The Settlers Online: Special Edition

The Settlers Online: Special Edition is an exclusive version of the popular city-building and real-time strategy game, The Settlers Online. This special edition, released in 2012, was available on Amazon.de and includes a variety of digital and physical extras to enhance the player’s experience, such as 4000 gemstones, an exclusive general, soldiers, and additional content like maps and lithographs.

The Settlers Online: Special Edition: Review

Introduction

The Settlers Online: Special Edition is a digital special edition of the popular browser-based strategy game The Settlers Online. Developed by Ubisoft Blue Byte, this edition was released as an Amazon.de exclusive on December 6, 2012. It includes a variety of bonus content, such as a starter disk, 4000 gemstones, an exclusive general, 2×50 soldiers, and two copies of Die Nordmänner 2. Additionally, it features three tactical maps in the manual and five exclusive lithographs. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative and thematic elements, gameplay mechanics, world-building, art and sound, reception and legacy, and ultimately provide a definitive verdict on its place in video game history.

Development History & Context

The Settlers Online: Special Edition is part of the long-running The Settlers series, which began in 1993 with the release of The Settlers by Blue Byte. The series is known for its unique blend of city-building and real-time strategy elements, focusing on economic simulation and resource management. The Settlers Online, released in 2010, marked the franchise’s transition to a free-to-play browser-based model, allowing players to enjoy the game directly through their web browsers.

Ubisoft Blue Byte, the developer behind the series, has consistently aimed to innovate while maintaining the core gameplay mechanics that have made The Settlers series beloved by fans. The Special Edition was designed to enhance the player experience by providing additional content and exclusive items, making it an attractive package for both new and returning players.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

The Settlers Online: Special Edition continues the series’ tradition of standalone narratives, with players taking on the role of a leader tasked with building and managing a settlement. The game’s narrative is driven by quests and missions that guide players through the process of expanding their settlement, managing resources, and engaging in combat. The thematic focus remains on economic strategy and resource management, with a strong emphasis on creating a self-sustaining community.

The game’s characters are primarily the settlers themselves, who are depicted as industrious and hardworking individuals. The dialogue and interactions are minimal, as the game focuses more on the strategic and economic aspects rather than storytelling. However, the underlying themes of community building, resource management, and strategic planning are consistently present throughout the gameplay.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The core gameplay of The Settlers Online: Special Edition revolves around resource management, building construction, and economic simulation. Players must gather resources, construct buildings, and manage their settlers to create a thriving settlement. The game features a variety of buildings, each serving a specific purpose in the production chain. For example, mines extract raw materials, which are then processed in workshops to create finished goods.

Combat is also a significant aspect of the game, with players able to train soldiers and engage in battles to defend their settlement or conquer new territories. The game’s user interface is intuitive, with clear menus and controls that allow players to manage their settlement efficiently. However, the game’s reliance on real-time resource gathering and production can be time-consuming, requiring players to wait for resources to be gathered and processed.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The Settlers Online: Special Edition features a medieval fantasy setting, with players building settlements in a variety of landscapes, including forests, mountains, and plains. The game’s art style is reminiscent of the earlier titles in the series, with a focus on detailed and charming visuals that bring the world to life. The sound design complements the visuals, with a soundtrack that enhances the game’s medieval atmosphere.

The game’s world is designed to be immersive, with players able to explore and interact with various elements of the environment. The settlements are filled with detailed buildings and settlers, creating a sense of depth and realism. The sound effects, such as the sounds of construction and combat, add to the overall atmosphere, making the game feel alive and dynamic.

Reception & Legacy

The Settlers Online: Special Edition received mixed reviews from critics and players. While the game was praised for its engaging gameplay and charming visuals, it was criticized for its reliance on real-time resource gathering and production, which could be time-consuming and frustrating for some players. Despite these criticisms, the game has maintained a dedicated fan base, with players appreciating its unique blend of city-building and real-time strategy elements.

The game’s legacy is tied to the broader The Settlers series, which has sold over 10 million units worldwide. The series has been influential in the city-building and real-time strategy genres, with its focus on economic simulation and resource management. The Settlers Online: Special Edition continues this tradition, offering players a unique and engaging experience that combines the best elements of the series with modern gameplay mechanics.

Conclusion

The Settlers Online: Special Edition is a worthy addition to the The Settlers series, offering players a unique and engaging experience that combines city-building and real-time strategy elements. While the game’s reliance on real-time resource gathering and production can be time-consuming, its charming visuals, immersive world, and engaging gameplay make it a standout title in the series. The game’s legacy is tied to the broader The Settlers series, which has been influential in the city-building and real-time strategy genres. Ultimately, The Settlers Online: Special Edition is a testament to the enduring appeal of the series and its ability to adapt to new platforms and gameplay mechanics.