Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War places you in the saddle—or in the stirrups of infantry—on a sprawling medieval battlefield. The game’s core loop revolves around taking on mercenary contracts from a bustling tavern hub, choosing campaigns for either the English or French side, and then charging into territory control missions. At first glance, its blend of action-RPG hack-and-slash with a veneer of strategic planning seems unique, but as you play, the strategy elements dissolve into pure battlefield carnage.

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Each mission begins with a simple map showing key objectives and enemy strongholds. You select a home camp, outfit your troops—ranging from archers and pikemen to cavalry and later exotic units like camel and elephant riders—and plunge into the fray. Combat itself is straightforward: hack down wave after wave of foes, rally allied units, and then take out the enemy commander to seize the objective. Special “VIP” targets add spice, rewarding you with treasure and renown when you best them in single combat.

While the sheer number of troops on screen and the satisfaction of cleaving through enemy lines can be exhilarating, repetition quickly sets in. With dozens of near-identical siege or village missions, the tactical choices are mostly limited to your preferred weapon load-out and unit composition. There’s little need for deep strategy beyond “clear out enemies, then kill the boss,” which may leave players craving more cerebral challenges.

That said, the progression system does offer a sense of reward. Earning gold from contracts lets you hire better mercenaries and upgrade weapons, while gossip overheard at the tavern can unlock secret missions or reveal the positions of hidden treasure. This RPG-lite loop drives you to return again and again, chasing that next sword, piece of armor, or bonus payout.

Graphics

Visually, Bladestorm delivers a solid but unspectacular rendition of the Hundred Years’ War. Battlefields span open fields, forests, and walled castles, each location rendered with period-appropriate textures and fortifications. The default color palette leans toward muddy browns and washed-out greens, evoking a gritty, war-torn atmosphere that fits the setting.

Troop models are varied enough to keep the eye engaged: armored knights gleam in polished plate, while ragged infantry trudge through the mud. When large-scale clashes erupt, the camera sometimes struggles to track individual action, resulting in pop-in of distant units or occasional frame rate dips. Still, the sight of hundreds of combatants colliding in pitched battle is impressive, and the occasional slow-motion finishing move is a cinematic thrill.

Environmental details shine in close-up: torches flicker on castle walls, banners flutter in the wind, and debris from destroyed barricades adds to the immersion. However, texture repetition on terrain and some unit animations—particularly for footsoldiers—can feel stale after extended play. Occasional clipping issues and camera angle frustrations also detract from what is otherwise a respectable visual effort for its time.

Story

Set against the century-long conflict between England and France, Bladestorm casts you as a nameless mercenary seeking fortune and fame. The narrative framework lets you fight alongside legendary figures such as Joan of Arc or the Black Prince, and these encounters provide memorable set-piece battles. Dialogue is serviceable, if not particularly deep, and cutscenes intersperse the action with battlefield reports and proclamations from monarchs.

Outside of mission briefings, the story takes a back seat to the gameplay loop. The tavern hub teems with colorful NPCs—brawny mercs, shady dealers, and the occasional noble seeking discreet services—but their banter is largely superficial. While overheard rumors can guide you to hidden treasures or side quests, there’s no overarching narrative twist to keep you guessing.

Still, there’s an undeniable thrill in living—even vicariously—through one of history’s most brutal chapters. Leading troops into battle under the banners of England or France, protecting peasants from marauders, and witnessing Joan of Arc’s rallying speeches adds thematic weight. For history buffs, these touches lend authenticity, even if the mercenary’s personal arc remains thin.

Overall Experience

Bladestorm: The Hundred Years’ War offers a unique mashup of strategy and action, but ultimately leans heavily into its hack-and-slash strengths. The repeated mission structure and limited strategic depth may frustrate players seeking a more thoughtful wargame, yet fans of large-scale medieval battles and simple, visceral combat will find much to enjoy.

The game’s progression systems—hiring troops, upgrading gear, and hunting down VIPs for extra loot—provide a steady drip of rewards that keep the momentum going. While the tavern hub and gossip mechanics add flavor, they stop short of delivering a truly dynamic world. Graphically and aurally, the title immerses you in a grim, war-torn Europe, even if occasional performance hiccups remind you of its age.

In the end, Bladestorm succeeds as a carnival of carnage set in one of history’s longest wars. If you’re drawn to medieval warfare, large-scale battles, and don’t mind a repetitive mission structure, you’ll find plenty of entertainment here. Those seeking deep storytelling or complex strategy should look elsewhere, but for a rollicking ride through the Hundred Years’ War, Bladestorm delivers.

Retro Replay Score

6.6/10