The Tribez & Castlez (Video Game Review)

The Tribez & Castlez is the newest release from mobile developer Game Insight. The game is the successor to the hit game The Tribez that originally released for iOS and Android devices back in 2009. The new release adds new content and some improvements over the first release in the series while reintroducing some key characters and locations from the first game for fans of the series to enjoy as well. Where the original game had players building up some of the first kingdoms of civilization for mankind, the world is already somewhat established in The Tribez & Castlez, and players must build kingdoms that are comparable to those seen in the Middle Ages and that are capable of fighting back invaders that threaten the realm. There are a variety of different missions to complete in the game that range from building up resources and businesses to give the kingdom a thriving economy to fighting off monsters on the outskirts of town. The Tribez & Castlez is just as addictive as the original release, and there is enough content in the game to make it worth a purchase if it weren't already a free-to-play game.

The Tribez & Castlez is a game focused on resource and town management. Players begin the game by being introduced to Prince Eric, who is in need of some help returning his kingdom to glory. Players are immediately thrust in tutorial missions that explain how to harvest resources around the city, construct new buildings and how to command the different citizens of the city to do work. The game offers a lot of content beyond what is seen in the early parts of the game, but players will either need to spend a lot of time building up resources and gaining minimal amounts of rewards or spend some real life currency to speed up the process. It's a shame the title encourages spending money to advance further into the game, but it's such an addictive game that players will hardly mind donating some funds to uncover even more great gameplay and missions.

Players will need to assign the characters in the game to different jobs and click on the different buildings and resource hotspots to gather things like water, metal and wood. New buildings and items will be unlocked later that are built with these supplies, but it does take varying amounts of time to perform tasks in the game. Completing missions will earn players a predetermined amount of gold as well as some gems that can be used to purchase the most important items in the game. Eventually, players will have spent enough time in the game to have a city that something special with a good economy, plenty of homes, factories and other businesses and plenty of food on the table of each member of the city. Players then begin getting missions outside of town where players will experience more tactical combat scenarios while facing off with some funny looking werewolves, goblins and dragons, so there is a lot of gameplay variety in the new title to be sure.

The Tribez & Castlez is a good looking game that presents a bright and colorful world that players will be happy to spend time in. The tone is easy to get behind with versions of classic fantasy creatures reimagined with humorous details that are more funny than fearsome. There are plenty of variations of friendly characters and a lot of different buildings to unlock and upgrade throughout the game's campaign. The building and item variety is good enough to allow players to make their kingdom completely their own and then share their creations with friends. There are even social features included in the game that allow gamers to become allies in the game and send helpful items and support to their friends wirelessly. All of this is wrapped up in a neat package with colorful and easy to navigate menus and some catchy theme songs that will be with players for the long gaming sessions.

The Tribez & Castlez is a really addictive mobile game, and if it weren't for free-to-play features that make the game somewhat difficult to progress through, it would be an obvious recommendation. The game is still plenty of fun in its current state though, and most players won't mind spending a few dollars to advance in the game and help support the developers; after all, they do allow players to download their game for free! The Tribez & Castlez is well worth a download for its fun gameplay and unique variety of missions, but lighthearted humor and plenty of unlockable buildings, magical items and more will have players addicted to the game for hours at a time. Download a copy of The Tribez & Castlez on iOS and Android today!

The Tribez & Castlez is now available free-to-play on iOS and Android. The Tribez & Castlez has been rated appropriate for ages 4+. For more information on the game, check out the official The Tribez & Castlez website.

Game Features:

• Single Player
• Free-to-Play
• Unique Strategy Gameplay
• Funny Monsters
• In-Game Purchases

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Game Insight
Platforms: iOS (reviewed) & Android
Release Date: February 25, 2014

Score: 7 out of 10