Survive the Middle Ages as a city-state in a hybrid real-time strategy game
Reverie World Studios and indie.i are proud to announce City States: Medieval is now available on Steam as part of Steam’s Medieval Fest. In the latest entry in Reverie’s long-running series of hybrid strategy games, players are invited to test their skills as statesmen and leaders, trying to survive as a city-state among greater kingdoms, competing for trade, power, and wealth across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East - aided by heroic leaders who put a new twist on strategy, from commerce to warfare.
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The city-state is the heart of the game, allowing players to experience the 12th century and the last of the medieval renaissances from a new perspective, the great trading cities of the era. Players can pick one of three starting options, each offering a different set of circumstances and challenges: Genoa, located on the Italian Peninsula among fractious states, offers an experience focused on trade and diplomacy; Granada, in Andalusia, requires players to balance defense against the encroaching Christian kingdoms with expanding the economy and managing internal politics; finally, Novgorod in the East focuses on establishing an economic powerhouse surrounded by hostile principalities and nomadic raiders.
Commerce is key to surviving in the High Middle Ages, with twelve trading goods - from honey to spices - available for trade. However, beyond wealth it is heroic leaders who determine the fate of the city-states they rule. Found on the frontlines of diplomacy and warfare, these historic figures enable full control over surrounding units and cities, acting as main characters of the story written by the players’ actions. They can dispatch them to negotiate with foreign powers, establish outposts in faraway lands, participate in Crusades, or keep them home, focusing on protecting the homefront against encroaching enemies.
Without the hero present, players may only issue high-level orders, turning their location into a strategic consideration - especially in high stakes battles where they become a powerful force multiplier, enabling real time control of battles. Here, Reverie polished and refined the experience, combining battle-tested tactical combat mechanics with elements of tower defense, to depict the brutal sieges of cities and fortresses synonymous with medieval times.
The resulting complex strategic gameplay ensures a unique challenge for fans of the genre and newcomers alike, paired with a story-driven experience showcasing the challenges and opportunities faced by medieval city-states.
High Middle Ages, high risk, high stakes in a unique hybrid real-time strategy game: Lead a city-state to victory today! City States: Medieval is now available for $19.99 USD on Steam and is available through the indie.io store.