Imagine knights, castles, and… dinosaurs! Dinolords isn’t just another game; it’s a genre-bending adventure that throws action RPG combat into epic RTS battles. Our hands-on reveals a game far more creative than its wild premise suggests. Are you ready to command medieval armies against prehistoric beasts?

Dinolords, a highly anticipated title that blends intense action RPG combat with expansive RTS battles, has emerged as a groundbreaking experience set within a fascinating medieval England overrun by prehistoric beasts. What initially captured attention through its captivating trailers, hinting at a seemingly straightforward medieval strategy game, rapidly escalated with the dramatic reveal of dinosaurs, setting an irresistible premise that challenges traditional genre boundaries.

During a recent 30-minute hands-on preview, it became clear that Dinolords transcends its initial “gimmick,” unveiling a sophisticated and mechanically creative game far beyond initial expectations. This innovative genre hybrid defies easy categorization, proving to be as much an immersive action RPG as it is a tactical RTS, a rare combination that introduces genuinely novel gameplay dynamics and strategic depth.

The action RPG elements allow players to directly control a hero character, engaging in combat and interacting with the environment. This focused perspective enhances the immersive experience, letting players actively participate in skirmishes while also managing their growing settlements and contributing directly to construction efforts, a novel approach to resource management and base building within the strategic gameplay loop.

Conversely, the RTS game mechanics provide extensive strategic gameplay options, enabling players to command diverse soldier types across dynamic battlefields. The game expertly balances micro-management with accessibility; a simple hotkey allows for rapid troop mobilization, with intelligent AI ensuring units can engage enemies effectively without constant player intervention, making the large-scale battles manageable and engaging.

The design leans heavily into scenario-driven single-player experiences, exemplified by a demo mission that involved securing and fortifying a castle town before defending its walls against formidable dinosaur-riding Vikings. This structured approach, reminiscent of narrative-focused strategy titles, broadens its appeal beyond the conventional RTS audience, inviting players to dive into rich, unfolding sagas.

Crucially, the prehistoric beasts are far more than mere units; they are intrinsically woven into Dinolords’ DNA. Rather than being dryly slotted into a standard rock-paper-scissors dynamic, these dinosaur games feature creatures that infuse exciting new life into established formulas, boasting brightly-coloured feathers and tropical markings that visually pop against the medieval backdrop, adding a whimsical yet impactful layer to the conflict.

This integration fosters a palpable sense of child-like joy and wonder, akin to a creative play session where action figures from disparate worlds collide. The game’s design encourages a playful approach to combat and strategy, making every encounter with these ancient reptiles a delightful surprise and deepening the overall immersive experience for players.

While the early build showcased immense potential and bursting creativity, some rough edges in mission structure and combat fluidity were noted during the video game preview. For instance, the thrill of riding a velociraptor was slightly tempered by the challenge of precision aiming from its back. However, the palpable enthusiasm of the game’s developers suggests a dedicated journey towards refining these elements, promising a truly unique and compelling adventure.