Dinolords is a real-time strategy game that mixes in city-building and action RPG elements, set in an alternate history where dinosaurs roam medieval England. As a lord defending against Viking invaders who wield these prehistoric beasts, you manage resources, construct settlements, and lead battles firsthand.
Gameplay
In Dinolords, you take direct control of your lord character using WASD movement, blending third-person action with traditional RTS mechanics. This hybrid approach lets you gather resources like wood and stone, construct buildings to expand your settlement, and command armies of human soldiers alongside tamed dinosaurs. Combat involves real-time strategy where you position units, use dinosaur abilities to shift battles, and jump into the fray yourself with abilities to cut down enemies. Upgrades through the Amber Charter system enhance your forces, structures, and even the dinosaurs, adding depth to progression. The game emphasizes balancing defense, resource management, and offensive pushes against the invading forces.
Dinosaurs play a central role, with each type offering unique battlefield behaviors, such as powerful charges or area control. You tame and integrate them into your army, evolving tactics as you face the Danes' own dinosaur-riding warriors. Fortifications are key, requiring strategic placement to withstand sieges in this new era of warfare.
Game Modes
The core experience revolves around a campaign mode where you reclaim regions of England step by step. This narrative-driven progression pits you against the Viking invaders across various territories, building up your stronghold and forces as you advance.
While the game is in early access, it focuses on single-player scenarios that test your strategic skills in defending and expanding your domain. No multiplayer options are available at this stage, keeping the emphasis on solo playthroughs with escalating challenges.
Features and Mechanics
Key mechanics include resource gathering powered by dinosaurs, which can automate production or provide boosts in building efficiency. Units have distinct roles, with human troops handling basics like archery or melee, while dinosaurs bring raw power and special abilities. The alt-history setting reshapes England with dinosaur influences, affecting everything from unit evolution to environmental interactions.
Recent playtests have highlighted the integration of action RPG combat, where dodging and direct intervention as the lord can turn tides in tight battles. Updates have refined these systems, improving unit AI and building interfaces based on player feedback.
Is It Worth Playing?
Dinolords suits strategy enthusiasts who enjoy a twist on classic RTS formulas with hands-on action. If you like managing bases and armies but want more personal involvement in fights, this game's hybrid style delivers a fresh take. It's in early access, with ongoing updates addressing community input, making it a good pick for those interested in evolving titles.
Player feedback from playtests praises the dinosaur integration and retro feel, though some note concerns with the action elements fitting into RTS pacing. For fans of medieval strategy with fantastical elements, it offers engaging sessions, especially if you're patient with early access refinements.
