Highlights
- Solium Infernum is a remake of a 2009 game that combines political strategy with elements of Hell, similar to the Civilization and Diablo franchises.
- The original version had visual and UI limitations, hindering its potential, but the remake promises improved artistry and a new chance for the game to shine.
- Players will engage in diplomacy, manipulation, and combat to gain power in Hell, with conflicts settled through declared vendettas or duels with demonic creatures.
Remakes are in vogue in the gaming industry, as developers look to recapture the magic of some of their best works in the years gone by. Generally, a challenge with remakes is the balance of maintaining the original game's identity while updating the mechanics to modern standards. However, games like Resident Evil 4 Remake have charted an exemplary course for other franchises to follow, and developers of all sizes are following suit. Solium Infernum is one of the titles hopping on the rave of remastered video games, as League of Geeks breathes new life into a fascinating premise that combines the all-conquering political strategy of the Civilization franchise with the elements of Hell gamers are familiar with in Diablo 4.
The original version in 2009, while rich in strategic depth and highlighting the fun elements of psychological warfare through the lens of a demon, struggled in terms of visuals. Masterful illustrations have always been a focus of gaming, and graphical limitations combined with challenges with the UI held Solium Infernum back from achieving its superstar potential at the time. However, with an improved package of artistry teased in the official trailer and release date reveal of the reboot some months back, Solium Infernum has another chance to be the game it always could be - a merging of pure logical gameplay and demonic elements into a unique cult classic.
Civilization Games Tier List
Sid Meier's Civilization has been around since 1991, and there are many great games within the franchise, from the main series to various spin-offs.
Solium Infernum: A Blend of Politics and the Fires of Hell
Solium Infernum's Diplomacy Tactics Have Shades of Civilization 6
Eye-catching plots are necessary to stand out from the competition, and Solium Infernum's tale of the devil leaving Hell's throne vacant and the ensuing power struggle among the remaining Archfiends is one that commands attention.
Players will use a myriad of tactics, ranging from brute force military combat to the finer arts of manipulation and backstabbing, in a bid to gain the favor of the Conclave and seize the crown of Pandaemonium. There's a fair bit of diplomacy involved in navigating Solium Infernum's political climate, and wars can't simply be started for no reason. Instead, players can provoke enemies into conflict with insults or an unreasonable demand for tribute, much like Gandhi in Civilization 6 is infamous for.
These conflicts are uniquely engineered, as scores must be settled in a declared Vendetta in a set number of turns. Players can decide to capture territory, places of power, or destroy their opponent's legions within the agreed time frame, wagering Prestige on their success or failure. Vendetta can also be settled in a Diablo 4-esque duel to the death of creatures called Praetors, and bribes can be doled out in the arena to tip the scales in one party's favor. The variety of ways to ascend to the throne is reminiscent of Civilization 6's Victory Conditions, as players use a combination of scheming and combat to rise to the top.
Solium Infernum's Macabre Theme is Similar to Diablo 4
Additionally, Civilization 6's Historic Moments and World Congress are implemented after a fashion in Solium Infernum through events like the Angelic Host Incursion and voted policies which affect every player. Solium Infernum's relation to Diablo 4 mainly lies in its hellish theme. Each Archfiend has a play style focus, much like the Sorcerers and Necromancers in the award-winning Blizzard game, and powers such as Wrath, Deceit, Destruction, and Charisma can be upgraded to yield better results on Hell's blistering battlefield with spellcasting rituals.
These spells can be used to increase legion hit points, freeze enemies, and weaken defenses of tower locations, akin to the skills on display in Diablo 4. Solium Infernum fully leans into its demonic aesthetic with the desolate depiction of Hell's arena, featuring around 150 grim paintings to add to the infernal ambiance. The similarities to Civilization 6 and Diablo 4 abound, ensuring that fans of both blockbuster titles can relate to Solium Infernum's offerings.
Solium Infernum
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Released
- 2024-00-00
- Developer(s)
- League of Geeks
- Publisher(s)
- League of Geeks
- Genre(s)
- Grand Strategy , Turn-Based Strategy
