Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 24
  2. Negative: 3 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. A raucous blend of third person action gaming and light real time strategy to a package that is enjoyable, intuitive and immersing.
  2. Joan of Arc combines realism with arcade in odd measures, and yet still makes for a great gaming experience. Maybe not everyone’s cup of tea, but you could do a lot worse than give this medieval hack and slasher a test lunge.
  3. It's very unpolished, but incorporating a number of RPG elements into the formula that Koei's had so much success with is such a great idea that Joan of Arc is rather enjoyable nonetheless. [Apr 2004, p.109]
  4. Despite its flaws, Joan of Arc has an unmistakeable pick-up-and-play factor, coupled with a learning curve that makes it very enjoyable, especially acquiring many rare items from the slew of side quests.
  5. Fans of button-smashers, here comes another experience you should have fun with.
  6. 69
    I like the concept a whole lot better than the actual finished result.
  7. It's very sad to see a game such as this, where the enemy actually seems like they want you to kill them. They are completely predictable, and most times will just run straight at you, leaving themselves open for a quick combo attack.
  8. While the game’s aspects of real-time strategy fail due to poor AI, the action role-playing elements play out fine, if not repetitious. A severely marred visual and audio presentation prevent Joan of Arc from making up ground lost in gameplay.
  9. Though we wanted to like Joan of Arc, we found it burdened by a number of rookie mistakes, including a bad camera, poor pathfinding, and lackluster artificial intelligence.
  10. If you can find ways to ignore the RTS component and the confusion brought on by the other generals, Joan of Arc is a great hack-and-slash that plays like a 3D version of a championship arcade game.
  11. If ever a game screamed out for another 6 months to a year of additional development, it would be Wars & Warriors: Joan of Arc. With a little more TLC and polish, this game could have really been something.
  12. Fundamentally, the gameplay is just too linear. From the mission requirements to the layout of the levels, you don’t feel like there’s any freedom to explore. Constantly hitting buttons to fell enemy troops isn’t enough to draw you completely into the world.
  13. This game has more than enough to entertain fans of RPG and action games and is sure to convert any gamers who normally don’t play this kind of game. It is just a pity that the RTS side of the game took so long to actually start working.
  14. Boomtown
    60
    This is adequate entertainment that does nothing terribly wrong, but never manages to shine in any one particular area.
  15. 60
    From vanilla A.I. and a very limited game engine, to technical issues and a frustrating camera, it's a game that's extremely hard to recommend.
  16. Too much repetition, too many problems, not enough fun.
  17. 55
    The problematic camera, the relatively weak AI, and the rather horrific horse riding scenarios really don’t do much to make the game as fun as it could have been, but you certainly could do a lot worse.
  18. It is obvious when one looks at Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc that it does not measure up to the standards that other games have set: a compelling story, exciting gameplay and impressive AI.
  19. Although there's enough action and a few cool RPG elements, the whole shebang doesn't appear to involve any engaging or innovative gameplay moments that might brighten up today's gaming scene.
  20. Computer Gaming World
    50
    While Joan has some serious flaws, Enlight has shown it can create an interesting character; better A.I., for one, would do a lot to improve future titles. [May 2004, p.88]
  21. Cheat Code Central
    50
    To be blunt, the problem with Joan is that it incorporates elements of three genres, action, RTS and RPG which are not very well blended. It's like a stew in which you can taste all of the ingredients individually.
  22. PC Gamer
    49
    A failed attempt at a cross-genre historical hybrid. [May 2004, p.70]
  23. Computer Games Magazine
    40
    You can see some interesting ideas buried beneath the never-ending combat, but overall, it suffers from a serious case of kitchen-sink-itis. [May 2004, p.62]
  24. What we have is an inept third-person hack and slash number, combined totally unsuccessfully with a dull-as-ditchwater RTS. Harsh words, granted, but you'll thank us for them.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 30 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 30
  2. Negative: 5 out of 30
  1. Putte
    Mar 15, 2004
    9
    Great game concept. Bit repetitive at times but a good game altogether.
  2. Chimp
    Feb 15, 2004
    9
    I've only played the demo and I can't beat the defense of Orleans mission, the stupid citizens keep dying. But what I'm seeing I've only played the demo and I can't beat the defense of Orleans mission, the stupid citizens keep dying. But what I'm seeing looks on track, with fun battles, rpg like stats, the ability to command units and multiple heroes...and it sounds even better with the siege weapons and rts factors of the game.....i'm sure the later missions will be really cool.....my only problem is in the mission i played when i switched to metz and was killing brits and later switched back to joan she was in the same spot....also the camera can be a little bit tricky but I will probably get the full game. Full Review »
  3. AngieP.
    Feb 6, 2004
    10
    I have only played the demo so far but am definatly getting this game!!! I love it. I would recomend it to everyone. You don't see many I have only played the demo so far but am definatly getting this game!!! I love it. I would recomend it to everyone. You don't see many females in games it's great that they put her as a main charter and she doesn't look like barbie. Full Review »