Etherlords (Video Game Review)

Nival has released their new 3D strategy game Etherlords for iOS devices. The game features stunning graphics combined with that of world-building gameplay mechanics to create an exciting new experience for players. Etherlords can be played online or offline with the ability to create entire worlds to feed to your creature. Read on to learn more.

Etherlords is free-to-play game with no stamina mechanic which means that players can keep playing until their fingers are sore. A massive Cataclysm has destroyed most of the worlds featured in the game and the player now has the ability to take on the role as an Etherlord. What is an Etherlord you ask? Well it is basically the ability to play God and create entirely new worlds but gamers soon learn the dark secrets that come with this new found responsibility. The game features asynchronous PvP mechanics where every player is an Etherlord and must battle others to dominate the various worlds with the ability to fuse them together.

Etherlords is based on the German-style board game Carcassonne that was published in 2000 and allows gamers access to over 180 creatures like Wolves, Dragons and Colossus. Battles are intense in Etherlords and usually take around 60 seconds to complete by using unique combos and special skills.

Once you enter the world of Etherlords, you will get straight into the action after being awakened by Vita to defend yourself. A button flashing "FIGHT" will appear on the screen and you will simply tap it on your iOS device to start playing. Etherlords features very simplistic combat mechanics that can be picked up and enjoyed by all types of gamers. After just a few seconds of playing, gamers will have defeated their first round of opponents and acquire the new ability to use the power of Golem. This new power will use massive earthquakes to take out your opponents and is your first taste of all the fun abilities available throughout gameplay. If battles become too much, then you will be able to call in the help of allies who have varying abilities and skills to aid you in battle. After taking out a few low level guards, players will be forced to take on a mighty boss called a Guardian for even more intense combat action. The best part of Etherlords is the fast-paced combat which keeps the gameplay fresh and entertaining throughout your adventures.

Etherlords features a colorful palette and a soothing soundtrack to go along with its intriguing story and gameplay. Your tour guide Vita will guide you through your adventure and give you helpful hints along the way. After taking down a few enemies, you will be required to rest and strengthen the world shard by putting down World Plates. This part of the game is where you build the new world to venture through with the ability to create new areas after completion of each section. The different kinds of terrains are marked with various colors, and players will earn Ether as they complete new zones. However, Etherlords need Matter to keep creating which is earned by fighting other Etherlords in the Arena of Gods.

In the end, Etherlords is a remarkably fun title that offers a high degree of replayability by creating new worlds packed full of encounters with a wide variety of creatures. While the game is free-to-play, gamers can speed along their progress with in-app purchases, but it isn't required. Etherlords does have the ability to get repetitive after hours of playing but it offers up enough unique content to keep gamers satisfied for weeks on end. What are you waiting for? Create your own world today in Etherlords by visiting the iTunes App Store today!

Game Features:

• Online and Offline
• Collection Based
• Fast Battles
• No Limits by Stamina

Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Nival
Platforms: iOS (reviewed)
Release Date: September 4, 2014


Score: 8 out 10