Total Annihilation: Kingdoms

 PC
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 38
  3. Negative: 1 out of 38
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  1. Beaver
    Sep 19, 2006
    9
    This game can be played over again and again. It is great for a lan party with a half a dozen friends. You have to use your mind to accomplish victory... for some people that might be too much. This game is magnificent in its game play i encouraged people to search out this game to have some good fun with useing their mind.
  2. flimda
    Jan 1, 2012
    10
    One of the most challenging and captivating RTS games of the last two decades. It is truly an underrated masterpiece that will never be forgotten by it's fan base. The replayability of a game that is now 12 years old and was largely overlooked at the time of release must always be questioned. But when I play this game now it truly is as wonderful and gripping as when I first played itOne of the most challenging and captivating RTS games of the last two decades. It is truly an underrated masterpiece that will never be forgotten by it's fan base. The replayability of a game that is now 12 years old and was largely overlooked at the time of release must always be questioned. But when I play this game now it truly is as wonderful and gripping as when I first played it as a wide eyed boy. It is such a shame Cavedog shut down shortly after making this masterpiece as a game as unique and inspiring as this has been sorely missed in the RTS genre. It truly is magnificent and I cannot express my happiness that I found this game all those years ago. This game stands head and shoulders above all other games in my eyes and if there was one game I could play eternally it would be this one.… Expand
  3. CipE
    Jun 4, 2015
    10
    A solid RTS with 5 factions and immense unit diversity.

    However the most fun I've had in ages was re-playing the missions as an RPG. There are a few maps where you cannot build structures, so playing tactically is must. This is encouraged since units gain experience and some leveled units are sufficiently durable and versatile to tackle a variety of challenges, for example "Shielded"    A solid RTS with 5 factions and immense unit diversity.

    However the most fun I've had in ages was re-playing the missions as an RPG. There are a few maps where you cannot build structures, so playing tactically is must. This is encouraged since units gain experience and some leveled units are sufficiently durable and versatile to tackle a variety of challenges, for example "Shielded" Knights [and Sky Knights, which are more mobile], in relatively small numbers (3-5) can dominate many battle fields in SP campaigns.

    And then come the missions where you get to build Gold/Black/Blue dragons which are messengers of death with wings and with each kill are becoming better at dispensing retribution.    … Expand
  4. Vamrem
    Sep 19, 2018
    9
    Still playing this particular RTS from time to time since the 2000’s, with its remarkable physics system (unique for its time, and still innovative today!), particularly enjoying its soft RPG feature which makes units gain ranks, keeping me carrying small squads to gain levels until all my army gets gold. Its worst downside are the unbalanced dragon, and especially the avatar (which isStill playing this particular RTS from time to time since the 2000’s, with its remarkable physics system (unique for its time, and still innovative today!), particularly enjoying its soft RPG feature which makes units gain ranks, keeping me carrying small squads to gain levels until all my army gets gold. Its worst downside are the unbalanced dragon, and especially the avatar (which is insane), but you can banish units types in the map editor (making an extra challenge to leave the opposite faction with their dragon for example!), you decide.… Expand
  5. RosstheBoss0
    Sep 13, 2020
    9
    TA: Kingdoms is one of the most memorable RTS games I've played, the faction roster, the campaign and the music all combine to make a game which really stands out. The replayability is strong with a lot multiplayer maps, a skirmish mode and good story which blends fantasy with genuine human storytelling. The soundtrack is unique and features the work of the same composer behind the ElderTA: Kingdoms is one of the most memorable RTS games I've played, the faction roster, the campaign and the music all combine to make a game which really stands out. The replayability is strong with a lot multiplayer maps, a skirmish mode and good story which blends fantasy with genuine human storytelling. The soundtrack is unique and features the work of the same composer behind the Elder Scrolls games and Dungeon Siege.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

14
#14 Best PC Game of 1999
13
#13 Most Discussed PC Game of 1999
13
#13 Most Shared PC Game of 1999

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. GamePro
    60
    Kingdoms manages to present a lot of pretty scenery, rousing sound effects, and dynamite music, but it omits a foundation in adequate controls and unit AI. And without that, all the good looks in the world fall flat.
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  2. Electric Playground
    70
    A really good example of real time strategy. Maybe the best, but it didn’t do anything to revive my interest in a tired genre.
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  3. Adrenaline Vault
    80
    Where TA offers a slew of different unit types for some traditional, hardcore warfare, TA:K goes the fantasy route with fewer units and buildings and a better story. TA:K is much more like "Starcraft" in its approach to strategical combat, the balance of different units types and gameplay that features varied experiences through the different sides.
    Read full review
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