Games developed by Holistic Design, Inc.
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Emperor of the Fading Suns
Emperor of the Fading Suns, originally released in 1996, is a well-regarded Windows video game developed by Holistic Design. Taking place in the distant future, this strategy game invites players to take part in a compelling interstellar conflict across a multitude of strange and alien worlds.
Though the game’s base premise is relatively straightforward, Emperor of the Fading Suns successfully draws players in with its rich universe and complex story. Engrossing storylines and compelling characters inform the dynamics of this 4x video game, wherein players must explore, expand, exploit, and exterminate. Players take on the roles of wealthy and powerful dynasty leaders fighting for control of the crumbling Galactic Confederation.
Campaigns in Emperor of the Fading Suns regularly merge warfare with deep political maneuvering. Combat is executed in real-time and is quite dynamic as a result. Different strategies can be employed depending on the strategic goals being pursued. Various leaders, factions, and military units, each with unique abilities, are available to help players create and customize formidable forces.
Political struggles evolve within the framework of a religious environment, as powerful factions struggle for dominance. Religion plays an important role in Emperor of the Fading Suns as players must strategically use their faith to expand their hold on power. Clergy also play an important role as they can be used to battle enemies and convert unbelievers.
The game also contains unique races, such as the cat-like Vau, the robotic Kir'Ko, and the god-like Seraphim. These races are integral to the story and each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Players must carefully balance technological advances with political and religious overtones in order to complete a successful campaign.
With strikingly detailed visuals, an engrossing storyline, and deep and nuanced gameplay, Emperor of the Fading Suns is immersive and rewarding. This classic game is sure to provide hours of exhilarating entertainment.
Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000
Final Liberation: Warhammer Epic 40,000 is a turn-based strategy game for Microsoft Windows, developed by Bitmap Brothers and published by Games Workshop. The game is based on the Warhammer 40,000 tabletop wargame by Games Workshop.
The game is set in the year 41,998, during the Horus Heresy. The Warmaster Horus has turned against the Emperor of Mankind, and the galaxy is engulfed in civil war. The player takes control of a force of Imperial Guard and Space Marines, and must attempt to defeat Horus and his forces.
The game features three different modes of play. The first is the "Campaign" mode, in which the player must complete a series of missions, leading up to the final battle with Horus. The second is the "Skirmish" mode, in which the player can set up and play a single battle. The third is the "Multiplayer" mode, in which the player can play against other players via a LAN or the Internet.
Final Liberation was well-received by critics, with an average score of 86% on GameRankings.com. The game was praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay. However, the game was criticized for its high level of difficulty, and for the fact that it requires a large amount of time to complete.
Hammer of the Gods
One of the best and most original turn-based strategy games ever created, Holistic Design's Hammer of the Gods is an addictive empire-building game set in the world of Norse mythology.
Despite being based on the enhanced version of the engine used in Holistic's previous cult classic, The Prince (originally published by QQP as Merchant Prince), Hammer of the Gods remains relatively unknown. We may never know why the game disappeared so quickly from store shelves (the weak marketing campaign and the flood of great games during that year (1995) are the possible culprits). However, one thing is for sure: Hammer of the Gods is one of the most underrated strategy games you won't want to miss. Straddling history, myth and pure fantasy, Hammer of the Gods puts you in charge of a Viking clan. As a Viking worthy of his name, you must invade countries, plunder cities and fight your enemies, all in an attempt to please the gods and win Odin's favor. You can choose to play a tutorial scenario, a short mode in which you must complete twenty missions to win, or the full campaign in which only by completing Odin's final mission will you achieve victory. There are also multiplayer options (play by email, four player network or two player serial link), although they are somewhat limited and slow. Four races are present in the game: the Humans, the Elves, the Trolls and the Dwarves. To complete Odin's final quest, each race has victory conditions. Humans must possess magical weapons, Elves must control a fixed percentage of the population, Trolls must control a large army and Dwarves must possess a large amount of gold. Similar to its spiritual predecessor Machiavelli The Prince, each turn in Hammer of the Gods is divided into game sequences. You will be able to receive messages from other players or reports about attacks, choose the next mission (after completing one), move units and fight, send messages to establish diplomatic relations, resolve attacks from nearby enemy castle garrisons and, finally, be informed when a mission has been completed. Diplomacy will allow you to establish peace and trade treaties. You can suggest peace, declare neutrality or war, and as for the economy, you can offer limited trade, partial or total, or barter for specific goods. The combat screens are similar to those of Heroes of Might and Magic, that is, chess-like and played from a side-scrolling perspective, although the number of units you can control is limited. Units usually consist of Viking archers and swordsmen, but depending on the race you chose at the beginning, other units will be available, such as berserkers for humans. There are also heroes unique to each race and other special units that you will receive upon completing a quest. The quests, which make the game stand out from the rest, are undoubtedly the best feature of the game. Given by the Norse gods, they vary from easy to very challenging. The easiest will be to give one of your daughters in marriage to a god, or to find and raid a monastery. For the more powerful gods, you will have to fight skeletons, giants and even a dragon or conquer several cities. The rewards are important, as they provide you with magical weapons or spells, special ships and powerful creatures such as wizards, dragons and giants. Naturally, as you make your way to Odin, the most powerful god, the quests become increasingly complex and require you to juggle a fine balance of military might, economic prosperity and diplomacy to succeed.
Overall, Hammer of the Gods strikes me as one of the most refreshing turn-based strategy games. It plays like a cross between Machiavelli the Prince and Heroes of Might and Magic within a unique setting very well used. Definitely a forgotten classic that deserves a second chance... and overdue Hall of Fame status.Two thumbs up!
Note: This is the full game without the voices, ripped by Ben for Home of the Underdogs from my original CD:) Note that the game requires a VESA 1.2 compatible driver. Search Google.com for the UNIVBE program if your card is not VESA 1.2 compatible.
Machiavelli the Prince
Undoubtedly one of the best - if not THE best - medieval strategy games ever released, Machiavelli: The Prince is a magnificent trading game set in the Renaissance, in which you assume the role of a merchant who aspires to both monetary wealth and political power.
To achieve lasting fame for your family name, you must build a trading empire that spans the globe with caravans and fleets, always looking to buy high and sell low in the world's commodity markets. True to the spirit of the times, the game allows you to dabble in politics and religion (for example, by 'buying' cardinals), and implement Machiavellian trickery (assassinations, etc. ) to get rid of your rivals. You will also have to face unpredictable catastrophes, such as storms and pirates.
Despite this amazing variety of options and factors to control, the game's excellent interface makes it easy to manage your empire: you can create and modify trade routes for your fleets and caravans, and the level of micromanagement is tolerable even when you have dozens of ships.
This version is the much improved version of the original Merchant Prince game published by QQP in 1993. Definitely not to be missed.
Mall Tycoon
Mall Tycoon is a video game released in 2002, developed by Cat Daddy Games and published by Take-Two Interactive. The game puts the player in the role of a mall manager, where they must build and manage their own virtual shopping mall. The goal of the game is to build a successful shopping mall that is successful and profitable.
Players can choose from a variety of mall types, ranging from small shopping centers to large, multi-level malls with hundreds of shops. Players can construct their mall by choosing the type of shops, restaurants, and entertainment centers to include, as well as how to arrange them. As the mall grows, players must manage the finances, make sure the mall is aesthetically pleasing, and hire security personnel to ensure the mall is safe.
In addition to designing their mall, players are also tasked with managing the day-to-day operations. Players must hire and manage employees, set prices and promotions, and manage customer satisfaction. They must also manage the mall’s finances by setting up loans, pay bills, and collect rent from tenants. As the mall grows, players can also upgrade the mall with more shops and entertainment centers.
Mall Tycoon also includes a number of mini-games, such as the “Tenant Wars” game, where players must compete against other virtual mall owners to attract the most customers. Additionally, there is a variety of customization options available, allowing players to customize their mall with decorations, billboards, and other elements.
Overall, Mall Tycoon is a fun and engaging game that allows players to create and manage their own shopping mall. The game’s realistic management mechanics, customization options, and mini-games provide hours of entertainment. With its engaging gameplay, Mall Tycoon is a great game for anyone looking to manage their own virtual mall.
Merchant Prince II
Merchant Prince II is a landmark PC game released in 2001 by legendary developer, QQP. It takes place in the Italian Renaissance period, a time of great political and economic upheaval. The game puts the player in the shoes of a fledgling merchant, striving to rise through the ranks of the Italian city-states to become a powerful figure known as a "Merchant Prince."
Right from the start, players are greeted with a beautifully rendered 3D map of Italy, complete with lush green valleys and towering mountains. The attention to detail is astounding and helps to immerse the player in the world of Renaissance Italy. In addition to the stunning visuals, the game also boasts a rich, orchestral soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood of the era.
But where Merchant Prince II truly shines is in its gameplay. The game offers players a wide range of options to navigate through the political landscape of Renaissance Italy. From trading goods and forming alliances with powerful families, to engaging in military conquests and espionage, the possibilities are endless. Players must carefully balance their resources and alliances to become the most influential and wealthy merchant in all of Italy.
One of the most interesting aspects of the game is the use of historical events and characters. Players will encounter famous figures such as Machiavelli and Leonardo da Vinci, and make decisions that could potentially change the course of history. This adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the gameplay.
Another notable feature of Merchant Prince II is the attention paid to detail in the economy system. Players must carefully monitor supply and demand in different cities, as well as keep an eye on the fluctuating prices of goods. The game also includes the option to build and manage your own estates, giving players even more control over their economic power.
Despite being released almost two decades ago, Merchant Prince II still stands the test of time as a highly addictive and challenging strategy game. With its complex and dynamic gameplay, beautiful graphics, and historical accuracy, it is no surprise that it has gained a cult following among gamers. It is a testament to the dedication and skill of the development team at QQP.
