Zatikon

Gameplay

Like chess, Zatikon is a turn-based game that takes place on a grid. Using units they deploy from a castle at their end of the board, the players try to move onto the castle of their opponent. Instead of moving only one unit each turn, the players get commands, which they can use to move multiple units or to have a single unit take several actions. Each unit has five characteristics:

Most units can attack enemy units, though how they attack varies. Archers, catapults, and many wizards can attack units several squares away. Generals and knights can only attack adjacent units. So can warriors, but they attack all enemies in range simultaneously.

In addition to attacks, many units have special abilities. For example, the shield maiden can take damage for its allies, the priest can convert enemy units, and the swordsman can block attacks.

Gameplay Modes

The game has five different modes:

In the constructed modes, players design their army under two constraints. First, their army can only use units worth 1,000 points. Since each unit has different point values, the players must decide whether to have several less powerful units, a few strong units, or some compromise between the two. They also try to create armies with units that complement each other. For example, a player might combine several cheap units with a captain, which can grant them free attacks by attacking a unit within their range.

Second, players can only add units to their army if they have recruited that type of unit. Players recruit units using gold they win when they defeat computer-controlled opponents or complete a game with a human opponent.

Business Model

Zatikon was released as demoware on November 7, 2008. In April 2009, Chronic Logic released the original version as freeware. However, players can buy expansions to gain access to additional units. As of November 2010, the game has two expansions: Crusades, which adds 40+ units, and Legions, which adds 30+ units.

Critical Reception

The game received positive reviews. Steve Blanch of independent game review site Bytten named it the best strategy game of 2009, describing it as "one of the most absorbing strategy titles I (have) played in a good while." In his review, he praised the number of units, explaining that "the diversity of their attributes and skills ensures that truly no two games will play out the same way." Out of Eight said "the large variety of units makes for some innovative and truly unique strategies."

Several critics praised the game's 90-second time limit. Mac Gamer said the timer "heightens tension by creating an immediacy for quick, decisive action." Out of Eight added that the timer "cut(s) down on the game time, which is already pretty short (a typical game takes 10-15 minutes I would say)."

Most reviewers criticized the game's sound and graphics. Gas Bandit Gaming described the graphics as rudimentary, saying "the playing field and all units consist of tiled images with only the most very basic of animation occurring during moves and attacks." Adrenaline Vault agreed, observing "the graphics and audio are just placeholders for the interface."

Two reviews say the game has a steep learning curve. TestFreaks points out that "there are a lot of characters to study, and it takes time to understand all their strengths and weaknesses." GamesInfo.net reports "that playing online the first few times is likely to be very similar to learning chess. That is to say, you’re likely to lose over and over and over."