Battle for Enlor

Battle for Enlor is a turn-based tactical strategy game set in a high-fantasy world where players command factions like elves, dwarves, and orcs in a battle for dominance. The gameplay combines card-based unit recruitment with grid-based combat on hexagonal maps, requiring players to strategically deploy forces and manage resources. Released in 2017 by Sonera Game Studio, the game emphasizes tactical decision-making through its card-drafting mechanics and fantasy-themed warfare.

Battle for Enlor: Review

In the pantheon of turn-based tactical games, “Battle for Enlor” stands as a testament to both the genre’s enduring appeal and its occasional missteps. Released in 2017 by the independent studio Sonera Game Studio, this game promised a deep, strategic experience set in a rich fantasy world. However, its reception has been mixed, with critics and players alike praising its ambition while criticizing its execution. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its enduring legacy.

Development History & Context

Studio Background

Sonera Game Studio, the developer behind “Battle for Enlor,” is a relatively unknown entity in the gaming industry. Founded by a small team of passionate developers, Sonera aimed to create a game that would stand out in the crowded strategy genre. The studio’s vision was to blend classic turn-based tactics with modern gameplay mechanics, all wrapped in a compelling fantasy narrative.

Technological Constraints

“Battle for Enlor” was developed using GameMaker, a versatile engine that allowed the studio to focus on gameplay and narrative rather than technical hurdles. However, the choice of engine also limited the game’s graphical capabilities, resulting in a visual style that, while functional, lacks the polish of AAA titles.

Gaming Landscape

The gaming landscape in 2017 was dominated by a mix of high-budget AAA titles and innovative indie games. “Battle for Enlor” entered a market already saturated with strategy games, from the likes of “Civilization VI” to “XCOM 2.” Despite the competition, Sonera Game Studio sought to carve out a niche with its unique blend of fantasy and tactics.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

“Battle for Enlor” is set in the fictional kingdom of Enlor, a land beset by demonic invasions and undead hordes. The player takes on the role of a hero tasked with assembling a party of unique characters to defend the kingdom. The story unfolds through a series of battles, each serving as a chapter in the overarching narrative.

Characters

The game features eight unique characters, each with their own backstory and abilities. These characters include a diverse array of fantasy archetypes, from elves and dwarves to more exotic creatures like undead and demons. The dialogue and interactions between characters are relatively shallow, often serving as exposition rather than character development.

Dialogue

The dialogue in “Battle for Enlor” is serviceable but lacks depth. Conversations are often formulaic, with characters spouting clichés and exposition rather than engaging in meaningful interactions. This is a missed opportunity, as the game’s rich fantasy setting could have benefited from more nuanced character development.

Themes

The game explores themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. However, these themes are often overshadowed by the game’s focus on combat and strategy. The narrative serves more as a backdrop for the gameplay rather than a driving force.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

“Battle for Enlor” is a turn-based tactical game, with players taking control of their party and moving them across a grid-based battlefield. The core gameplay loop involves positioning characters, selecting actions, and managing resources like health and mana. The game’s combat system is relatively straightforward, with each character having a set of abilities that can be used to attack, defend, or support allies.

Combat

Combat in “Battle for Enlor” is turn-based, with each character taking actions in a predetermined order. The game features a variety of enemy types, from common foot soldiers to powerful bosses. However, the combat can feel repetitive, with enemies often relying on the same tactics and strategies.

Character Progression

Character progression is handled through a simple leveling system, with characters gaining experience points and leveling up after battles. As characters level up, they gain access to new abilities and can upgrade existing ones. This system is functional but lacks the depth found in other strategy games.

User Interface

The user interface in “Battle for Enlor” is functional but uninspired. The menus are straightforward, with clear icons and text, but they lack the polish of more modern games. The game’s UI can also be clunky at times, with players often having to navigate through multiple menus to access basic information.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the game’s more innovative systems is its “Survival Mode,” which tasks players with fighting a series of bosses in succession. This mode tests players’ strategic thinking and resource management, offering a challenging alternative to the main campaign. However, the game’s reliance on random encounters and lack of a persistent world can make it feel disjointed.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The world of Enlor is a rich fantasy setting, filled with diverse environments and creatures. However, the game’s visual style often fails to do justice to this setting. The art direction is functional but lacks the detail and polish of more modern games.

Atmosphere

The game’s atmosphere is enhanced by its sound design, which features a mix of epic orchestral tracks and ambient sounds. The music is particularly noteworthy, with each battle featuring a unique soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. However, the sound effects can be lacking, with some actions feeling unimpactful due to poor audio feedback.

Visual Direction

The visual direction in “Battle for Enlor” is a mixed bag. The game’s character designs are generally well-done, with each character having a distinct appearance and style. However, the environments often feel bland and uninspired, with a lack of detail and variety. The game’s use of 2D sprites also feels outdated, particularly when compared to more modern strategy games.

Sound Design

The sound design in “Battle for Enlor” is one of its strongest aspects. The game’s music is epic and engaging, with each battle featuring a unique soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience. The sound effects are also well-done, with each action feeling impactful and satisfying. However, the game’s voice acting is lacking, with many characters sounding flat and uninspired.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

“Battle for Enlor” received a mixed reception upon its release. Critics praised the game’s ambition and unique setting but criticized its lack of polish and depth. The game’s low price point ($2.99 on Steam) helped it attract a small but dedicated following, but it failed to make a significant impact on the market. As of 2025, the game has a “Mostly Negative” rating on Steam, with a player score of 26/100 based on 23 reviews.

Evolution of Reputation

Over the years, “Battle for Enlor” has gained a cult following among strategy game enthusiasts. Its unique setting and challenging gameplay have earned it a place in the hearts of many players, despite its flaws. The game’s low price point and availability on multiple platforms have also helped it maintain a steady stream of new players.

Influence on Subsequent Games

“Battle for Enlor” has had a limited influence on subsequent games, largely due to its niche appeal and mixed reception. However, its unique blend of fantasy and tactics has inspired other independent developers, who have sought to build on its strengths while avoiding its weaknesses. The game’s “Survival Mode” has also been cited as an influence on other strategy games, which have sought to offer similar challenges to their players.

Conclusion

“Battle for Enlor” is a game of missed opportunities and hidden gems. Its rich fantasy setting, challenging gameplay, and unique features make it a worthy addition to any strategy game enthusiast’s library. However, its lack of polish, shallow narrative, and repetitive combat can make it feel uninspired at times. Despite its flaws, “Battle for Enlor” has earned a place in video game history as a testament to the enduring appeal of turn-based tactics and the power of independent development. For those willing to look past its shortcomings, it offers a rewarding and challenging experience that stands out in a crowded genre.