Kingdom (video game)

Kingdom is a series of side-scrolling strategy-adventure games developed by Noio and Licorice. The games are known for their minimalist pixel art style, atmospheric soundtrack, and challenging gameplay that revolves around building and defending a kingdom against nocturnal creatures known as the Greed.

The core gameplay loop involves players controlling a monarch who must explore a procedurally generated landscape, recruit subjects, build fortifications, and manage resources like coins and tools. The monarch moves from left to right, encountering potential recruits, ruined structures, and hidden treasures. Coins are used to hire vagrants, upgrade fortifications (walls, towers, archers), and purchase tools like hammers and scythes.

The primary threat comes in the form of the Greed, creatures that attack the kingdom each night. They attempt to steal the monarch's crown and any coins held by the subjects. Losing the crown results in the end of the game. Successful defense requires strategic placement of archers, the construction of sturdy walls, and effective resource management.

Different titles in the Kingdom series introduce new mechanics and features. Kingdom: Classic is the original version, while Kingdom: New Lands expands upon it with new biomes, mounts, and challenges. Kingdom Two Crowns adds a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing two players to rule together, as well as introducing new settings such as Shogun and Norse Lands, each with unique units, technology, and environments.

The series is praised for its engaging gameplay, compelling atmosphere, and minimalist aesthetic. The difficulty curve can be steep, requiring patience and experimentation to master the game's mechanics and develop effective strategies. The Kingdom games are available on various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. The underlying themes often explore the burden of leadership, the constant struggle against entropy, and the vulnerability of civilization.