Now this is how I like to imagine Hell: filled with bizarre demons and monsters, yes, but also rife with nefarious politics. Cryptic Comet’s Solium Infernum is a turn-based strategy game where you control one of up to six archfiends vying for control of Hell. The goal of the game is to have more prestige than your opponents by the end of the game. Combat definitely plays a crucial part in this, but it’s only one of many ways to further your means. In fact, you can’t even engage another archfiend unless they’ve declared a vendetta against you, and goading them into one can be even more fun than fighting…
I’ve only played the demo myself, but the few reviews I’ve read seemed giddy about it, and I can see why – SI offers up a version of Hell that is as dark and compelling as any I’ve seen in a while (it reminds me of Wayne Barlow’s novel God’s Demon, which is a good thing). The theme lends itself really well to the strategy, which is as much about intrigue and political posturing as it is moving troops around. I also have to give credit to artist Matt Bradbury for doing a fantastic job on the flavor art in the game.
Solium Infernum can be played single player, although the AI feels a bit lackluster (this has been addressed somewhat in patches following the game’s release). Multiplayer is handled through hotseat or play-by-email (PBEM). If you’re a fan of turn-based strategy games, you should check it out. Here’s a handy (and entertaining) tutorial to get you started.
Time-permitting, I’d really like to take a closer look at the full version ($30) and try multiplayer. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen so far.
TIGdb: Entry for Solium Infernum
