Etherlords

 PC
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
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  1. GameZone
    83
    This is a wonderfully challenging PC title which should sate the appetites of a niche long neglected - and it even gives you more than you would want by giving it a aesthetically pleasing presentation!
  2. ActionTrip
    85
    Etherlords and its 3D fantasy world are capable of holding players glued to the screen for hours.
  3. Computer Games Magazine
    70
    The campaigns are exceedingly difficult—so difficult they diminish the attraction of the game's solid mechanics.
  5. IGN
    81
    Having missions that take hours upon hours to finish is a difficult feature to sell to gamers that may have limited time to spare.
  6. PC Gamer
    78
    A visual stunner with strong AI, fast-moving gameplay, and a lot of depth. [Feb 2002, p.79]
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  7. GameSpy
    87
    A flawed, but stunning piece of work. Etherlords is a gripping game. Yes, there are elements that need improvement, but overall this is the best game ever released in the turn-based fantasy genre.
  8. Yahoo!
    60
    The plot to Etherlords, the new fantasy strategy game from Nival and Fishtank, is such complete and utter cobblers.
  9. Computer Gaming World
    60
    The surprise, given the unplayability of the strategic game, is that this is easily the best "Magic" rip-off ever done for a PC, handily beating the official game from a couple years back. [Mar 2002, p.93]
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  10. Computer and Video Games
    70
    Feels like a far less weighty package than the original. The graphics are still beautiful compared to most competing games, and Etherlords II retains the title of best-looking turn-based combat game on the market. This might be enough for some, but if you liked the strategic elements from the first game, Etherlords II may well prove to be a big disappointment.
  11. GamePen
    80
    The most stunning aspect of the game, though, is the graphics and, especially, the animation. Everything is in meticulous 3D, from the map screen to the battles. In battles, though, is where the animation really shines.
  12. GameSpot
    81
    Although the grand strategy is a bit misguided, the tactical combat is a splendid twist on the concept of collectible card games.

Awards & Rankings

62
#62 Best PC Game of 2001
95
#95 Most Discussed PC Game of 2001

User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 63 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 63
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 63
  3. Negative: 4 out of 63
  1. Alkej
    Jan 17, 2012
    6
    + Addictive gameplay, interesting artwork and a challenging final boss
    - A threadbare story, poor voice acting, short campaigns The synthets    + Addictive gameplay, interesting artwork and a challenging final boss
    - A threadbare story, poor voice acting, short campaigns The synthets race is especially interesting.    … Full Review »
  2. igolrum
    Jun 4, 2021
    10
    Pretty unique game mechanics that I've never seen anywhere else. It's kind of like a mix of overworld turn based strategy combined withPretty unique game mechanics that I've never seen anywhere else. It's kind of like a mix of overworld turn based strategy combined with tactical collectable card/monster system. The fights are pretty challenging aswell. Don't expect a story, there really isn't one worth mentioning.

    Definitely give this a try if you're tired of all the more typical strategy games.

    I'm giving it a 10/10 for its uniqueness and being pretty challenging, which is what I want from my strategy games.    … Full Review »
  3. storygamer
    Sep 24, 2020
    8
    Etherlords is a great and challenging strategy game. Graphics and sound are ok, the story is interesting. The most enjoyable aspect about thisEtherlords is a great and challenging strategy game. Graphics and sound are ok, the story is interesting. The most enjoyable aspect about this game is the turn-based fighting system. And that´s the biggest difference between Etherlords and its competitors like Age Of Empires, Stronghold or Empire Earth. It feels very fresh and adds a complete different tune to this genre.… Full Review »
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