BACKGROUND
Players in Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War controls a mercenary during the classic English / French struggle. Lead troops, warriors, and other hired swords into battle on horseback or foot, battling alongside Joan of Arc or the King of England as you attempt to become the mercenary champion and gain renown and money during these dreadful times.
GAMEPLAY
The gameplay takes place in the third person and is reminiscent of an action / RPG hybrid. The game’s “central hub” is a local tavern where the player tries to locate occupations that will grow their income and reputation, as well as dealers who will allow the player to swap armament or buy new troops to fight alongside them. This central location also serves as a meeting spot for game world characters, and the player may glean information from gossip heard that might aid them later in-game. Talking to the bartender within will provide a list of available missions, the length of the campaign, and the prize for success – these can take place on either the English or French side (you cannot ally with just one faction).
PLAYERS ‘ MISSIONS
By selecting one of these missions, you will be transported to the battlefield. The main game is divided into what appears to be a strategy type of game in which the player is shown which areas they must take to finish the goal successfully – however, any strategic element ceases here. They can then choose which ‘home camp’ to begin with. When this option is selected, they are provided with a battlefield (similar to dynasty warriors). The main goal is to seize the castle/village from the occupying army successfully, battling any enemy forces they come across along the way. The player can command a variety of combatants, including archers, footsoldiers, and horseback riders, as well as camel and elephant riders later in the game. Battles are straightforward hack-and-slash affairs in which the player attempts to cleanse the area of enemy troops. Once this is accomplished, a base commander will appear at the besieged base. If the player defeats this commander, the player will have seized the land and completed the mission. Extra renown can be obtained by defeating the VIP opponents encountered during the mission in the fight. This, in turn, will provide the player with treasure, some of which is collectible throughout the game.
CONCLUSION
As such, Bladestorm has no end – the player will continue to fight battles as they progress (after all, this is the Hundred Years’ War! ), but there is a story arc within the game to complete, and the number of missions – although very similar – can provide players with a lot of game content to keep them happy.
