Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Codex Voyni: Zolotoe Izdanie compilation delivers a sprawling turn-based strategy experience by bringing together all five titles in the series. From the gritty battlefields of Fantasy Wars to the intricately balanced skirmishes of Elven Legacy and its three expansions (Ranger, Siege, Magic), players can immediately dive into varied tactical challenges. Each game builds on the last, introducing new unit types, terrain considerations, and strategic layers that reward careful planning and foresight.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Fantasy Wars lays the foundation with straightforward controls and a robust rock-paper-scissors unit progression, while Elven Legacy refines that engine—adding hero characters with unique abilities and more elaborate scenario objectives. Ranger’s stealth missions, Siege’s fortress assaults and wall breaches, and Magic’s emphasis on elemental spells keep the core rules fresh and encourage different approaches. Fans of defensive chokepoints one moment may suddenly find themselves dabbling in guerrilla warfare or arcane bombardment the next.

The inclusion of a detailed user’s guide and a behind-the-scenes disc also aids newcomers in mastering the finer points of movement costs, flanking bonuses, supply lines, and magic hot-keys. Whether you’re micromanaging a battalion of archers or unleashing an elemental cataclysm, the learning curve feels rewarding rather than punishing. As a cohesive package, Zolotoe Izdanie stands out for its depth and the sheer variety of tactical puzzles it presents.

Graphics

Though originally released across several years, all entries in this compilation share a warm, hand-painted aesthetic that evokes classic tabletop wargaming. Terrain tiles—be they rolling hills, dense forests or snow-capped mountains—are richly detailed, with clear visual cues for movement and line-of-sight. Infantry, cavalry, and siege engines animate smoothly on the battle map, and unit icons remain distinct even in the heat of large, 40-unit engagements.

Resolution support and UI tweaks in the “Zolotoe Izdanie” edition lend a more polished feel: tooltips pop up crisply, health bars are color-coded for quick readability, and the minimap integrates seamlessly with the main viewport. Magical effects—fireball eruptions, healing auras, arrow barrages—carry a satisfying punch, with particle effects that remain restrained enough not to obscure critical battlefield information.

The physical packaging reflects this visual consistency: three collectible medallions (blue for humans, green for elves, red for orcs) complement the cover art and help set the mood before you even open the box. Combined with the user’s guide illustrations and the designer commentary DVD, the overall presentation feels like a premium strategy anthology worthy of shelf display.

Story

At its core, the Codex Voyni saga is a tapestry of clashing civilizations, clandestine betrayals, and hero-driven quests. Fantasy Wars introduces the looming threat of the Orcish horde, forging alliances between human kingdoms and elven clans. Elven Legacy deepens the lore by focusing on the personal journeys of key protagonists—knights, rangers, and mages—whose choices can tip the balance of power.

Ranger, Siege, and Magic each add their own narrative flavor. Ranger sends you behind enemy lines for covert operations that peel back layers of political intrigue; Siege places you in the boots of fortress commanders, defending or undermining citadels; Magic weaves a tale of ancient spellbooks and charismatic archmages whose mastery of the elements threatens to reshape the world. These side stories tie back to the main arc, reinforcing the sense of a living, breathing realm full of hidden secrets.

The included disc with design documents, concept art, and developer interviews enriches the experience by revealing how these narratives were crafted. Readers and viewers alike will appreciate the breadth of world-building—from initial story bibles to final script edits. For lorehounds, it’s a welcome peek behind the curtain.

Overall Experience

Codex Voyni: Zolotoe Izdanie stands out as an exceptional value for any strategy enthusiast. Five full games plus expansions deliver dozens of hours of campaign play, skirmishes, and multiplayer showdowns. Beginners benefit from the exhaustive user’s guide, while veterans will find themselves replaying scenarios with new unit compositions or higher difficulty settings.

The collectible medallion concept, along with the themed packaging, elevates this release beyond a simple digital bundle. It feels like a true collector’s item—an artifact that honors the series’ legacy. The bonus DVD of design materials further cements its status as a passion project by Ino-Co, making the compilation feel personal and lovingly assembled.

Minor quibbles remain—certain animations can feel dated, and some scenarios require patience as you adapt to rigid turn-order mechanics. However, these are small trade-offs for the depth, variety, and narrative richness on offer. Whether you’re eager to revisit classic tactical combats or exploring them for the first time, Zolotoe Izdanie is a comprehensive, engaging package that belongs in any strategy gamer’s library.

Retro Replay Score

null/10