay, serving both as a narrative-driven series of missions and as a tutorial to introduce players to the game mechanics.

The second campaign focuses on King Edward III, who seeks to reclaim lands from King Philip VI that are rightfully his. Both campaigns emphasize historical scenarios, tactical decision-making, and strategic resource management.

Multiplayer and Asynchronous Gameplay

The game supports asynchronous multiplayer, similar in style to popular turn-based mobile games. Players select their faction and map before entering a match, taking turns to move units and capture strategic points. This system allows players to participate in competitive matches without the need for simultaneous play, enhancing accessibility and strategic depth.

Map and Terrain

Combat takes place on fully 3D maps with hexagonal grid layouts, ranging from 20 to 30 hexes in width and depth. Terrain and weather conditions influence strategic choices and unit effectiveness. Turn-based mechanics allow players to proceed at their own pace, carefully planning each action.

Capital Cities and Resource Management

Each match begins with players controlling a capital city, which serves as the hub for unit production and resource generation. Capitals can be upgraded from a town square to a castle and eventually to a stronghold, improving resource income, defensive capabilities, and unit supply limits. Players must collect gold, wood, and food to construct units, buildings, and fortifications, maintaining a balance between economy and military expansion.

Construction and Technology

Players can construct and upgrade various buildings, such as town centers, mines, mills, and farms, to support unit creation and resource production. Researching technologies like forestry, ballistics, and animal husbandry allows players to advance their empires and unlock new capabilities for units and structures. The game provides a Combat Advisor to help predict battle outcomes and support strategic planning.

Visuals and Sound

The game features fully animated 3D battle sequences, showcasing troops in action with detailed visuals. Optional features such as Fog of War and adjustable graphic detail enhance the strategic experience. Original music composed by German film composer Jan Morganstern adds a cinematic quality to gameplay, reinforcing the medieval setting.

Summary of Features

• Four playable factions: French, English, German, and Spanish.
• Turn-based strategy gameplay with mission progression.
• Single-player campaigns featuring Joan of Arc and King Edward III.
• Asynchronous multiplayer matches allowing flexible turn-taking.
• Hero units with special powers affecting the entire battlefield.
• Resource management, building upgrades, and technology research.
• Fully 3D battle maps influenced by terrain and weather.
• Capital city progression from town square to stronghold.
• Optional features such as Fog of War and graphical customization.
• Original music enhancing the medieval atmosphere.

Broadsword: Age of Chivalry delivers a detailed and historically inspired strategy experience, combining tactical unit management, hero abilities, resource collection, and campaign-driven storytelling. The combination of asynchronous multiplayer, varied unit types, and 3D battlefield environments creates a deep and engaging strategy game for PC players.