Slay
This small game has been polished for years (1995-2002) to become a pure piece of art. A strategy art. The game has no superfluous elements: graphics are simple, there are almost no sounds and music. 3D video card and high-speed CPU are not required too. The game is so simple it even has a Pocket PC version. In spite of that it’s a killing game. It’s .Slay is one of those games that based on a simple yet genius concept, like chess or Tetris.
The island (game field) is divided up between six players, and you must capture your enemies’ land and link up your own territories to create larger and stronger ones. You begin capturing land by attacking with your peasants. Once your territories become richer you can combine peasants to make stronger units (Spearmen, Knights and then Barons) who can kill weaker enemy troops, or knock down their castles. Just be careful that you don’t create too many expensive men or the territory will go bankrupt.
Slay is a game about balance. Large territories mean you can build stronger army, but stronger army means you need more money and have to hold your lands tight. If you lose some of your lands you will lose some income too and your tough army will die of starvation in no time. (It’s a good tactics to cut your enemies’ land the way to make them suffer from the lack of money). You can change game situation in your favour during one turn. And without proper thinking you can ruin everything in a second. It is the thing I like the most about Slay — it won’t let you relax.
The game has 4 levels of difficulty, so you may choose to kick some asses or have your ass to be kicked. I’m not kidding. AI is very, very good.
Slay is a shareware. You may play first 10 levels and if you want to get full game you have to pay $20.
PS. Try also the other games by Sean O’Connor, creator of Slay.
