Great Invasions: The Darkages "350-1066 AD"

 PC
Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 16
  3. Negative: 6 out of 16
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. IncGamers
    85
    If you are looking for an intelligent and very deep strategy experience in an under-explored time period, look no further.
  2. PC Zone UK
    74
    That the developers have endeavoured - and succeeded - in modelling the social turmoil of the period makes this a unique, rewarding, and dense experience that demands dedication and will reward players with weeks, if not months, of unique historical wargaming. [Sept 2006, p.80]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Worth Playing
    65
    A diamond in the rough. It is apparent that a great deal of research and design went into the creation of this title, but unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the documentation and tutorial.
  5. Gamer's Hell
    65
    While there is a lot of complexity in the game play it is hard to grasp the many aspects due to the unpleasant interface.
  6. GameZone
    60
    A very large game with a large amount of strategy, if you have the patience to learn how to play. To really be a great game, the interface needs to be totally redesigned, along with the manual.
  7. GameSpot
    58
    This RTS has great historical flavor and scope, though the documentation and overall playability leave something to be desired.
  8. Game Chronicles
    57
    This title succeeds in its mission to be one of the most detailed and historically accurate recreations of the Dark Ages. But a clunky interface and lack of tutorial made an already complex game almost impossible for new players to pick up and enjoy.
  9. GameDaily
    50
    Great Invasions offers a great tribute to retelling history, offers loads of options, but its almost unavoidable complexity leaves it unapproachable to all but the most determined history and strategy fans.
  10. GamerNode
    50
    Underdeveloped niche title will only appeal to a special few.
  11. Armchair Empire
    50
    I don’t want to discourage the intrepid few who might find some real pleasures here or are so excited about the time period that they’re willing to endure Great Invasions’ abundant frustrations.
  12. PC Gamer UK
    47
    Bluntly, depth doesn't automatically mean satisfaction, and even within this very small strategy niche, "Europa Universalis II" is a much better choice if this is the kind of warmongering that floats your trireme. [May 2006, p.93]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. PC Gameworld
    45
    If you're willing to invest a lot of time and deal with a lot of frustration, there's a sweet core waiting under that difficult shell. However, unless you're particularly dedicated (or have a masochistic streak) I wouldn't bother with Great Invasions.
  14. Gamers' Temple
    45
    In Great Invasions, The Dark Ages refer to the hours upon hours you’ll spend trying to make sense of things.
  15. PC Format
    35
    It's an awkward strategy game that tries to step out of the turn-based frying pan and ends up in the unplayable-pap fire. [May 2006]
    All this publication's reviews
  16. PC Gamer
    35
    It has some good moments, but it shouldn't take an archaeological expedition to reach them. [Sept 2007, p.58]
    All this publication's reviews
  17. GamingExcellence
    30
    A proper historical simulator is a great idea, but as it stands I would much rather play Risk then ever look at this one again.