Bethesda's latest mobile game, The Elder Scrolls: Castles, brings the beloved resource management gameplay of Fallout Shelter to the realm of Tamriel. In this captivating simulation, players manage a medieval kingdom, balancing resources, assigning workers, and making crucial decisions that shape the fate of their realm.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles immerses players in a realm of medieval fantasy, where they assume the role of a monarch tasked with building and managing a prosperous kingdom. Gameplay begins with the assassination of the king, allowing players to select a new ruler from a pool of noble candidates. This initial choice sets the tone for the player's journey, as the chosen ruler's personality and lineage influence the kingdom's trajectory.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles – A Compelling Kingdom Management Sim for Mobile Devices
As in Fallout Shelter, resource management plays a vital role in The Elder Scrolls: Castles. Players construct various workstations, such as kitchens and oil presses, to provide sustenance and fuel for their kingdom. Assigning workers to these facilities ensures the efficient production of essential resources. However, managing resources requires careful strategy, as players must find the optimal balance between workforce distribution and resource consumption.
The game introduces speed potions as a valuable tool for optimizing resource production. By using these potions wisely, players can accelerate production and stock up on resources when needed. However, potions are limited, so players need to use them judiciously.
As the kingdom progresses, players unlock new workstations, expanding their capabilities. The workshop, for example, enables the creation of tools that enhance resource production, while the sewing table allows subjects to craft new outfits. Each new workstation adds depth to the gameplay and offers fresh challenges for players.
The passage of time in The Elder Scrolls: Castles is a unique feature that adds a layer of realism to the gameplay. Each day in the game represents one year in the kingdom, allowing players to witness the gradual growth and evolution of their subjects. Using potions, players can speed up the transition from childhood to adulthood or advance the kingdom's timeline by a year.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles features a diverse cast of human and non-human subjects, including elves, khajiit, orcs, and argonians. Each subject possesses a primary trait, such as volatile, emotional, or pyromaniac, which influences their suitability for specific tasks. Assigning subjects to roles that align with their traits maximizes their efficiency and productivity.
Marriage plays an essential role in sustaining the kingdom's population. By assigning subjects to the Shrine of Mara, players can facilitate their union and bring new life into the world. However, managing family life is not without its challenges. Subjects can only bear one child per year, and assigning them to the bedroom with someone other than their spouse can lead to uncomfortable situations.
The War Table unlocks quests, sending the player's subjects and ruler on thrilling adventures. Assigning characters to quests and equipping them adequately ensures their success in facing treacherous foes. While combat is automated, players can manually activate weapon abilities and target specific enemies, adding an element of strategy to the battles.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles challenges players with various royal decisions that affect the kingdom's balance and well-being. These decisions range from supporting the empire with supplies to resolving complaints about noisy hauntings or ruling on cases of infidelity. Each decision has potential consequences, affecting the happiness of nobles, commoners, and specific races.
Dealing with disgruntled subjects is crucial for maintaining order in the kingdom. Players can banish subjects to the kingdom's border as a method of dealing with enemies or those who threaten the ruler's life. Additionally, royal decrees, the Music Stage, or the Bookcase can be used to improve relationships and increase subjects' happiness.
The Elder Scrolls: Castles is an engaging and immersive kingdom management simulation that seamlessly blends familiar gameplay elements with the beloved fantasy world of Tamriel. Its focus on resource management, subject diversity, and strategic decision-making offers a compelling experience for fans of the genre. Whether you're a seasoned strategist or a newcomer to simulation games, The Elder Scrolls: Castles promises hours of captivating gameplay.
