Upon clicking on the trailer for Kingmakers, the new “action/strategy sandbox” game from Redemption Road Games, viewers may find themselves intrigued by the sight of thousands of simulated soldiers engaged in medieval combat reminiscent of Mount and Blade-style gameplay.
With a limited array of options in the medieval-themed gaming realm, Kingmakers presents itself as a potentially refreshing addition to the genre.
However, the trailer takes an unexpected turn around the 24-second mark. Instead of assuming the role of a typical 14th-century knight, players find themselves embodying… well, it’s best to witness the revelation firsthand. Viewers are encouraged to take a moment to watch and reconvene here in 113 seconds.
As it unfolds, players are revealed to be time travelers from the future,
armed with modern firearms and vehicles, confronting hordes of medieval knights. The juxtaposition of historical settings with futuristic weaponry may evoke a sense of amusement, albeit tinged with a hint of self-consciousness. Nonetheless, the impact of the trailer is undeniable, prompting a pause to absorb scenes like a pickup truck effortlessly mowing down a platoon of knights.
In Kingmakers, players take on the role of lone future dwellers on a mission to alter the course of history in medieval England. Equipped with “assault rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers, armored SUVs, bikes, attack helos,
air strikes and more,” players can engage in up to four-player co-op to combat thousands of swordsmen at once.
While melee combat appears to play a role, Kingmakers primarily adopts a third-person shooter experience, drawing inspiration from titles like Deep Rock Galactic and World War Z. The dynamic of one heavily armed individual facing off against swarms of adversaries bears resemblance to the frantic action of kiting hordes in other cooperative games.
Adding a strategic layer to the gameplay, players can switch to an overhead view during battles to issue orders to platoons and construct fortifications. With each player commanding their own army, teamwork becomes essential in conquering castles and defending strongholds.
Kingmakers is slated to enter early access in 2024, with opportunities for players to participate in playtests and demos beforehand. Redemption Road encourages those intrigued by the game to stay updated by following its progress on Steam.