Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Lords of Midnight III: The Citadel builds on the hybrid strategy/RPG foundation of its predecessors, offering a blend of turn-based hero management and real-time troop movements. Players can assume direct control of a single hero—guiding Luxor or his son Morkin through perilous landscapes—or delegate tasks to multiple characters simultaneously. This flexibility opens up varied approaches to exploration, diplomacy, and combat, rewarding both meticulous planners and improvisers.

The introduction of real-time movement for armies injects fresh urgency into each decision. No longer do you wait for your forces to inch across the map in discrete turns; now hostile columns can intercept you or slip past your defenses if you hesitate. Assigning tasks—such as “fortify this castle” or “seek out hidden allies”—becomes a critical tool, as your characters carry out orders autonomously while you attend to more pressing objectives elsewhere on the continent.

Yet despite its innovations, The Citadel retains the series’ trademark depth. Character progression remains rich, with heroes gaining new abilities and items as they succeed. Managing resources, forging alliances, and timing your strikes against Boroth Wolfheart’s legions all contribute to a campaign that feels both epic in scope and intimate in detail. Veterans of Doomdark’s Revenge will appreciate the familiar strategic layer, while newcomers will find the real-time pace invigorating rather than daunting.

Graphics

Visually, The Citadel marks a bold step forward with its voxel-based 3D engine. The world of Midnight comes alive in three dimensions, its rolling hills, dark forests, and crumbling ruins rendered in charming blocky detail. The engine’s dynamic lighting enhances the mood—moonlit valleys glow eerily, while torches and infernal fires cast flickering shadows that heighten the sense of danger.

Character sprites retain the stylized design fans love, now framed by sweeping camera angles that showcase both grand vistas and tight dungeon corridors. While the voxel aesthetic may feel dated compared to modern AAA titles, it has a unique warmth and clarity, allowing players to instantly recognize landmarks like the Icecauldron or the shadowy spires of Boroth’s strongholds.

Performance is generally smooth, even during large‐scale battles. The game scales well on contemporary hardware, with draw distances and effects customizable to suit different systems. Occasional pop-in of distant terrain can occur, but it rarely disrupts immersion. Overall, the graphics strike an admirable balance between nostalgia and technical ambition.

Story

The narrative of The Citadel picks up where Doomdark’s Revenge left off, casting the aged Moonprince Luxor as both hero and captive. His noble quest for the legendary Eye of the Moon ends in betrayal by the ruthless Boroth Wolfheart, setting the stage for a new generation of adventurers. Luxor’s son, Morkin, emerges as the reluctant protagonist, tasked with rescuing his father and thwarting an ancient evil.

Dialogue and cutscenes deliver the tale with earnest gravitas. Veteran characters reappear, their arcs deepened by years of conflict and loss, while fresh faces—both human and fantastical—join the fray. Side quests flesh out the world, revealing hidden histories of Midnight, from the founding of the Citadel itself to the secret cults that lurk in its shadow.

Branching choices and failed missions carry real emotional weight. Should Morkin rush in to save a besieged village or press on toward Boroth’s inner sanctum? These dilemmas underscore the consequences of leadership and sacrifice. Though the main plot follows a largely linear path, optional missions and character interactions invite multiple playthroughs to uncover every secret and outcome.

Overall Experience

Lords of Midnight III: The Citadel is a triumphant sequel that respects its lineage while embracing fresh ideas. Its interplay of strategic depth, real-time action, and rich lore crafts an adventure that is both daunting in scale and deeply personal. Whether you’re rallying an army beneath the blood red sky or sneaking a lone hero through moonlit ruins, the game delivers moments of genuine triumph and tension.

The learning curve can be steep, especially for newcomers to the series’ idiosyncratic interface and sprawling world map. However, patient players will find the journey immensely rewarding, with a strong sense of progression and discovery at every turn. The Citadel strikes a fine balance between freedom and narrative drive, allowing you to shape your own legend against the forces of darkness.

For fans of classic strategy-RPG hybrids and anyone who cherishes immersive fantasy epics, The Citadel offers dozens of hours of engrossing gameplay. Its combination of voxel-based graphics, dynamic battles, and heartfelt storytelling cements its place as a standout title in the Lords of Midnight saga—and a worthy chapter in the quest to reclaim the Eye of the Moon.

Retro Replay Score

6.2/10