Lords of the Realm II

Lore & Background

Lords of the Realm II is set in Europe during the medieval era in 1268 under an alternate history where a king dies without an heir. Playing as a noble, the objective is to defeat other competing claimants to the throne. Gameplay occurs in a turn-based map mode and a real-time combat mode. Maps, played in an isometric perspective, are divided by up to ten counties controlled by two to five players. Players must manage the economy of each county independently, defend their borders, and conquer other counties to win. Games are configurable, allowing players to select one of 24 maps, and adjust the difficulty and number of competing players.

Players engage in resource management to maintain food and support armies. Food is cultivated from grain or cows. Resources are harvested from mining, smithing, foresting, and farming. Resources can be bought and sold from travelling merchants, and blacksmiths create weapons from raw materials. Populations have a 'happiness' measure maintained by factors such as tax rates or an adequate supply of food. Random events can affect the population and food supply, such as Black Death or drought. Military units are recruited by conscripting peasants, who can be upgraded to knights, archers, and pikemen. Combat is initiated by guiding troops to enemy armies, towns, or castles. A diplomacy menu allows gifts and alliances.

When battle commences, players can choose to automatically resolve the battle or enter real-time combat mode. In real-time battles, opposing forces begin on opposite ends of a map, which can include terrain features or defences. Players use point and click controls to issue simple commands. Siege weapons and defences can be constructed, including siege towers, catapults, battering rams, and boiling oil. Combat can be paused and unpaused. The game also features multiplayer mode, with two-player play over a modem or four over a local area network.

Reader's Guide

Lords of the Realm II is notable for its combination of turn-based and real-time strategy gameplay, which critics praised, though some felt the modes conflicted or would not both appeal to strategy players. The turn-based mode was praised for its emphasis on economic management, described as 'plausible' and 'realistic' by Next Generation, and 'very well-designed' by PCMag. Critics disagreed on the game's challenge, with some finding it accessible and easy to learn, others considering resource management strategic and challenging, and PC Zone noting a 'steep learning curve'. The real-time combat mode received a mixed reception; PC Games considered it 'exciting', but the game's artificial intelligence was faulted, with Next Generation finding computer tactics in sieges 'inept' and Computer Gaming World noting it was easy to exploit. Some reviewers felt the combat system lacked options or unit types. The game's visual presentation divided reviewers, with Next Generation finding the graphics 'excellent'. Lords of the Realm II peaked at ninth position on PC Data sales charts in January 1997, was the 14th highest-selling computer game of 1997, and the 19th of 1998. Lead designer David Lester stated the game sold 2.5 million copies worldwide. An expansion pack, Siege Pack, was released in June 1997, adding scenarios, battle maps, new online features, and a skirmish mode. A sequel, Lords of the Realm III, was released in 2004.

Did You Know?

• Lords of the Realm II was one of the highest-selling computer games of 1997–98.
• The game's lead designer David Lester stated it sold 2.5 million copies worldwide.
• The game features random events such as the Black Death and drought.