Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc offers a compelling fusion of action role-playing and real-time strategy, delivering varied gameplay experiences that keep each mission feeling fresh. On one hand, you have the RPG elements where you personally control Joan of Arc or one of her fellow commanders, engaging enemies directly with a fluid combo-based combat system. Simple combos like AA or AB evolve into more complex sequences such as AAB or ABB, rewarding timing and button dexterity with spectacular special moves that grow more brutal as your character levels up.

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As you accumulate experience, you’ll allocate points not only to core stats—strength, agility, endurance—but also to combo points that unlock new attacks or improve existing ones. This progression system encourages experimentation: you might focus on rapid, aggressive combos with Jeanne or invest in ranged attack enhancements for characters like the Duke of Alençon. The ability to switch characters on the fly means your entire party develops in tandem, allowing you to adapt to mission goals or fluctuating battlefield conditions.

Transitioning into RTS mode injects large-scale warfare into the experience. From an isometric view, you command battalions, position siege equipment, and devise tactics to breach enemy defenses. The seamless switch between commanding troops and diving back into third-person melee or first-person archery is a standout feature. This dynamic shift keeps the pacing brisk, and the stakes high, as you might find yourself rallying pikemen one moment and hacking through enemy lines the next.

However, the blend is not without its minor pitfalls. The RTS interface can feel cumbersome when managing multiple units, especially if you’re still focused on fine-tuning your character’s combos. Occasional pathfinding quirks cause troops to get stuck behind siege towers or terrain features, momentarily pulling you out of the immersion. Still, the overall balance between personal heroics and grand strategy offers an ambitious gameplay package—and for many players, the thrill of commanding an army and then wading into the thick of battle will outweigh these minor inconveniences.

Graphics

Set against the backdrop of 14th century Europe, Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc presents a visually rich medieval world. The game’s environments—from rolling French countryside to fortified English castles—are crafted with a keen eye for period detail. Stone ramparts are convincingly weathered, wooden siege towers creak under their own weight, and banners snap realistically in the wind, giving the battlefields a lived-in authenticity.

Character models for Joan and her commanders are equally impressive. Armor plates reflect sunlight with appropriate shimmer, and battle damage—dents, blood spatters, torn cloth—tell the story of each skirmish. Facial animations during cutscenes convey emotion effectively, capturing Jeanne’s fiery determination and her companions’ war-weariness. On lower-end systems, textures may load in with noticeable pop-in, but overall performance remains stable even during the largest sieges.

Combat animations are a highlight: sword slashes send shards of light across the screen, and arrow impacts on shields produce satisfying sparks. Transitions between RPG and RTS modes are smooth, preserving graphical fidelity as you zoom out to strategize or zoom in to aim a crossbow bolt. Particle effects like smoke from burning oil or dust clouds from collapsing walls enhance the visceral feel of battle without overwhelming the action.

While the art direction leans toward historical accuracy, the color palette occasionally dips into muted browns and grays, making some siege maps feel visually bland. Occasional graphical glitches—floating objects or clipping armor—surface, but these issues are rare and generally do not detract from the spectacle. Overall, the graphics deliver an immersive medieval tableau that complements the game’s ambitious scope.

Story

Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc weaves a narrative that follows the extraordinary life of Jeanne la Pucelle, placing you at the heart of critical moments in the Hundred Years’ War. The story begins with England’s bold claim on the French throne under King Edward III and quickly establishes the high stakes: the fate of a nation rests on the shoulders of a young peasant girl turned visionary leader.

Early missions introduce Joan’s divine calling and her burgeoning friendship with commanders like Jean de Nouillonpont, Étienne de Vignolles, and the Duke of Alençon. Through mission briefings and in-engine cutscenes, the game captures the tension between faith and politics, reflecting the complex web of alliances that defined the period. Voice acting ranges from earnest to melodramatic, but the performances generally succeed in conveying the passion and peril of medieval warfare.

As you advance, the narrative branches to encompass both personal trials and larger geopolitical maneuvers. You’ll witness Joan’s internal struggle—moments of doubt tempered by miraculous victories—and the strategic decisions of her allies. These narrative beats underscore the dual nature of your role: hero on the frontline and deliberator in the war council, reinforcing the game’s hybrid identity.

While the overarching plot stays faithful to historical events, certain liberties are taken to dramatize Joan’s legend. Some missions are fictionalized composites meant to showcase gameplay mechanics rather than strict chronology. Purists may notice anachronisms or simplified depictions of medieval society, but for players seeking an engaging historical epic, the story offers a satisfying blend of drama, heroism, and strategy.

Overall Experience

Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc stands out for its ambitious attempt to meld action RPG mechanics with large-scale RTS battles. The core loop—leveling up your commanders, refining combat combos, then directing armies in siege warfare—creates a sense of growth and empowerment that few other games match. Switching seamlessly between modes injects excitement into both small skirmishes and castle assaults.

The game’s pacing is generally well-crafted, alternating between intimate duels and grand battles to prevent fatigue. Resource management and troop deployment add a strategic layer without overwhelming newcomers, though veterans of either genre might crave deeper mechanics. The robust progression system and unlockable combos deliver strong long-term motivation, ensuring players remain invested in their commanders’ fates.

Some rough edges—minor AI hiccups, occasional graphical quirks, and a story that sometimes favors spectacle over strict historical accuracy—prevent the experience from feeling entirely polished. Nonetheless, these are overshadowed by the sheer scale of the conflict you control and the visceral thrill of leading Joan of Arc to victory.

For fans of medieval history, action RPGs, or real-time strategy, Wars and Warriors: Joan of Arc offers a unique hybrid experience that’s both educational and exhilarating. Whether you’re storming castle walls or executing flawless combo chains, this title delivers an engrossing adventure that brings one of history’s most iconic figures to life on the battlefield.

Retro Replay Score

6/10