Serious Game Classification

1066 is a turn-based strategy game developed to complement the 1066 historical drama documentary commissioned and aired by the UK public-service television broadcaster Channel 4. Set in 1066, most notable for the Battle of Hastings where the Normans conquered the English at Senlac Hill, players get to choose between three armies: the English, the Vikings and the Normans. The players are offered a story mode to progress through the events of that time with animated cutscenes after each mission, a skirmish battle mode, and a multiplayer mode against another human player. All battles are always fought between two armies.

Before starting the game the player gets to choose an army (if applicable) and the type and number of units. Each faction has a unique sets of units, ranging from archers, to warriors, spear militia and mounted units. Each type has specific movement and attacking abilities, as archers can naturally attack from a distance, while mounted units have the ability to charge.

The main game screen is divided into a battle view where the units are shown from the side, a panel with information about the armies and a top-down battle map with position of all groups. At the start of each round players get to determine the actions for each unit group on the top-down battle map, ranging from movement, to attacking, fortifying and taunting. Specific units can also create a formation to become stronger, and break when needed. Players do not have direct control over the attacks, but there are a number of ways to influence them - by taunting (lowering the other army's morale, which can cause certain units to flee eventually), by charging, or outflanking groups. Every type of action is determined further through mini-games played in the army panel. The charging strength is built up by pressing the spacebar repeatedly, while the archer's firing angle and power needs to be set manually. Taunting is achieved by typing in a number of words as quickly as possible and fighting bonuses can be achieved by keystrokes in a Dance Dance Revolution-like arrows matching sequence. The effect of the strategies is visible immediately in the battle view.

With good tactics it is possible to overpower stronger armies, and movement and formations are critical to maintain the upper hand. Even though the fighting is done mostly automatically, the player is informed of the number of units killed on each side at all times. [source:mobygames]

Distribution : Internet - Free
Platform(s) : Browser (Flash)

Links

• Play it Now !
• http://playinghistory.org/items/show/538
• http://www.mobygames.com/game/1066/