Kingdom Two Crowns: Call of Olympus Review
Kingdoms Two Crowns Call of Olympus extends the best the series has to offer while adding new and interesting mechanics. The game maintains its complex gameplay tied behind a set of simple mechanics. Overall, the DLC provides an excellent collection of extra content to an already well-made game.
Those familiar with the kingdom's games will find themselves in familiar territory. The core mechanics of the game remain a poop of gathering gold, building out a settlement and slowly fighting back against the greed. Building on the themes of previous DLC, this expansion adds new tweaks to many mechanics in line with aspects of Greek mythology.
Units, buildings and landscapes all feature a variety of cosmetic changes. Archers are now equipped with a sling, mounts including Cerberus, and the various hermits have their own Greek twists. As is now standard for games in the series, the pixel art is well crafted, providing a great sense of atmosphere despite its simplicity.
The path through the game’s many islands is less linear than in previous titles. Players start on a small island focused on showing new players core game mechanics. From there, players can choose to sail to one of four islands, each with its own theme. Completing each of these islands unlocks a second, which extends that theme with a deeper challenge.
The mounts and other unlockable parts of the game are somewhat randomised across islands, giving the game some replay value. As with previous games there is also a global increase in difficulty as time progresses with enemy waves increasing in difficulty over time and as more of the islands are completed.
Once the initial eight islands are complete, there are two more islands leading to the end of the game. Fresh in this DLC are the large boss battle events that happen at the later stages of the game. These mostly replace the old process of taking explosive barrels into caves to clear an island. While new, these boss battles have a familiar mechanic of taking troops to portals and dealing enough damage amongst waves of enemies.
The game boasts many familiar elements and a nice mix of new mechanics. The series is easy to play, and I’ve found myself playing for long stretches, slowly building up and completing each island. If you’ve not played games in the series, this is a great point to jump in and experience what, in my opinion, is one of the best games of its genre to come out in a long time.
Rating: 4/4 - I wish all games were like this.