## Description
_1066_ is a turn-based strategy game developed to complement the _1066_
historical drama documentary commissioned and aired by the UK public-service
television broadcaster Channel 4. Set in 1066, most notable for the Battle of
Hastings where the Normans conquered the English at Senlac Hill, players get
to choose between three armies: the English, the Vikings and the Normans. The
players are offered a story mode to progress through the events of that time
with animated cutscenes after each mission, a skirmish battle mode, and a
multiplayer mode against another human player. All battles are always fought
between two armies.
Before starting the game the player gets to choose an army (if applicable) and
the type and number of units. Each faction has a unique sets of units, ranging
from archers, to warriors, spear militia and mounted units. Each type has
specific movement and attacking abilities, as archers can naturally attack
from a distance, while mounted units have the ability to charge.
The main game screen is divided into a battle view where the units are shown
from the side, a panel with information about the armies and a top-down battle
map with position of all groups. At the start of each round players get to
determine the actions for each unit group on the top-down battle map, ranging
from movement, to attacking, fortifying and taunting. Specific units can also
create a formation to become stronger, and break when needed. Players do not
have direct control over the attacks, but there are a number of ways to
influence them – by taunting (lowering the other army’s morale, which can
cause certain units to flee eventually), by charging, or outflanking groups.
Every type of action is determined further through mini-games played in the
army panel. The charging strength is built up by pressing the spacebar
repeatedly, while the archer’s firing angle and power needs to be set
manually. Taunting is achieved by typing in a number of words as quickly as
possible and fighting bonuses can be achieved by keystrokes in a Dance Dance
Revolution-like arrows matching sequence. The effect of the strategies is
visible immediately in the battle view.
With good tactics it is possible to overpower stronger armies, and movement
and formations are critical to maintain the upper hand. Even though the
fighting is done mostly automatically, the player is informed of the number of
units killed on each side at all times.
1066