Return of the Beloved Amiga Classic
Largely a remake of the much-loved Amiga game Defender of the Crown (later released for just about every platform available in the late 80s, including the NES), Heroes Live Forever updates the game with better graphics, fully digitized music, and a new gameplay element ("tactics" cards that give you special benefits during battles).
In Defender of the Crown, you play one of several great lords in England, attempting to unify the realm under your own rule. Conquering provinces produces tax revenues that you can use to increase the size of your army (but you have only one "army" which follows you, milord, about, and can purchase new units only at your castle, meaning you become vulnerable over time unless you return home frequently).
Battles are fought out on screen; and joust and archery minigames can increase your "fame" (which allows you to earn more taxes and move farther distances). Conquering enemy castles requires (expensive) catapults.
When first published, Defender of the Crown's graphics were considered eye-openingly beautiful and a pointer to the potential of digital games; this version's graphics are attractive, but of course not at the level of big-budget mainstream games today. The gameplay remains what it always ways: accessible, and entertaining turn-based strategy. It's well worth a look to experience a part of gaming's history, and learn, once again, that the dramatic technological improvements of the last decades have not, in themselves, done much to improve on actual gameplay.
N.B.: While the demo permits only 30 minutes of play, it can be played (for 30 minutes) repeatedly. So if, say, you want to read through the in-game instructions (which is a good idea), don't worry that doing so diminishes your time for the demo; once you're finished reading, simply quit and restart.
The Developer Says:
The beloved Cinemaware classic returns! Battle five cunning lords for control of medieval England. Build and lead your armies of knights and archers on the battlefield, and conduct daring raids to rescue princesses and pillage treasuries. Compete in jousting and archery tournaments, and lay siege to your foes with catapults and Greek Fire! Gain fame, outsmart, and outmuscle your foes to lay sole claim to the British crown!
Features
- Build armies and fortify your castles as you wage war against five tenacious opponents for control of the crown
- Challenge your foes to archery contests or meet them in the lists for a joust!
- Increase your fame and line your coffers by rescuing and kidnapping princesses, and raiding enemy treasuries!
- Place your opponents under siege! Attack their battlements with catapults, hurling boulders, Greek Fire, and disease into their ranks!
- Triumph on the battlefield using special Tactic and Hero cards to gain the advantage!
Reviews
"2007's Defender of the Crown simply proves the strength of its original concept. That players starting at age 10 ranging on up to 100 can find just as much to rave about here only further speaks to the game's overall prowess. While some strategy players might not appreciate their game being interrupted by the occasional action sequence, and vice versa, it's hardly worth mentioning. Capable of attracting fans from both audiences - and enthralling an entirely new generation of gamers with its slick looks and polished excitement - this one's easily worth its weight in shields and lances."
- Gamezebo
"I have to give it a 5/5 for breathtaking audio, gorgeous visuals, heart racing intensity, simple to use yet difficult to master game play, and great replay value. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get back to defeating yet another fool in a jousting competition and then humiliate him by crushing his army."
- Legacy Games Blog