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The 4X genre (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, and eXterminate) remains a vibrant space within the strategy gaming landscape. Unlike grand strategy games, which have seen a slight decline in recent years, 4X titles continue to thrive, even finding new audiences on mobile and handheld platforms. This resilience is partly due to the genre’s adaptability, allowing smaller studios with limited resources to create compelling experiences without needing to compete in graphical arms races. One such example is Old World, a turn-based 4X game developed by Mohawk Games, a small independent studio led by veteran designer Soren Johnson, known for his work on Civilization III and IV. Does Old World live up to the legacy of its creator and offer a fresh perspective on the genre?

Old World

As a genre heavily influenced by board games, 4X titles face the challenge of innovating without alienating their core audience. Balancing new mechanics with established conventions is crucial, and Old World largely succeeds in this regard. It introduces several intriguing elements that complement the traditional turn-based structure, offering a compelling experience even for seasoned 4X veterans.

Old World – Đánh Giá Game

Rethinking Movement and Leadership

One of the most significant departures from traditional 4X gameplay is the Order system, replacing the standard movement points. Each turn, players receive a limited number of Orders determined by factors like political stability, character traits, buildings, and events. This forces players to strategically allocate Orders, choosing between moving a single unit a long distance or spreading the limited resource across multiple units. This system adds a layer of strategic depth, preventing simple “zerg rush” tactics and requiring players to carefully manage their resources.

Another unique feature is the finite lifespan of leaders. Unlike the immortal rulers of the Civilization series, leaders in Old World age and eventually die, similar to Crusader Kings III. Players must manage their leader’s relationships, navigate political rivalries, and ensure a smooth succession to maintain their dynasty’s grip on power. This adds a compelling dynastic element to the game, forcing players to think long-term and consider the consequences of their actions across generations.

Old World

Dynamic Objectives and Character Progression

Old World introduces a dynamic objective system called Ambitions. By completing 10 of these randomly generated objectives, players achieve victory. These Ambitions vary in difficulty and are tied to in-game events, ensuring a unique experience with each playthrough. This system adds replayability and encourages different playstyles without relying on constant DLC releases. Furthermore, players can enhance their leader’s legacy by completing objectives, building wonders, and making impactful decisions. This earned legacy influences key stats like economic growth, loyalty, and even the number of Orders received each turn.

Old World

Military units are led by appointed generals, each with unique abilities that impact unit performance. This emphasis on individual characters adds a tactical layer reminiscent of Romance of The Three Kingdoms, moving away from the faceless armies of many other 4X games.

A Few Rough Edges

Despite its innovative gameplay, Old World has some drawbacks. The most noticeable is the somewhat disjointed nature of its mechanics. While Crusader Kings III successfully integrates its systems around the central character, Old World‘s innovations feel more like parallel additions rather than a cohesive whole. Players can largely ignore certain aspects, like the Ambitions system or family management, without significantly impacting their progress.

Old World

The user interface can also be cumbersome, requiring complex key combinations to access certain menus. The in-game tutorial is also less than intuitive. However, these issues are relatively minor and can be overcome with a bit of practice.

Old World – Đánh Giá Game

A Worthy Addition to the 4X Genre

Despite these minor shortcomings, Old World offers a compelling and refreshing 4X experience. Its innovative mechanics, dynamic objectives, and focus on character development create a unique blend of strategic gameplay. While it may not be a complete reinvention of the genre, it’s a worthy addition that offers plenty to explore for fans of 4X strategy.

Old World

Old World