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0.0 hrs last two weeks / 11.4 hrs on record
Posted: 24 Jun @ 11:16am
Updated: 24 Jun @ 11:18am

Early Access Review
Manor Lords Early Access Review: Forging Your Medieval Empire (Early Access journey)

Gear up, history buffs and city-building enthusiasts! Manor Lords whisks you back to the 14th century, catapulting you into the shoes of a fledgling lord. Here, your raggedy-rump village awaits transformation into a bustling medieval metropolis. But unlike other city-builders, Manor Lords isn't content with just plopping down buildings. It throws you headfirst into the thick of things, demanding meticulous villager management, resource juggling, and even the occasional foray into good old-fashioned RTS battles.

A Work in Progress with Historical Charm

Now, hold on a minute. Manor Lords is still under construction, like a half-built castle wall. That means you might encounter a few bugs and features with missing bricks. But hey, that's the beauty of Early Access! You get to be part of the development process, helping the devs squash those pesky bugs and watch Manor Lords blossom into the magnificent city-builder it was always meant to be.

Deeper Than The Trenches: Gameplay that Taxes Your Brain ( But Rewards Your Efforts)

Unlike some city builders where resources are readily available, Manor Lords requires you to manage intricate production chains to keep your village thriving. For instance, to bake bread, you'll need to cultivate wheat on farms, build a windmill to grind it into flour, and then construct a bakery to turn the flour into bread. This means careful planning to ensure a steady supply of raw materials and enough production buildings to meet the growing needs of your populace.

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3274658428

A Feast for the Eyes and a Treat for History Buffs

Manor Lords boasts some seriously stunning visuals. Lush environments with vibrant colors surround your charming village. The architecture is a history buff's dream, meticulously detailed and transporting you straight into the medieval era. And the immersion doesn't stop there. The developers poured their heart into historical accuracy, reflected not just in the visuals but also in the gameplay. Watch provisions degrade if not stored properly, see your citizens become unhappy due to taxes, or witness the thrill of battles in the open fields!

The Not-So-Pretty Side: Early Access Growing Pains

As mentioned before, Manor Lords is still under construction. There's a noticeable lack of content in the endgame, leaving some players wanting more after conquering the initial challenges. Additionally, some features feel a tad unfinished, and you might encounter a few bugs along the way. If you're looking for a polished, complete experience with a clear end goal, you might want to wait for further development.

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3274657640

A Learning Curve Steeper Than a Mountain Goat's Trail

Manor Lords offers a ton of depth, which can be super intimidating, especially for new players. The game doesn't hold your hand – be prepared for some trial and error (and maybe a few online guides) before you get the hang of things. The complex economic systems and intricate production chains have a definite learning curve. But fear not, perseverance is rewarded! As you master the intricacies, the satisfaction of building a thriving medieval city grows exponentially.

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3274659154

The Verdict: A Promising City-Builder with Potential

Manor Lords has the potential to be truly epic. It boasts complex and rewarding gameplay, breathtaking visuals that immerse you in the medieval era, and a heavy dose of historical charm. However, keep the Early Access limitations in mind. There's a lack of endgame content, some features feel unfinished, and you might encounter bugs.

Who Should Play Manor Lords?

If you're a patient gamer who enjoys a challenge, thrives on complex systems, and doesn't mind being part of the development process, then Manor Lords is worth checking out. Just grab your metaphorical hardhat and prepare to embark on a wild ride through medieval times! This game is a perfect blend of city-building strategy and historical immersion, offering a deeply engaging experience for those willing to invest the time to master it.

Score: 8/10 ( A promising city-builder with a lot to offer, but be prepared for the Early Access growing pains.)

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17 Comments
Nirhildija 24 Aug @ 10:46am 
@Sophnaza Thanks a bunch! :Anima_Altdeus::heartb:
76561199763973621 24 Aug @ 10:26am 
Great review! The resource management sounds challenging but rewarding. I'm intrigued by the historical accuracy and visuals—definitely considering a purchase!
Nirhildija 9 Jul @ 8:04pm 
@Awesome Perhaps it is a bit empty, I don't tend to play too many grand strategy/build games, so thank you for your input!
awesome 9 Jul @ 8:02pm 
i will ad that it feels a bit empty at the moment, but from what I've seen, it appears that the dev is working on that at the moment.
Nirhildija 9 Jul @ 7:09am 
@Edgar Lindner Thanks! The game is still in early access so it will be more developed in the future (hopefully~) and that's fine, everyone has their unique take on things. To me, the game has a fair amount of depth personally!
Edgar Lindner 9 Jul @ 2:20am 
Nice review but I don't see the great depth you are talking about. It is very basic imho.
Ragnar™ 4 Jul @ 9:41am 
:ThumbupAL:
Sharky 27 Jun @ 3:08pm 
:blue_heart:
Cosmιc☯Stαtιc 25 Jun @ 12:45am 
:No1:
Honey+ 24 Jun @ 8:54pm 
:catgirl_ok: