Chronicles: Medieval promised me Tom Hardy, but gave me something much more: a nerdy historical epic with Crusader Kings diplomacy and Mount & Blade combat where you can do 'whatever you want in the world'

In the days leading up to events such as Gamescom, email inboxes fill with requests for various game demos, from indie titles to more mainstream offerings. Among these was Chronicles: Medieval, which managed to break through the noise and pique my interest. Revealed during Summer Games Fest, this real-time strategy (RTS) game promises both strategic top-down battles and third-person combat, all narrated by the famous Tom Hardy.

However, it appears Tom Hardy's involvement was merely part of a clever marketing ploy to gain attention. Despite his absence, Chronicles: Medieval quickly captivated me with its ambitious gameplay.

This game is an impressively deep historical epic, set in the 1313 AD period spanning from the Pyrenees to Poland, and the British Isles down to Northern Italy. Players start as peasants, gradually rising through the ranks by engaging in questing, diplomacy, and combat. The game's developers, Raw Power Games, have blended elements from popular titles like Civilization, Heroes of Might and Magic, and Mount & Blade to create a richly detailed world.

With a map covering 1,313 AD and regions from the British Isles to Northern Italy, the game offers a vast playground for players.

Players can zoom in on individual sub-regions to see the lords that rule them, with each culture having its unique army trees. You can progress your troops from infantry to cavalry as they gain experience, and there's a heavy emphasis on Crusader Kings-style diplomacy and politics. Choices range from becoming a powerful merchant to a feared bandit or even claiming the English crown through political maneuvering.

The game promises a sandbox experience where players can do whatever they want in the world, with no linear narrative dictating their path.

Raw Power Games, led by Sam Millen, is comprised of passionate history enthusiasts who have meticulously researched the time period to ensure historical accuracy. Up to 2,000 troops can be fielded on the battlefield, drawn from three categories: household troops, peasantry, and mercenaries. The game offers a mix of top-down strategy and third-person action, with battles transitioning seamlessly into a real-time RPG-style combat.

As a commander, players can direct their troops, making strategic decisions similar to a tactical RPG, while also managing their own character's proficiency and leadership skills. The game's developers have clearly poured their love for history into this ambitious project, making Chronicles: Medieval a compelling and immersive experience for fans of strategic and historical gaming.