Total Annihilation: Kingdoms

 PC
Total Annihilation: Kingdoms Image
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

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  • Summary: Massive armies will clash. Forests and cities will burn. Tremendous magical forces will level entire fortresses in the blink of an eye. Four completely unique races are vying for control of the mythical world of Darien, each representing one of the four elements -- Earth and Air, Fire andMassive armies will clash. Forests and cities will burn. Tremendous magical forces will level entire fortresses in the blink of an eye. Four completely unique races are vying for control of the mythical world of Darien, each representing one of the four elements -- Earth and Air, Fire and Water. In Total Annihilation: Kingdoms, you'll take the role of one of the four immortal monarch of these nations at war. You'll rally your legions -- swordsmen, archers and knights on horseback -- under your flag. Wizards, beasts and even flame-spewing demons will will heed your every command, waging war on an epic field of battle. The game's stunning 3D terrain of forests, magic-laden ruins and expansive oceans provide a landscape of war fraught with danger, magic and ambush. [Cavedog Entertainment]… Expand
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. All Game Guide
    90
    Far from being a fatal flaw, however, this lack of definition is sporadically encountered and can be viewed as a minor annoyance and is, in fact, somewhat offset by impressive designs of larger non-human units, such as ships or flying machines.
  2. PC Gamer
    82
    A rare example of an RTS game that's a much more satisfying single-player experience than a multiplayer one. I doubt we'll see anything like the huge groundswell of online fandom and support that its predecessor earned, but solo strategists will still have a whale of a time.
  3. Hot Games
    80
    All right, so the gameplay isn't that far removed from the standard RTS fare but Kingdoms is fresh enough thanks to the unique setting that it gets away with it.
  4. FiringSquad
    80
    Though Kingdoms addresses all of the original criticisms of Total Annihilation, it continues to suffer from extremely high system requirements.
  5. Game Over Online
    76
    Personally I preferred Total Annihilation for its big guns and tanks and the larger range of strategic options, but this is an excellent effort by Cavedog to create a medieval version of Total Annihilation. A good solid strategy game which should provide weeks of multiplayer enjoyment, although I am disappointed in Cavedog for botching up their whole Direct 3D Mode.
  6. IGN
    69
    The real problem is that hand-to-hand units, when told to move to a particular location, will not attack anything until they get to that location. This means that if you tell a group to move to certain area, you must watch them every step of the way.
  7. Game Revolution
    58
    In the end, Kingdoms doesn't do much that we haven't already seen in the original TA. The strategy, the engine, and everything else is pretty much the same as it was a couple of years ago. While it's not bad on a really fast machine, it's still a standard real-time strategy game that just didn't make me want to spend $1000 upgrading my computer to make it run smoothly.

See all 18 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. CipE
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    A solid RTS with 5 factions and immense unit diversity.

    However the most fun I've had in ages was re-playing the missions as an RPG. There    A solid RTS with 5 factions and immense unit diversity.

    However the most fun I've had in ages was re-playing the missions as an RPG. There are a few maps where you cannot build structures, so playing tactically is must. This is encouraged since units gain experience and some leveled units are sufficiently durable and versatile to tackle a variety of challenges, for example "Shielded" Knights [and Sky Knights, which are more mobile], in relatively small numbers (3-5) can dominate many battle fields in SP campaigns.

    And then come the missions where you get to build Gold/Black/Blue dragons which are messengers of death with wings and with each kill are becoming better at dispensing retribution.    … Expand
  2. flimda
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    One of the most challenging and captivating RTS games of the last two decades. It is truly an underrated masterpiece that will never beOne of the most challenging and captivating RTS games of the last two decades. It is truly an underrated masterpiece that will never be forgotten by it's fan base. The replayability of a game that is now 12 years old and was largely overlooked at the time of release must always be questioned. But when I play this game now it truly is as wonderful and gripping as when I first played it as a wide eyed boy. It is such a shame Cavedog shut down shortly after making this masterpiece as a game as unique and inspiring as this has been sorely missed in the RTS genre. It truly is magnificent and I cannot express my happiness that I found this game all those years ago. This game stands head and shoulders above all other games in my eyes and if there was one game I could play eternally it would be this one.… Expand
  4. Vamrem
    Sep 19, 2018
    9
    Still playing this particular RTS from time to time since the 2000’s, with its remarkable physics system (unique for its time, and stillStill playing this particular RTS from time to time since the 2000’s, with its remarkable physics system (unique for its time, and still innovative today!), particularly enjoying its soft RPG feature which makes units gain ranks, keeping me carrying small squads to gain levels until all my army gets gold. Its worst downside are the unbalanced dragon, and especially the avatar (which is insane), but you can banish units types in the map editor (making an extra challenge to leave the opposite faction with their dragon for example!), you decide.… Expand
  5. Beaver
    Sep 19, 2006
    9
    This game can be played over again and again. It is great for a lan party with a half a dozen friends. You have to use your mind to This game can be played over again and again. It is great for a lan party with a half a dozen friends. You have to use your mind to accomplish victory... for some people that might be too much. This game is magnificent in its game play i encouraged people to search out this game to have some good fun with useing their mind.… Expand
  6. RosstheBoss0
    Sep 13, 2020
    9
    TA: Kingdoms is one of the most memorable RTS games I've played, the faction roster, the campaign and the music all combine to make a gameTA: Kingdoms is one of the most memorable RTS games I've played, the faction roster, the campaign and the music all combine to make a game which really stands out. The replayability is strong with a lot multiplayer maps, a skirmish mode and good story which blends fantasy with genuine human storytelling. The soundtrack is unique and features the work of the same composer behind the Elder Scrolls games and Dungeon Siege.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

12
#12 Best PC Game of 1999
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
12
#12 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

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