Notoris: The Goblin War is a turn-based strategy game with action elements, set in a fantasy world under threat from a goblin invasion. Players take control of armies in battles that blend tactical decision-making with real-time positioning, all without relying on traditional grid layouts. Developed by a small team of students and recent graduates at Flying General Games, this PC title draws loose inspiration from historical epics like Romance of the Three Kingdoms, focusing on leadership and army management amid unfolding mysteries.
Gameplay
In Notoris: The Goblin War, the core gameplay revolves around commanding units in turn-based battles on open fields. Players issue orders to soldiers, positioning them strategically without grid constraints, which allows for fluid movement and tactical depth. Managing resources and balancing your army's composition play key roles, as you recruit and upgrade troops while navigating the challenges of war. Each turn lets you plan actions like attacks or special feats, emphasizing careful planning over rapid reflexes.
The system encourages experimentation with unit placements and formations, where terrain and positioning influence outcomes. You handle a mix of melee fighters, ranged units, and support roles, adapting to enemy goblin forces that vary in strength and tactics. Army management extends beyond battles, involving decisions on recruitment and resource allocation to build fame and progress through the narrative.
Game Modes
The game centers on a single-player campaign where you select one of three main characters to lead: the young Havie, the strong Colmac, or the wise Mika. Each choice shapes your approach to the story and battles, with different strengths influencing strategy and army builds. This narrative-driven mode focuses on progressing through a series of strategic encounters tied to the goblin war storyline.
There are no multiplayer options; the experience is built around solo play, with battles designed for tactical depth in a controlled environment. Players revisit scenarios or adjust strategies within the campaign framework, but no additional competitive or cooperative modes are available.
Story and Characters
The plot unfolds around a goblin invasion, with players uncovering secrets through their chosen leader. Havie brings agility and boldness to the forefront, Colmac emphasizes brute force and direct confrontations, and Mika offers cunning and magical prowess. These characters drive the narrative, inspired by themes of alliance and rivalry, as you manage alliances and rivalries on the path to victory.
Interactions between characters and factions add layers to the strategy, requiring players to balance military might with diplomatic choices. The fantasy setting includes diverse units and environments, from forests to battlefields, each affecting tactical decisions.
Is It Worth Playing?
For enthusiasts of turn-based strategy games seeking something outside standard grid systems, Notoris: The Goblin War offers a fresh take on commanding armies in a fantasy context. Its non-grid mechanics provide flexibility in battles, appealing to those who enjoy deep tactical planning without rigid structures. However, as a project from a student-led studio, it comes with rough edges like optimization issues, occasional bugs, and a lack of tutorials, which might frustrate newcomers.
If you appreciate passion projects with unique ideas and can overlook early development hiccups, this game suits solo players interested in narrative-driven warfare. It's particularly fitting for fans of historical strategy inspirations adapted to fantasy, though those expecting polished experiences or multiplayer might look elsewhere. With only a handful of player reviews highlighting these pros and cons, it remains a niche title best tried by dedicated strategy gamers.
