Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Settlers IV: The Trojans and the Elixir of Power delivers a refreshingly robust gameplay experience by introducing the Trojan faction, complete with its own resource chains, unique units, and strategic quirks. As you guide the Trojans through their 12-mission campaign, you’ll need to balance traditional Settlers mechanics—such as woodcutting, stone quarrying, and iron smelting—with brand-new building recipes and production chains. Each mission unfolds with clear objectives that emphasize both economy management and tactical combat.

(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 👍)

One of the standout gameplay features is the Trojan-exclusive Backpack Catapult Carrier. This mobile siege unit adds new depth to battlefield tactics, allowing players to relocate artillery quickly and respond to threats on multiple fronts. Coupled with the return of the observation window, you can now keep an eye on remote corners of the map without interrupting your main operations, making long-distance forays and multi-pronged assaults more manageable than ever.

Beyond the Trojans, the add-on enriches every faction’s playstyle by granting new spells and bolstering AI intelligence. Resource gathering becomes more dynamic as opponents vie for scarce deposits, forcing you to adapt on the fly. The updated map editor also opens the door to custom Trojan scenarios, expanding your creative possibilities. Overall, the expansion strikes a satisfying balance between familiar Settlers mechanics and innovative twists that keep gameplay engaging.

Graphics

Graphically, The Trojans and the Elixir of Power maintains the colorful, isometric charm that The Settlers series is known for, while introducing higher-resolution textures and detailed unit animations. The Trojan buildings are adorned with classical motifs—columns, banners, and sculpted reliefs—that distinguish them from their Roman, Viking, and Asian counterparts. Environmental elements like lush forests, rocky outcrops, and winding rivers have been refined to look more cohesive and immersive.

Cutscenes accompanying each Trojan mission feature newly commissioned artwork and animations that heighten the epic feel of your campaign. The character portraits for heroes and adversaries are expressive, and the animated sequences, though still sprite-based, convey a surprising amount of personality and drama. Enhanced spell effects—lightning bolts, fireballs, and healing waves—also bring a satisfying visual flourish to skirmishes.

UI improvements are subtle but valuable: the reintroduced observation window can be resized and repositioned, offering a clear, zoomed-in view of distant territories. Map overlays, resource indicators, and production chains are all presented in a clean, intuitive manner, ensuring that you spend more time planning and less time hunting for information. Even on modern displays, the visuals retain their clarity and nostalgic appeal.

Story

The narrative thrust of The Trojans and the Elixir of Power launches you into a race against the dark mage Morbus, who has stolen Trojan secrets of flight to power his army of winged monstrosities. As the Trojan leader, your mission is to prevent him from concocting the fabled Elixir of Power, which would render him invincible. This storyline lends a strong sense of urgency and heroism to each mission.

Each of the 12 Trojan scenario cutscenes unfolds with new voiceovers and an evocative musical score that underscores the saga’s ups and downs. The plot delves into Trojan culture and technology, exploring themes of betrayal, resilience, and ingenuity. Secondary characters—Trojan inventors, loyal generals, and roving scouts—are given moments to shine, making the campaign feel more cohesive and character-driven than previous add-ons.

Beyond the Trojan arc, the add-on also grants new narrative content to the Roman, Viking, and Asian factions, plus an additional “peaceful settler” storyline. Though shorter, these mini-campaigns provide context for the wider conflict and showcase new spells and objectives unique to each group. The result is a well-rounded package that deepens the world-building of The Settlers IV without ever feeling tacked on.

Overall Experience

The Settlers IV: The Trojans and the Elixir of Power stands out as a premium expansion that both series veterans and newcomers can appreciate. The Trojan faction’s unique economy, specialized units, and compelling storyline inject fresh energy into the core gameplay loop. For long-time fans, the add-on’s refined AI and return of the observation window address longstanding community requests, making daily base management smoother and more engaging.

Multiplayer enthusiasts will also find plenty to love: 26 new single and multiplayer maps extend replayability, while the enhanced map editor lets dedicated players craft custom Trojan missions and share them online. Whether you prefer cooperative base-building or competitive skirmishes, the additional content ensures that no two sessions play out the same way.

In terms of longevity, The Trojans and the Elixir of Power enriches The Settlers IV in a way that feels both substantial and thoughtfully integrated. The blend of new music, cutscenes, spells, and units culminates in an expansion that not only honors the spirit of the original game but also pushes its strategic depth forward. For RTS fans seeking a well-crafted blend of economy management, tactical warfare, and engaging storytelling, this add-on is a must-have.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10