Battle for Wesnoth - Free Fantasy-themed TBS

[ChaosLord]

A friend introduced me to this game a few days ago and since a search for it turned up nothing here I figured I would post about it. The game is a TBS as stated is kinda reminiscent of the TBS/RPG games found on consoles like Ogre Battle/Vandal Hearts/Final Fantasy Tactics/etc... The graphics are 2d and dated but the gameplay itself is rather fun and there seems to be alot of campaigns available as well as a good multiplayer community for the game. Its also free and meant to stay that way apparently, so its nice not to worry about having to pay for a beta game. Anyway, if anyone is interested check out the game at http://www.wesnoth.org.

Edit: Description and features for the game, taken from its website.

What is battle for Wesnoth?
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The Battle for Wesnoth is a turn-based strategy game with a fantasy theme.

Build up a great army, gradually turning raw recruits into hardened veterans. In later games, recall your toughest warriors and form a deadly host against whom none can stand! Choose units from a large pool of specialists, and hand-pick a force with the right strengths to fight well on different terrains against all manner of opposition.

Fight to regain the throne of Wesnoth, of which you are the legitimate heir, or use your dread power over the Undead to dominate the land of mortals, or lead your glorious Orcish tribe to victory against the humans who dared despoil your lands … Wesnoth has many different sagas waiting to be played out. You can create your own custom units, and write your own scenarios – or even full-blown campaigns. You can also challenge your friends – or strangers – and fight in epic multi-player fantasy battles.

Features:
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Build up a formidable fighting force, starting from a single leader and a small amount of gold.
Over 200 unit types in six major factions, all with distinctive abilities, weapons and spells.
Experienced units gain powerful new abilities as they advance.
Several multi-player options available, including internet play.
Scores of different custom-designed maps, and unlimited random maps.
Hundreds of campaign scenarios available for download via a simple in-game procedure.
'Fog of war' feature available for a true test of generalship.
Sophisticated mark-up language lets advanced users make their own maps, factions or campaigns.
Excellent language support – 20 different languages currently available.
GNU/Linux, Windows, MacOSX, BeOS, Solaris, FreeBSD, OpenBSD and NetBSD compatible.

[GoreBag]

How does it work? Is there a dynamic range of units?

[Xiahou]

I just compiled Wesnoth and SCOURGE for my linux box tonight- after playing just the tutorial, it seems like a pretty decent game. Especially when you consider its open source and made by people in their spare time.

Chaos should add it to the open source thread.

[Ciaran]

It´s fun, indeed. Though I have difficulties of developing my units beyond second level.

[Xiahou]

Do you recall units from one mission to the next? Their experience is supposed to carry over, it just costs 20gold per unit recalled.

[Samurai Waki]

nice. it reminds me of a rather primitive version of Disciples II.

[ChaosLord]

Keeping units alive and leveling is mainly not overstretching your forces. Lone guys are real likely to get picked off in the game, the AI is merciless. After many many defeats on various scenarios in the Heir to the Throne campaign i've changed towards solid formations backed by healers. It improves the survivability of my troops and lets me guard injured men while still advancing. I'm on the ninth mission in that campaign now and pretty impressed with the game.

The graphics have a good style so while dated they're not an eyesore. The sounds are acceptable and the music reminds me of old game music, simple melodies but good. The gameplay itself is addictive and challenging, with the AI being able to put up a good fight. It can be dumb in some areas like being a bit too suicidal when trying to take down your injured units, or retreating to defend their commander. It takes advantage of proper counters, won't just rush in when its disadvantage and as i've already mentioned is ruthless when going after your troops.

So far into this campaign my only real annoyance has been needing to keep X special character alive when i'd rater not use him at all. Its just aggravating to lose because an enemy soldier got lucky and whacked some chump who thinks hes important. But then I guess every campaign needs to have people of importance to protect(and kill). An interesting thing is that you can beat any given scenario multiple ways most of the time, especially since the AIs forces will vary even on the same scenario(it recruits units based on what you're recruiting).

Anyway, its 4am now so i'm going to go to sleep. I've just been having lots of fun with the game so I figured i'd give a little mini-review of it.