Originally published at: http://statelyplay.com/2018/05/25/clarus-victoria-heads-back-to-egypt-this-time-the-old-kingdom/
PC/Mac/Linux •
One of the unheralded gems of 2017 was a little historical title with a terrible title, Predynastic Egypt from Clarus Victoria. We liked the hell out of it with the exception that it ended when the 1st Kingdom began which is kind of when all the really cool stuff in Ancient Egypt started rolling. Yes, I’m talking about the pyramids. No pyramids in Predynastic Egypt, but in the follow-up, Egypt: Old Kingdom, which was released on Steam yesterday, we’ve got pyramids aplenty.
Old Kingdom takes place over the first 6 dynasties of pharaohs, basically about 1400 years beginning in 3500 BCE. This means you’ll be building the pyramids, unify the kingdom under one ruler, as well as dealing with the mess called the First Intermediate Period which is when everything went to hell.
Like Predynastic Egypt, Old Kingdom is based heavily on real history. This isn’t a Civilization-type game where the history is only there to hang a new story on. Instead, these games are like an anthropology course on Egypt that lets you drive everything to the end point that we’re all familiar with. In other words, it’s less game and more simulation. If you’re interested in Ancient Egypt at all, this game (and its predecessor) is a brilliant way to jump into the topic.
Based on real historyWhile Old Kingdom was released for PC/Mac/Linux yesterday, it's not clear if it will be coming to iOS/Android down the road. Predynastic Egypt made the jump to mobile, but I haven't been able to confirm a mobile port of Old Kingdom one way or the other. Let's assume it will come to mobile and if they tell me different, I'll let you know. https://youtu.be/-wgN5BpKssYYou will find yourself in Memphis, 3500-2140 years B.C., the time of the first six dynasties of pharaohs. You will unify the country and create a prosperous kingdom, which later will have to face the havoc of the First Intermediate Period.
Construction of the Great Pyramids
You will lead the construction of pyramids, choose their design and materials. This process requires tremendous investments, but it is the only way to keep peace and order in the country.
Ancient society simulator
You will not only deal with the problems of farmers and craftsmen but also make important political decisions, which will define the future of the kingdom. Numerous challenges and events of different scale await you.
Ancient maps
Discover the world of the Old Kingdom: exploit new lands, send expeditions to different places, and meet different cultures. Use every opportunity to learn about your surroundings and to expand Egypt’s borders.
Differences from Predynastic Egypt
- More diversity in the game, varied tasks in the regions, different tactics for playthroughs and unique bonuses from patron gods.
- Egypt: Old Kingdom is longer.
- New technologies: 3D engine and skeletal animation.