Cheap Disciples: Sacred Lands (Software) (Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me) Price

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Customer Reviews of Disciples: Sacred Lands

There are 4 races: Empire(human), Moutain Clans(Dwarves), Undead Hordes, Legion of the Damned.

You have 4 campaigns for each race.

You have 3 leaders to choose: Warrior Lord, Mage, Guild Master.

Overall the game is small version of the 3DO heros genra. The AI is ok but I have noticed it does not follow up attacks(normal level) and most can win by getting your leader and the your warrior types to their highest levels.

Magic is ok but as expected there is overlap. Basically the same damage but different graphics. However, at times it can get annoying as the computer pounds your army with spells as you race off to attack a heavily defended castle.

One thing I think is lacking is the AI choosing differnt leader types(ie mage against your warrior lord).

Also, the last level also includes to artifacts that gurantee the victory no matter what.

Your home castle has a super entity protecting it. I have not found a way to attack it just yet. It is probably possible but building up a couple groups and multiattack your enemy.

Even though there are many questionable features, I still liked the game!

I am told the sequals are much better but I will get to them after I play all classes and then have a run at the highest levels.

Excellent Strategy! But that's not what everyone wants...
I've never so much diversity on reviews for a single game! As you can see, I gave it a 5 myself, but I can see where someone else would give it a 1 or 2. Confused? Well, this is why: "Disciples: Sacred Lands" is a very unique fantasy role-playing turn-based STRATEGY game. And no, it's nothing like Warcraft or Starcraft which are real-time strategy games where you amass hordes of armies and attack in mass. (Sidenote: If that's the gaming experience you're looking for, turn to the latest and best in that genre -- Warlords Battlecry.) So then what's Disciples all about?

The name of the company who made this game is called "Strategy First" and by looking at this game, one can see that their company name is also their motto. This game takes thought, preparation, and there are many different options to win. Basically, you're given an objective or quest to complete -- how you do that is up to you. First, you select a monarch -- either a Warrior, Mage, or Guildmaster, each of which gives your empire certain bonuses. Next, who will you hire as your first general? For example, if you are the Human Empire (1 of 4 races) then you can choose the Pegasus-Knight, Ranger, Archmage, Archangel, or Thief. They cost different amounts, with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. Now you must select what other 0 - 3 individual units will serve under that leader's command from out of 4 other different units types -- again, with varying strengths and weaknesses and at different costs. (Note: An army of 1 - 6 units MUST be lead by a general.)

Now what? Well, your group's formation is key to winning battles. Once that's setup, will you upgrade your capital with various buildings to enhance your armies once they reach a certain level of experience? Or will you research spells? And once your generals themselves upgrade a level, what extra empowerment will you give them out of several different options? Etc, etc.

Then the battles. It's important who you attack, and not every unit can attack every other unit. Some can only fight adjacent units, others can fight any, and others can attack all at once. Note that the characters don't "walk around" during battle, but rather face off one in a static picture on a seperate screen. Once they choose their attack they become animated, but that's the extent of it. So if your looking for stunning graphics, you won't find it here. (However I do have to say that the artwork is excellent!)

Think of it like this -- a chessboard. Each unit has a certain value set upon it, and each has their own abilities. The difference is YOU get to setup the chessboard with whoever you want. Buying all queens would be too expensive, while buying all pawns will give you numbers, but no backbone. As in chess, the pieces have to work together, but in this game, your units gain experience, becoming stronger and stronger through battling or potions and spells they come across.

One thing I'll also mention is the limitations on the army size. Yes, I also found it annoying at first that I had a minimum of four units (including the general) and a maximum of six after a LOT of fighting. However, I soon came to realize this was all part of the strategy element. "Finesse and tactics" play a larger role here than "might makes right." In fact, the company thought about bumping up the min and max units to 6 and 8 in the upcoming sequel, but they found that it took away to much from the strategy element. (Sidenote: If you are interested in VERY detailed battle tactics -- meaning taking control of every single movement and action of every single unit in every single battle -- then check out Age of Wonders, assuming you can forgive its rather "cartoony" appearance.)

Like I said, I LOVED this game. I liked not having to run around managing multiple things at once, but instead, I could sit back and think, "Hmmm. Now what are my options here, and what's going to be the best way to win this." See what I mean? It's STRATEGY FIRST as the company name implies. And if you like that sort of thing, then this will be the game for you, otherwise, if you're looking for non-stop action, go somewhere else. (Final sidenote: Strategy First is working on a sequel... If nothing else, check out the screenshots and artwork for this game, or download the demo which is 40 Meg.)

One final thing to note are the 4 empires: The Human Empire, The Mountain Clans, The Undead Hordes, and the Legions of the Damned. I only mention this in the event that some people and/or parents may have reservations about fighting with creatures like zombies or demons from the latter two empires. Otherwise, turn on your brain, toss in some imagination, and enjoy!

Not much of a game.
This game looks like it was done on a bit of a budget-- the cutscene graphics are straight scan-ins from line drawings, there aren't many levels in any of the campaigns, and the combat is extremely simplistic.

In addition, all of its plusses are accompanied by annoyances. On the plus side, it's fun for a while to determine how your tiny little band of troops has to be deployed to beat a particular battle. What's annoying is that one hero can only be accompanied by FIVE troops at most, and only if he's a high level; most of the game it's three; sometimes only one. You never have a significant number of heroes, so your armies are severely limited. Plus side: city management is streamlined. Minus: it's cut to the bone, and actually kind of uninteresting. Plus: magic graphics are great. Minus: the actual spell effects are very basic.

Plus: it's addictive for a little while, while you're learning it. Minus: Afterward, you'll wonder why you wasted your time.

If you want a good Fantasy Turn Based Strategy game, look at Age of Wonders instead.