Under Siege (2011 video game)

For the 2005 video game Taht-al-hissar, see Under Siege (2005 video game).

Under Siege
Game cover
Developer(s)	Seed Studios
Publisher(s)	Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 (PSN)
Release date(s)	PlayStation 3 (PSN) ^NA 2 June 2011^[1]
Genre(s)	Real-time tactics^[2]
Mode(s)	Single-player, Multiplayer, co-op, online co-op
Distribution	Download on PlayStation Network

Under Siege is a PlayStation Network exclusive real-time tactics video game released 2 June 2011. Developed by Portuguese video game developer Seed Studios, it features a single player campaign, and multiplayer via online and co-op. It contains a level editor which allows users to make and share maps. The game is set in a medieval fantasy world and follows the story of Eirik, Kari and Asgeir. It was designed to be played with the DualShock 3 controller or the PlayStation Move controller.

On 23 August 2011 the game was released into the Asian market including Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, South Korea and Indonesia.

Gameplay

Under Siege places "special emphasis" on user-generated content and in game battles, according to the official website, and it is tailored for console gameplay and controls.^[2] The gameplay is battle orientated and not focused on resource farming. The player's army build experience by fighting battles and each army can consist of multiple races. Under Siege features multiplayer gaming with online matches for up to 2 players online and split screen matches for up to two players. The game allows Deathmatch, Capture Point, Capture Treasure, and Survival multiplayer game modes.^[3]

Comic Book

Under Siege: First Encounter

Prior to the game's release, a comic book titled Under Siege: First Encounter was released to set the scene.^[4]

Reception

Review scores
Publication	Score
Edge	7/10

The game achieved an aggregate rating of 69% on video game review site metacritic, being generally received as a good real time strategy game, representing good value for money and with good production values but significantly hampered in general appeal by difficultly spikes, and a high overall difficulty level.^[5]

In Edge the game was described as: "Under Siege may be a downloadable game, but it’s certainly not throwaway. It’s engaging and, if the controls can be mastered and the bugs forgiven, a satisfying sampler of RTS thrills for the uninitiated, and a stamina test for anyone who thinks they’re hard enough."^[6]

The Portuguese site Mygames, gave a score of 82/100, classifying the game as "Good", with the strengths: an RTS that works well in console, environment and art, the map editor, Online competitive and compatible with YouTube and Facebook and a lot of content at a low price. As weaknesses, states that is not accessible to all styles of players, the absence of voices, repeated elements and characters throughout the adventure, and the Move might work better.^[7]

The "Digitally Downloaded Website", specialized on downloadable contents, gave it a 4 stars out of 5. Reviewer said: "There is some fine tuning that the game could have used, however. Difficulty is spotty at best – even on the easiest levels it’s all too easy to accidentally wander into a massive enemy swarm because the fog of war is, frankly, too close to your units. And although the best effort has been done to get the controls down, it’ll never manage to be as intuitive as mouse and keyboard for the strategy genre. But it’s an impressive effort nonetheless, and a warm welcome back for the PSN. Given that everyone gets free PlayStation Plus subscriptions, take advantage of the fact this game is heavily discounted; it’s well worth the budget asking price." ^[8]

Eurogamer gave it a 7/10, saying: "A game that requires a degree of patience and tolerance before it truly clicks. If you have the required resolve, there's plenty to admire."^[9]

The French/Canadian site "Game Devoureur", states on its analysis that "In the end, Under Siege is one of those games exasperating at first, until we understand the game. It becomes a pure pleasure to lead his troops into battle, fail, learn, and try again finally succeed, which will result in extending the life of the single player campaign at least ten hours. A mechanism and a philosophy that is reminiscent of a Demon's Souls, all things and in very different styles. But Seed Studios went all the way to his ideas and the result is very pleasing. After RUSE, Under Siege proves that the RTS genre has its place on console, with or without motion control. Indeed, all who have played (and have understood) will tell you it's a great game, addictive and exciting, period!"^[10]

The Game Chronicles site reviewed Under Siege with a 7 out of 10. The reviewer states that: "Under Siege includes a fairly powerful level editor that's at least on par with most PC games. While the game's light on actual strategy and heavy on micromanagement and instant to instant tactics, it's still not a bad choice for people looking for quick, RTS-style skirmishes on the PS3."^[11]

The German site "Media Review" that specializes in reviewing games and movies, has given the game a rating of 8.2 out of 10, stating that: "Under Siege is a PS3 title, which has stunning graphics, rich Dolby surround sound and a brilliant pioneering control. The difficulty is, however - and especially - for RTS beginners too hard. To avoid frustration and motivation, gamers can also create their own matches and maps. However, the game has been upgraded with simple mounting options, or at least some sense of siege equipment. "Under Siege" fulfills its role as skirmish-frame. It is a solid PSN figure, ostensibly for the experienced tactician and strategist RTS - may be exactly right - both offline and online!"^[12]

The Swedish website "Level 7" gave it a score of 6/10. The reviewer stating that "the idea is good and the game is still quite entertaining in its simplicity. Under Siege falls, however, because of unnecessarily sloppy and ill-considered choice game mechanics which creates unnecessary irritation. The game, however, is really nice that and they added the ability to create your own maps." ^[13]

Awards

Under Siege has won the Grand Prize for the "Zon Multimedia Awards 2010" held in January 2011 at the "Museu do Oriente" in Lisbon, Portugal. It also won 1st prize for "Applications and Multimedia Contents".^[14]

References