Field of Glory II: Medieval Reviews

Plays like chess. Highly recommended always enjoyed a Slitherine product and it’s another banger.

Rode down one unit of light archers with 2 units of heavy cavalry and the heavy cavalry lost both engagements badly. Uninstalled immediately.

Field of Glory II: Medieval, developed by Byzantine Games and published by Slitherine Ltd., is a turn-based tactical wargame that captures the drama and complexity of medieval warfare with surprising depth and historical authenticity. Building upon the foundation of the original Field of Glory II, which focused on ancient and classical eras, this standalone entry shifts the timeline forward to cover the period between 1040 and 1270 AD—arguably one of the most chaotic and militarily diverse periods in European history. The game doesn’t attempt to revolutionize its predecessor’s formula, but instead fine-tunes it with period-appropriate mechanics, deeper army composition strategies, and a focus on high-stakes maneuvering across the battlefield. The core of Field of Glory II: Medieval revolves around turn-based engagements between historically accurate armies. Battles are fought on a grid, where each square contains different terrain types that can affect unit performance, cohesion, and visibility. The unit diversity is impressive, featuring everything from heavily armored knights and longbowmen to light skirmishers and early gunpowder units in later expansions. What sets this title apart is its commitment to realism—not in flashy visuals, but in the combat model itself. Units have morale levels, fatigue, and a realistic model of command and control that punishes careless deployments and rewards flanking, timing, and terrain usage. It’s not about who has the strongest units; it’s about how they’re used, in what context, and whether the army’s cohesion can be maintained under pressure. Unlike many modern strategy games that lean into action or spectacle, Field of Glory II: Medieval thrives on slow, cerebral gameplay. There’s a deep satisfaction in watching your well-planned pincer move rout an entire flank or using terrain to funnel enemy cavalry into a kill zone. It forces players to think several turns ahead, plan around unit strengths and weaknesses, and understand how medieval armies actually functioned. This approach can be daunting for newcomers—the learning curve is steep, and the interface, while clean, doesn't always explain its nuances. But for those with the patience to learn, it offers one of the most tactically rewarding strategy experiences on the market. Visually, the game is utilitarian rather than cinematic. The units are represented by semi-detailed 3D models that, while serviceable, aren't the main draw. Animations are simple, and battlefields, though varied in terrain types, don’t boast the graphical flair found in more mainstream titles. But Field of Glory II: Medieval isn’t concerned with presentation—it’s designed for players who want historical accuracy and strategic depth over visual spectacle. The sound design is similarly minimal but functional, with appropriately medieval music and understated battle effects that set the tone without becoming intrusive. Where the game shines further is in its customization and replayability. Players can create custom battles, historical encounters, and randomized skirmishes using a robust scenario generator. The campaign system allows you to guide a faction through a series of connected battles, with army carryover and evolving opponents. While it lacks a grand strategy layer like that of Total War, it still offers a satisfying sense of progression and challenge. The AI is competent and occasionally unpredictable, though experienced players may find its tactical depth lacking over time. Fortunately, the game supports PBEM (play-by-email) multiplayer, where the true depth of strategy comes alive in human vs. human competition. What’s particularly impressive is how the game incorporates its expansions. Each DLC—such as Reconquista, Swords and Scimitars, or Storm of Arrows—adds new factions, units, and scenarios that flesh out different parts of the medieval world, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Baltic crusades. The modular design allows players to tailor their experience, and it’s clear that the developers are passionate about representing the full spectrum of medieval conflict, not just the typical Anglo-French or Crusader perspectives. The historical flavor is enhanced by detailed army lists, contextual notes, and battle introductions, making the game a subtle educational tool as well. In conclusion, Field of Glory II: Medieval is a rich, methodical, and deeply rewarding tactical strategy game aimed squarely at history buffs and wargaming enthusiasts. It demands patience, careful planning, and an appreciation for historical nuance. While it lacks the graphical polish and accessibility of larger franchises, it more than compensates with its intellectual depth and historical scope. If you're someone who values tactical precision, historical authenticity, and the thrill of commanding a medieval army through cunning rather than brute force, this title is an essential addition to your strategy library. Rating: 8/10