Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War | PlayStation 3 | PS3

About the Game

Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War has players take control of a mercenary for hire during the legendary English / French conflict. Lead soldiers, warriors and fellow swords for hire into battle on horseback or on foot, fighting alongside Joan of Arc or the King of England as you strive to become the mercenary champion and gain fame and fortune during these dark times. The gameplay takes place in a 3rd-person perspective and takes the form of an action / RPG of sorts.

Story & Setting

Talking to the barman within will present a roster of missions available, the length of that particular campaign and the reward for success - these can take place on either the English or French side (you cannot ally with just one faction).

Gameplay & Core Systems

The 'central hub' of the game is a local bar where players attempts to find jobs that will increase his or her wealth and reputation, as well as dealers that will allow players to change weaponry or buy more troops to fight alongside them. This hub area also serves as a meeting place for characters from the game world and players may gleam information from gossip heard that will help them later in-game. The main game itself is broken down into what first appears to be a strategy sort of game in which players are shown which territories they have to take to successfully complete the mission - however any strategic element ends here. players can command a number of differing types of combatants, from archers to footsoldiers to horseback, and later on in-game camel and elephant riders. Battles are a simple hack and slash affair, with players attempting to clear the area of enemy troops.

Standout Features

• They can then select which 'home camp' to start from.
• Extra fame can be achieved from beating in combat the VIP enemies found throughout the mission.
• Bladestorm: As such, Bladestorm has no end - players will continue to fight battles as they progress (This is after all the Hundred Years' War!), but there is a story arc within the game to be completed, and the amount of missions - although very similar can give players a lot game content to keep them happy.
• Beat this commander and players will have seized the territory and completed the mission.

Presentation & Atmosphere

Display support includes HDTV 720p. Audio support includes Dolby Digital.