The Gameplay The RPG map allows you to select your character, whether it is a sorcerer, barbarian, warrior, etc… Each character has his/her own strengths and weaknesses, and since I’m always good with a magic wielding character, I selected the sorcerer. The basic premise of the map had me going throughout the land taking on different quests given to me by designated NPC’s. The quests (eight in all), were very simple and had me roaming the outskirts of the land looking for items or defeating a group of enemies. Even though they weren’t as in depth as I would have liked, I got a strong sense of what KnightShift is all about. As I moved across the lands during my quests, I would collect items, fight baddies, and level up my character. Since I was a sorcerer, each time I leveled up my character I had the option of placing my skills points in different categories. I could choose to raise my life, mana, magic powers, or my individual spells. I really like how I was given the option to make my spells stronger; it’s something that can give your character a more personal touch. For instance, you can opt to make your healing spell stronger, thus allowing it to heal more or your paralysis spell last longer. With choices like that, you will face with some pretty interesting characters down the road when you hit the multi-playing fields as you play skirmishes. It’s a little unfortunate KnightShift doesn’t offer some more RPG elements into the game. You’re only left with four spots to dedicate your armor, rings, belts, and weapons. In the demo your rings, belts and armor would all give you added bonuses, either defensively or offensively such as protection from magic, or mana regeneration. It’s a nice feature but doesn’t serve as something new or fresh or extend out as much as RPG fans might like. The campaign mode adds some RTS elements into the game, and has a more in depth story than the RPG mode. You play Prince John, who was rescued from a nasty wizard who wants to take over the world (doesn’t he always). As Prince John your objective is to first meet up with your army, and then travel the lands to defeat the wizard. The campaign mode allows you to select and play with more characters, just as in games like Warcraft or Starcraft. I also had the option of building a small fort. Even though the demo only allows you to create some huts, towers, blockades and four different types of soldiers, it opened up into a more immersive gameplay. I’m not sure of what else can be expected, but I know if Zuxxez Entertainment adds more to the RTS side, they’re going to have something special in their hands. Visual and Sounds Two things that I took away from the demo of KnightShift were the glorious graphics and music. Even though I was left with but a few samples of the music, I felt that it’s some of the better music in any game. I was treated to the beautiful flutes, harps, and everything else that would bring a medieval/fantasy world alive. Not to mention some top notch sound. Listening to the wind howl or the water run added to my experience of this great land. I can’t wait to hear more of it in the oncoming months. The graphics in KnightShift are another thing that caught my eye (no pun intended). The water reflections are beautifully done, and there are some very nice lighting and spell effects as well. Another nice touch are the clouds, which you never see since the game is in a ¾ perspective, but will always notice as the shadows of the clouds move across the world. Trees sway and the environment was alive with ducks, geese, and other little critters. Unfortunately with an ATI 9700 Pro and an Athlon XP 2000, I shouldn’t have had frame rate problems, which I did. Hopefully KnightShift will undergo some extensive programming to fix some of that, because this is a game that’s meant to be played with all the settings on. Final thoughts After completing the demo I felt that KnightShift isn’t offering anything truly new in the RPG/RTS department, but this being a beta version I can’t expect to see all the hidden goodies. With a captivating world and even better music, the overall product should definitely have something viewers can sink their teeth into. - Brand new screenshots taken straight from the beta - ToTheGame's info page for this game, with more links and info