Player Comments on Warlords: Strategic Conquest

For someone who's into games like Crusader Kings 2 (the third sucks), this gem scratches that itch for medieval management sims in IF format.

>>>>>>>>Plot<<<<<<<<
I've rereading the last review I made here, and realized I screwed up on giving a bit too much info on the plot, so this summary will be very brief. The player is transported in the world of the historical Ancient China, whose ruling dynasty collapsed and the empire got fractured in smaller "fiefdoms" ruled by small-fry overlords (again😂). Seriously, what was wrong with these people? They changed dynasties like we do governments today, only involving a little decades-long civil wars😅 Anyway... the goal for the player is to unite the empire again under their banner.

>>>>>>Writing<<<<<<
Can't complain about the writing. It was concise and to the point, while managing to keep the player engaged. The main character, which the player gets to pick as their "avatar", are all interesting, and I loved how we got to read their backstory, but my favorite was the Southern merchant's. It tug to my heartstrings for personal reasons after all. I thought we'd at least get to read a heartwarming dialogue between him and his mother after becoming an emperor😭 She had such a hard life after all😭

What I'll complain about, is the length of a playthough which definitely doesn't feel like a 6/8 (and I've played ninjapitka's stories). The pacing is way too fast and the ending too abrupt. After the last choice, reading to the last sentence and being presented with the "End game", I was like: HUH?! That's it????? Well, that was anticlimactic.

Rating 7/8

>>>>>>Branching and Game Mechanics<<<<<<
There is quite a fair amount of branching for a game this size, with three main routes (MC's you get to pick (snaky intelligent merchant, psycho bloodthirsty general and silver-tounged noble diplomat), each with their own separate branches.

As for game mechanics, well, don't expect anything crazy fancy, but you'll be entertained nonetheless. Essentially, there is a system of strategic choices the player has to make in order to make the best use of the budget they have at hand. They may seem simple, but it will take a few tries for the average IF reader to get the right combination in order to bring their enemies to their (MCs) knees and unite the empire again. But that's just part of the fun when playing a story with strategic territorial management.

Rating 6/8

Overall it was a fine little piece to read. I'd recommend it to fellow management sim and war history nerds.

The strategy and logic behind each choice was very well-written and kept the story moving at an engaging pace throughout all three characters' storylines. I actually found myself having to pause and mull it over as I tried to figure out the ramifications of each choice. This is very much a game that is more enjoyable if you slow down and think rather than simply guess and hit 'back' if you're wrong. The ending feels more legitimately rewarding that way.

On the flip side, while the three characters were very unique and all three routes had very unique gameplay, I felt that the characters were a bit lacking in personality. They felt more like a series of strategic decisions rather than living, breathing people. Which was fine, considering that this was a strategy game, but I felt that the lack of strong characterization made the game less immersive than it otherwise would have been.

Still, absolutely fantastic job. This game really captures the feeling of Ancient China and its complex interplay of war and politics! Definitely worth a look.

too short

YES YES YES

Hard and puzzling, but interesting and having lots of background stories!

Thank you for such experience. The game isn't overcomplicated, although is pretty balanced and forces to make well-thought decisions. You can't really win through pure economy.

I united China. I did it. I am China's president and will claim my prize of real life China!

that was awsome

I died at the end of my first run, as General Toleron, LOL. It was good, or at least decent. Not great, but certainly not bad, either. It really makes you take a hot minute or a hot second and THINK about the choices you make and what sort of impact they'll have on your infrastructure as a warlord. Nice.

It was incredible!!!

This one was pretty good.

I liked the overall storyline, and the story gives you enough information to guess which diplomatic solution the different warlords would like. Of course this was just my first run-through with the most diplomatic character. I will have to come back to this later.

8/10 will play again

gaming!

Fun

Short and sweet. I live these kinds of games

I won via diplomacy very fun

Not too long or short and with excellent strategic quality

It is very good. A few spelling errors mess up the flow, but it is good.

A historic game that mostly centers around making decisions in the correct order. Nothing really fancy but worth a play through or two.

I like how each one has their own mechanics but a bit confusing 5/8

I loved this game, it was a ton of fun, and it allowed you to have a bigger influence in the story, than most story games allow!

It's certainly an interesting premise, but the actual execution leaves a lot to be desired. Rather than just making peace with everyone, the player should be able to conquer territory and make strategic decisions.

Somehow out of the 3 paths it seems the diplomatic path is the easiest while actually the hardest in reality though ;)

It was great loved it 7/8

Advice: assasinate the leader that makes you angry

Pretty good some spelling and grammar errors, as well as small factual errors. I liked the options and I enjoyed the general!

Finished all three options. Good story.

great story bit short but fun to destroy the enemy good job

Very impressive, the writing was quite good and the choices required much mental planning. I immensely enjoyed that the game plays out differently depending on the character that you choose, that certainly provides this game the opportunity to be played and enjoyed more than once.

It's obvious that plenty of effort went into making this capture the feeling of what it was like to be in war in those times. So much so, that I really found myself being immersed with the writing.

This storygame is undoubtedly fun, in my opinion. ^^

A bit short, and a bit easy too. I would have loved to have some surprise events between the development choices, because at its current stage, the game's a bit too predictable.

A bit short, but enjoyable none-the-less.

I win again! this time I had to make choices that affected my citizens, army, workers, and treasury felt more like a strategy game then the last one but it was also very linear.

Nice story, very well written. Seemed a little repetitive though as all I did was visit other diplomats and make alliances in one of three ways. Maybe one of the other three characters I can play as has battles. I guess I'll just have to try it out and see. all in all a good historical story

Great story and has replay value too. Well done.

Ah! So short! I was just really getting into it when I won the game!!! Excellent game, very fun and interesting.

What I thought was going to be the intro, setting up initial strategy to determine how things go during the longer campaign, that actually turned out to be the entire game. I'm sure there's plenty of ways to go about it with different leaders, but the game length is massively exaggerated. There's nothing to do but a few political decisions.

The writing is pretty good, however, so it's not a total loss. Still, if you're looking for a strategy game, this isn't it.

Great game!

I'm in the mood for General Tso's beef.

This was great and awesome. My heart gives you a 6 and is pleased to say there are no flaws so far. :3

Cool game idea, and good story

It's ok. The rather short plot is a bit disappointing, but not that bad considering that I've seen lazier. I hope any future stories continue the branched path choices, because I really don't like those incredibly linear story lines.

ok

very good game i would rate 7 great job

Other storygames would do well to look to this as an example of how to hint at the correct option without giving it away. Well done but short, and with a rather abbreviated plot.

Quick and fun

I enjoyed this game a lot. I really like how you can play as the diplomat, economic manager or the warring general.

I liked how he researched the subject and made it historically accurate and immersive. Most of the choices were how to spend your money though, and I would have liked more varaity than that. It was pretty decent on the whole.

Very interesting game. The 3 characters you can play are unique and the game provides you with more than enough hints as to how you should deal with the different leaders you come across.

On the other hand the game did not made you really care about the different characters since it focused exclusively on strategic choices.

If you are the "choose and go back if you don't like the result" type of chap you will finish the game in a few minutes so it might be better to avoid it as much as possible.

Final Verdict: An all around good strategic storygame which I can definitely recommend giving a go.

Not bad

Thanks, good job!

Very interesting and good use of strategy 6/8

It was great but was more of trial and error

Excellent! the game made me think, and best of all it brought me into the story to the point that it actually mattered to me a fare amount if I won or lost. :D Seven out of eight, and that rating is hard for me, because come on... PEANUT! BUTTER! CUPS!

Fun game to play and a nice distraction. I only wish it was a tad longer. 7/8.

A very good, well-written game with good attention to character detail, the diplomatic details were particularly well handled.

Nicely done and been a long time since I play this last time but still enjoy it..the 3rd time I play this..with all the character..wish it can be longer though^^

The ending was odd.
When I met with the assassin, I told him that I would bring chaos, but instead, I bring peace and make China into a World Superpower.

What

Nice~!

I have only played once so far, and got a dagger to the neck for my efforts. I really like the focus so far on political discussions, but I also think you could provide more hints as to what sort of attitude each ruler would prefer when it comes to addressing them. Do I go all out regal, or short and to the point? It would be great if there were clues in the reading that would point this out. I suppose I could just be missing some, but I personally believe it could be a bit more clear. Nicely done, I will be playing again :)

Could be more historical accurate. It was rather simple and short. Nothing great.

Very realistic

AWESOME!!!! Totally fun and enjoyable....wow. Just...wow. THANKS SO MUCH FOR WRITING THIS!!! This is one of the best stories out here that I have seen thus far. 5*****S! :)

Great job!!! I really LOVED this story! I used to live in China for two years, and I taught school there. I also got married there, and my eldest daughter was born there. Indeed, our marriage ceremony was done in the Tang Dynasty era's clothing. At any rate, this story was really, really good. I just wish it could have been longer, for I certainly would have continued reading it! :)

it was fun but was very very short. i think if there is a sequel (with the possibility of actual 'combat' it would be better). but i can see much replayability.

Each individual path seems kind of short.

short and fun!

Definitely - worth. every. cent.

Well, what I will say is that what is here is very good. It's well written, engaging, and challenging, as negotiating with diplomats becomes a mental puzzle.

My biggest problem here is that it's missing something. I finished the whole thing with a good ending in about ten minutes. The strategy in conversation is flawless- if there were strategy in the form of battle, and the taking and losing of cities- or support from the people, depending on what path you take- this could be a sweet game.

As it is, it's very good. It does nothing wrong. It's a well-made grilled cheese. I was just wanting something to wash it down is all.

a very well made game, if a bit linear, but i enjoyed the strategy and ended with a huge grin on my face when the final battle came along

It seems as if you just keep doing tasks until you finish them all and then you win making the story short and linear. Still it seems you put quite a bit of effort into it and the story was interesting. 6/8

nice game..wish u can make more..

I found there were way too little choices, as there was only one path forward.

One of the better stories on this site 7/8

A great initiative and enjoyable, but too easy to fail. The given of choosing one of the three warlords is excellent.

One of the first games I played and I still thinks its great

Impressive.

I really love the game. It is harder than other games and way awesome.

Short but fun! I love strategy games with options that give logical consequences. The story length is not too short that it makes the story simplistic. You can consider extending the game. Going to try the other rulers now

too short

Three stories, three styles, all really enjoyable :-)

And a really nice touch to have a different style for each warlord :-)

Interesting take on a choose your own adventure story :-)

Shorter than I had expected, but it was totally fun.

To short to easy or maybe just im good in war he did what i wouldve done though which makes the game better

Very good however i would like to see a more expansive military campaign.

Not bad, very strategic.

yay i am a dead govenor.

yay i dead and i am a dead president.

I found this game stimulating, and I would appreciate a story version of this that would be more interactive between various parties. I will admit to dying quickly the first time through, and it taught me a valuable lesson. Thank you.

This game is so good. I won!!!

Unique gameplay, good writing

A unique game compared to the other cys games.I really enjoyed it.

Good

Just well lackig..in every aspect. The story is flawed, the numbers are nothing short of absurd while having no bearing on your choices. its little more pick the whatever sounds good too the creator .

Hard and too complicated

Cool setting and feel :)

it was good, too much reading though

really really cool. i like how it is historical also

I really liked this game. It was a bit on the linear side, but not enough to distract from the gameplay. I loved how it wasn't just play as 3 different people and fight, but each one had a different stragtegy, a different skill set. Kudos, well done!

Great.

it was sooooooo cool!!!! i luv it!

Woot I won!

It was well written and enjoyable. I wish the right choices had not been so obvious but that is my one complaint.

*SPOILER*

Ok I changed my mind . Last time I gave it a 4/8 this time I gave it a 6/8 . I picked the guy who likes to kill alot . I had much more fun in the battle .
One critism , you didn't have the same thing happening. E.g. The guy who kills you when your sleeping didn't approach me when I was the Battle general . This was weird .
Overall it was good , about the same as mine I guess .

Aww man . I thought there would be a battle . I'm going to play again to see if I missed it.

good game

It was cool.

i love war games. you could've added a little more strategy but it was brilliant by itself good job.

Awesome Game. Is the Governor the best possible choice. only thing, can you make a sequal? or possible make it longer. I just got good and it was over. thank you

my bad ive read twenty five, big difference, still one of my favourites.

that was great! in my top five, ive read about fifteen stories so far though. great job.

KEWL :D

Well written. I appreciate your attention to detail and it's obvious this was well thought out.

Interesting.

Very cool! An interesting premise, and very well-done. I'm going to have to try this one a few more times and see if I can do better than I did this first time...

its a asssome games ut i lost and got merderd

Wow! Good game. Long, and confusing, but good game. I see a bright future for you.

Thanks for your comments everyone. And thanks to whoever Featured my story.

It accomplished most of what it looked like, but I was expecting a little more. I guess I'll play the other leaders now. Awesome game though.

Good job! I was very impressed to see such a good quality story made by someone new like myself. I hope to see more stories from you soon.

A little short and predictable, but very good ideas and premise. overall a very good story

Wow. Excellent! This is one of the best First Games on the site, and simply one of the best games overall on the site! It's nice to see you took time with the research, grammar, and pictures, although it was fairly linear. That'd be the only problem, but at least it wasn't a stupid reason for losing...mostly. Anyway, an amazing game. I hope you make another great game!

I have read the military and diplomatic paths now, both muuuuch better than the logistics path, so i've increased the rating to 6.

Hmm, this is interesting. I expected something longer and less linear from your early writing, but well... That was linear. I'm not sure whether you used scripting or not, but if you use it you could have made a more interesting storygame.

That said, your writing was very good, well above the standards of most newcomers, and this makes a good first work. I gave it a 5. Good to have you here.

Cool, I won. Rockin' Buddhists. Nicely written, I know the length is a 7 but each path is fairly short, very well done.

Very strong effort, lovely first story. I really do love this a lot. For me it was a weak seven or a very strong six. A few MINOR changes would make it a strong seven.

First, I thought that the three emperor choices were SLIGHTLY unrealistic. One of them is a totally inept social pawn, who becomes the best of them socially due to books. Not liking that so much.

Second, making the status box look a little cleaner would make the story more story and less game. That's very minor though.

Finally, I don't like how the first decisions you make are so restricted. I tried two different ones and they both lead to death, it's almost as if I cannot run the place as I'd like. I'll play again though.

Thanks for the awesome story.

wow, truly worth every cent. Well written, great length, great first effort. upon just my first read through the only draw back i found was early on i would be given 2 choices, 1 continued, the other ended. so it had its linear 'moments'. but over all beyond that great effort. thats the kind of writing i want to see more of on CYS.