Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Disciples II: Rise of the Elves brings a fresh layer of strategic depth to the base Disciples II experience by introducing the Elvish Alliance with its own unique tech trees and hero classes. From the very first turn, you’re tasked with managing the delicate balance between building mystical groves and training agile Elvish units. The new roster of 33 Elvish creatures – ranging from nimble Rangers to towering Treants – offers multiple avenues for army composition, encouraging players to experiment with different unit synergies.

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The expansion’s addition of 24 new magic spells further enriches battle tactics. Many of these spells draw on forest themes – summoning entangling roots to immobilize foes or calling upon ancestral winds to buff allies – and they slot seamlessly alongside the existing spellbooks. Campaign missions frequently challenge you to combine these new abilities with your core army, creating memorable moment-to-moment decisions that feel both thematic and mechanically robust.

Campaign pacing in Rise of the Elves maintains the slower, methodical rhythm that series veterans appreciate. Town development requires careful planning: should you invest in economic upgrades like enchanted lumber mills or push ahead with advanced training halls? Cruiser-style missions outside your capital frequently task you with rescuing scattered Elvish remnant parties or defending sacred groves from undead incursions, making each turn feel meaningful and strategic.

Graphics

Graphically, Rise of the Elves builds upon the gothic-fantasy aesthetic of Disciples II with lush, hand-painted backdrops and intricately designed unit sprites. Elvish forests are rendered in layered 2D with subtle parallax effects, giving maps a sense of depth and tranquility before conflict erupts. In particular, twilight woods and moonlit groves stand out, bathing battles in an enchanted glow that sets them apart from the darker realms of the Undead or the infernal Hordes.

Unit artwork for the new Elvish roster demonstrates a clear attention to detail. Rangers are depicted with finely wrought leaf-armor and flowing cloaks, while high-tier Treants and Dryads display fluid animation loops that emphasize their natural, elemental origins. Spell effects have also received a graphical polish: vines unfurl with a subtle shimmer, and arcane runes pulse beneath summoned creatures, making every magical exchange feel visually rewarding.

While the engine still operates on a 2D plane and lacks modern real-time 3D dynamics, the aesthetic choices Age of Wonders enthusiasts will appreciate the score of each environment and creature. Overall, the graphics evoke a timeless fantasy style rather than chasing flashy modern visuals, which aligns perfectly with the game’s strategic emphasis and its evocative, storybook atmosphere.

Story

Rise of the Elves picks up the narrative threads from Disciples II: Dark Prophecy and shifts the focus squarely onto the Elves, who have long lived in tranquil isolation. The expansion opens with the unsettling return of undead hordes from Mortis, forcing a fractured Elvish society to confront old rivalries. The tension between those who cling to royal opulence and the breakaway faction devoted to Wilder Origins provides compelling political drama, grounding your campaign in themes of heritage and redemption.

Throughout the new Elvish campaign, an enigmatic oracle guides your journey with cryptic visions hinting at Gallean’s possible return. These narrative set-pieces are delivered through illustrated story panels and voiced dialogue that, while occasionally stilted, help maintain immersion. Side missions often explore personal stories—rescuing druids ensnared by corruption or retrieving lost relics of an ancient order—adding emotional stakes to what might otherwise be a straightforward conquest tale.

Fans of high-fantasy lore will appreciate how Rise of the Elves weaves its subplot into the larger world of Nevendaar. The expansion doesn’t shy away from raising questions about divine intervention versus mortal will, and it leaves room for interpretation when it comes to Gallean’s fate. By the campaign’s close, you feel you’ve not only defended Elvish homelands but helped chart a new destiny for the entire race.

Overall Experience

As a stand-alone expansion, Disciples II: Rise of the Elves offers substantial value by including the full base game alongside its new content. New and returning players alike can dive into five complete campaigns—four from the original and one Elvish storyline—without needing additional purchases. This package remains one of the more generous expansions in classic turn-based strategy, especially given the depth added through fresh units, spells, and side quests.

Veterans of the series will find plenty to relish in the nuanced balance tweaks and the opportunity to explore a naturally inclined, forest-based army. Beginners may be challenged by the game’s deliberate pace and steep learning curve, but the reward is a deeply strategic experience that encourages patience and long-term planning. Multiplayer skirmishes also benefit from the Elvish Alliance’s unique toolkit, keeping replay value high among competitive circles.

Ultimately, if you appreciate thoughtful tactical combat, rich lore, and a beautifully realized fantasy world, Rise of the Elves is a must-play. It enhances an already beloved classic with meaningful content and invites players to witness the resurgence of one of Nevendaar’s most mystical races. Whether standing your ground among ancient oak groves or unleashing forest magic upon the undead, this expansion ensures the journey is as memorable as it is strategic.

Retro Replay Score

7.9/10