Sacrifice

"Excellent Game that CERTAINLY standsout among the rest..."

The gameplay, graphic and action of SACRIFICE is beyond what I could explain with the mere words of humunity. ''Excellent'' is an understatement yet ''Outstanding'' has yet to truely outshine the remarkability of this AMAZING game. It HAD to be seen and played to believe...

Originality: 10/10
This game is ORIGINAL.
Although it is more or less a RTS, this game leds you somewhere between the lines of Action, RTS and RPG genes. Confusing at first sight, I must admit, but with its beautiful and intelligently designed interface, even a beginner like myself could master the essentials in a hour or two. There are mainly two types of resources presented in the game, namely, mana and souls. You have to search for mana fountains while eliminating foes to gain their souls. Mana is used to cast spells (Yes, spells. You are a powerful wizard in the game; you will be and can ONLY be viewing from the back of your wizard but, as I had said, the visual is godly) whereas souls are for summoning your almighty armies. Putting the gameplay aside, one feature I find most interesting is the ability to customize your own spell book in single-player campaigns, which in turn, can be used in multi-player modes! All right, for now, I must calm down and proceed to other aspects of SACRIFICE.

Graphics: 10/10
The gorgeous graphical effects, together with the life-like actions and incredible background, are simply way off my own comprehension. All I can say is that every single frame in the world of SACRIFICE could be a valuable gallery or wallpaper collection.

Gameplay: 10/10
Frustrating to some while confusing to others, they are all but to yet to fully master the wonders of SACRIFICE. Truthfully, I had some troubles with this somewhat unfamiliar gene, it was only I had taken time (30 minutes is all you need) to play through the enriching tutorial have I managed to enjoy what it seems to be a frustrating game. SACRIFICE provides you with some fast-paced and intense battles and situations that at times, you may be at a loss. Yet, once you have managed to turn the somewhat impossible tide, you will feel accomplished and satisfied as being a Wizard who is not magically inclined but tactically and strategically as well. All this can be made easier by fully utilizing the mini-map, grouping and assigning your armies with the correct formations and the hotkey-ing your favourite spells.

Sound: 10/10
The voice acting together with the background music bends really well with SACRIFICE environment. Not to mention that majority of your creatures have some particularly humorous lines. I would like to say that the voice acting really characterized each individual creature that you command, installing life within them, making the task of ordering them around a much more enjoyable experience.

Multiplayer: 10/10
This is another area where SACRIFICE shines. Although providing only a total of four players at any one time, it is as interesting and double the fun than single players’ battles. This is one of the few games where defensive strategies really pay off. Of course, this does not mean that aggressive players will be deterred. Rather, that is where the spells and mana become twice as valuable; you shall summon forth a gigantic tornado or set off a massive volcano eruption right under where your foes stand to disrupt their formations before you charge in for the kill. The possibilities are endless, especially with your customizable spell book; you need to bring down other wizards to prove your spells are the most powerful. And once you had managed to convert most of your opponents’ souls, witness and enjoy the carnage from the peak of a high mountain, how your HUGE and almighty army runs down the enemies’ pathetic defenses.
FEEL THE POWER! FEEL MY WRATH!

Replay: 10/10
The customizable spell book has done its job well in this area. Not only you are capable of managing your favourite spells, you also had to take into the consideration of the creatures you will be summoning to join the ranks of your army. Yes, every time you are granted a new spell, you will also be imparted the knowledge of summoning a new creature. So, CHOOSE WISELY (and have fun with it). Needless to say, the customizable spell book is but one of the many ingenious features found in SACRIFICE that makes it so irresistible.

Fun: 10/10
Yes, of course. It will be a true classic and a legend in times to come.

Overall: 10/10
I would only say:

This is the Strategy Game of Year 2000.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/30/01, Updated 01/30/01