Overview: A semi-tactical, semi-difficult, all-heroic medieval mod for Half-Life 2. Team Chivalry has delivered in the past, with a small fanbase and a mediocre report. However, with their newest update (1.1.0) they have fixed all but the tiny tolerable bugs that made their earlier version receive such a disgraceful opinion. They have polished their work to a fine sheen, and added many personal touches that make the newest version of Age Of Chivalry yet more epic in every way.
Plot: The Mason Order versus the Agathia Knights. The plot is loosely set, with generally the Masons being “evil” and Agathians being “good”. The description of the maps on the Loading screen seem to tell a larger tale, but one I couldn’t find on their main website (located here).
Gameplay: I found the gameplay to be slightly more intriguing since it’s 1.0.0 release. New weapons such as the Warhammer make load-out an interesting array of choices, but I tend to always stick with ball-and-chain. Since there is no crosshairs, aiming with throwing knives, throwing axes, crossbows, bows, and catapults can be daunting at first, especially since you are using your eye and not a helpful line on the screen. The objectives still drive the maps along, although there seems to be too many “Break this with your giant sword” tasks.
Graphics: This game got a definite polishing. The menus, HUDs, and other various interfaces have all been updated to a sleeker, yet appropriate design. New maps have been introduced, including the famous Helm’s Deep which most people seem to enjoy. The animations still need some work, like when loading a bolt on the crossbow or one of the random times you seem to kill your enemy without your sword moving. It still looks better than most mods out there, and much better than AoC 1.0.0.
Sound: Still a breathtaking clamor of metal striking metal, screams and shouts and arrows whizzing by, complemented by great music and inspiring battle-cries. You will feel like you’re in the Middle Ages.
Reviewer’s Final Opinion: This mod guarantees many epic moments and battles. If you enjoy knights, swords, and castle sieges then this mod is for you. It’s fun, cinematic, and very well-done.
