When I first heard about the remake of Solium Infernum, a game where you battle to become the king of Hell, I knew I had to try it. The idea of outsmarting other demons to sit on the throne sounded too good to pass up. I’ve spent quite a few nights diving deep into this game, losing sleep over strategies and betrayals, only to come back for more the next day. Here’s what I think.
Getting Started: Not So Scary After All
At first look, Solium Infernum seemed daunting. I expected a steep learning curve, but I was pleasantly surprised. The game guides you through with a decent tutorial that lets you play a full game from start to finish, teaching you the basics.
You learn how to build your demon lord, make alliances, betray friends, and conquer territories. Despite this, getting to know each of the eight demon lords and their special tricks did require some patience.
Playing With Friends
While you can play Solium Infernum alone, the real fun begins when you play with others. The game allows for both real-time and asynchronous multiplayer modes. The latter means you can take your turn, go about your day, and come back when it’s your turn again.
This slow-paced strategy made each decision feel weighty and consequential. With the help of Steam notifications, I never missed my turn, although I admit there were close calls!
The Art of Backstabbing
Solium Infernum truly shines in its strategic depth. You don’t just fight; you manipulate, scheme, and negotiate. The game is about making and breaking alliances, casting spells to weaken opponents, and cleverly managing your resources. The moment when my carefully laid plans came to fruition, toppling another demon lord from their lofty position, felt incredibly satisfying.
The game’s art and music perfectly capture the feeling of being in a grand, macabre version of Hell. Each demon lord is uniquely sinister, and the hexagonal game board feels like a chessboard of doom. It’s easy to get lost in this world, pondering over your next move while admiring the dark beauty around you.
The Flaws
However, my journey through Hell wasn’t without its bumps. While the game does a lot to streamline the experience from its original 2009 version, there are moments when the complexity of managing your demon lord and strategizing over Hell can feel overwhelming. Plus, there were a few technical hiccups, like crashes at crucial moments. Nothing game-breaking, but enough to occasionally pull me out of the experience.
Verdict
Solium Infernum is a test of cunning, strategy, and patience. It offers a unique take on the strategy genre, focusing less on building and expanding and more on outmaneuvering your opponents in a political dance for power. Yes, it can be complex, and yes, you might encounter a bug or two, but the experience of plotting your rise to the throne of Hell, especially with friends, is unmatched.
The gameplay is deeply satisfying, especially when your plans come together, and the thrill of victory is often followed by the immediate paranoia of being overthrown. It’s a game that keeps you thinking even when you’re not playing, plotting your next move in your head until you can get back to your computer.
In the end, Solium Infernum has found a place among my favorite strategy games. It’s not for the faint of heart or those looking for a quick, casual game. But for those willing to dive deep into its intricate world, it offers a rich, rewarding experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you’re ready to test your mettle and see if you have what it takes to rule Hell, give Solium Infernum a try.
