Review: Swords and Soldiers (Nintendo Switch)

Swords and Soldiers is a 2D side-scrolling real-time strategy game from Two Tribes. It is described as “the funniest strategy game in all of history” in the game description on Nintendo’s website. It has been on a number of Nintendo Consoles (the Wii, the Wii U) and received fairly decent reviews. It also made its way on the 3DS, with not so good results. So how does this title hold up on Nintendo’s newest console?

I have to say Swords and Soldiers was a game that I had previously looked into playing. It was on my wishlist on the Wii U, however, I never got around to purchasing and playing it. I never decided to get it because I couldn’t see how a side-scrolling real-time strategy game could be fun. It took only about two levels for Swords and Soldiers to prove me wrong.

Swords and Soldiers breaks the mold of most real-time strategy games by being a side-scrolling game. Whereas it might seem like an odd concept it works really well. There is still gold to gather and characters for managing and bases to defend. The difference is units only move in one direction. This difference certainly sets this title apart from other Real Time Strategy games.  You don’t have to send your units around the map in an attempt to locate the enemy base. Gold is still acquired but usually, the mine is right near your base so you don’t have to go looking for it. Each level you normally start out with at least one, who auto collects for you.

In campaign mode you start with the Vikings, who seem to just want to barbecue. As you work your way through the wacky story mode you encounter the Aztecs, Chinese, and Chief Meat.  Although working the campaigns in order is recommended you can choose to skip them if you so desire. Skipping them doesn’t seem to really mess up anything, however, the difficulty does seem to increase the more you advance. The stories also kind of all intertwine so skipping one would not necessarily confuse the story too much but it may leave some gaps in the plot.

Each campaign story slightly increases in difficulty, but the difference in the humor, as well as the different styles of units, keep the game feeling fresh and interesting. Although each campaign experiences the same kind of battle conditions such as destroying enemy structures, rescuing a certain kind of unit or surviving for a given amount to time, the game remains fun. Each faction had its learning curve to master. Once mastered however the ease of playing continues. All fractions also use different types of mana.  Which slowly generates over time.

Swords and Soldiers live up to being a very funny RTS game. It also does a great job of keeping the game fresh. Players who have not played the game certainly should give this game a try. If you experienced it on the 3DS, do yourself a favor and give it another try. Swords and Soldiers was a very good experience and well worth your time.