Released on the Switch in June 2019, Battle Worlds: Kronos invites you into a nostalgia trip to those glorious days where strategy games meant moving little pixelated tanks around maps while pondering the meaning of life. If you ever wanted to relive your 90s days of turning your brain cells into mush over hex grids and enemy squadrons, then keep reading—if you dare!
Set in a galaxy where peace has been as rare as a unicorn in a leather jacket, the game throws two factions into a tussle over a vacant throne. Yes, it’s not all lasers and explosions; there's a storyline that could make you a little less numb to the world. Players engage in turn-based strategy with units that are more diverse than my attempts at cooking. You manage ground, sea, and air units, leading them through intricate missions that involve everything from escorting VIPs (very important persons, not just vehicles) to capturing enemy headquarters. The game features a campaign mode consisting of three intertwining storylines, each making you feel a little more like a general who may or may not be slightly bewildered. The controls are simpler than your grandma’s crossword puzzle, but that's not to say that they're always intuitive; prepare yourself for some delightful interface quirks. Each unit can move and attack, bluff their way into sneak attacks, and generally be as unpredictable as a toddler on a sugar rush. While it does contain elements that will thrill strategy lovers, you may find your enthusiasm waning as objectives pile up like laundry after a week. The game shines when it comes to strategic depth but doesn’t shy away from being a potential head-scratcher!
Graphically, Kronos pulls off a visual style that presents a mix of retro and modern aesthetics with a dash of vibrant colors. The animations are more fluid than a cat on a slip'n'slide, yet sometimes the isometric perspective makes it feel like you’re trying to decipher an abstract piece of art during an emotionally charged lecture. The hex grids look sharp, and battlegrounds are distinct enough that even my uncle (who still thinks Empire Strikes Back is the latest movie) can differentiate between land, air, and sea units. However, it may not set any gameplay graphics records, but hey—it's not a Picasso either!
In a world inundated with first-person shooters and open-worlds, Battle Worlds: Kronos serves as a nostalgic, slower-paced antidote. Sure, it won’t be everyone's cup of tea—with a few reviews giving it the whole 'mixed' vibe like that burrito you regretted five hours later—but for turn-based strategy enthusiasts or those nostalgic for the good ol' days, there's plenty here to dig into. With around 60 hours of gameplay, it’ll keep you busy longer than your latest binge-watching spree. Whether you want to test out your strategic skills or just enjoy a sense of nostalgia while smiting enemy troops, Kronos is here to deliver. Just be ready for a few quirks and a fair amount of micromanagement, and remember, patience is a virtue… or so they say! So grab your troops, and may the best strategy win—because this old-school tactical battle isn’t going to fight itself!