The Nintendo FDS is a Japanese version of the Family Computer Disk System, released by Nintendo in 1986. It was a disk-based peripheral for the Famicom, which is essentially the Japanese counterpart to the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System). The FDS saw significant success and featured an impressive library of games that catered to both children and adults.
One of the most iconic titles for the FDS is Chitei Tairiku Ordola (also known as "The Conquest of the Condor Empire"), a strategy game developed by Cing and published by Nintendo. The game takes place in a world inspired by the Inca civilization and follows the journey of an emperor seeking to reclaim his empire from invaders.
In this review, we will delve into the details of Chitei Tairiku Ordola and explore its gameplay mechanics, features, and overall experience. We'll also provide information on the age rating available for this game in Japan.
Gameplay Mechanics
Chitei Tairiku Ordola is a turn-based strategy game that involves managing an empire and making tactical decisions to outmaneuver enemies. The game takes place over several centuries, with each era presenting its unique challenges and opportunities.
Players control the emperor, who can issue orders to his subjects, gather resources, build structures, and wage war against rival empires. The game features a richly detailed world with varied climates, terrain types, and enemy units. Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses, making tactical decisions crucial for success.
The gameplay is divided into several phases: resource collection, building construction, army composition, and battle planning. Players must balance the need to gather resources, expand their empire, and defend against threats while also navigating complex diplomatic relationships with other empires.
Features
Chitei Tairiku Ordola features an impressive array of gameplay mechanics, including:
- Empire Building: Players can construct buildings, roads, and other infrastructure to support their growing empire.
- Resource Management: Gathering resources such as food, wood, and cloth is essential for building, maintaining, and expanding the empire.
- Unit Composition: Players must carefully select units to build an effective army, taking into account strengths, weaknesses, and unit types.
- Diplomacy: Negotiations with other empires can offer benefits or impose penalties, adding a layer of complexity to gameplay.
- Research and Development: Advances in technology allow players to unlock new units, buildings, and abilities.
Art and Audio
The game's visuals are characterized by simple yet effective artwork, with illustrations that bring the Inca-inspired world to life. The background music is equally impressive, featuring an original soundtrack that complements the gameplay experience.
Age Rating in Japan
In Japan, Chitei Tairiku Ordola has been rated 7+ by CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization), indicating that it's suitable for players aged 7 and above. This rating reflects the game's complexity, strategic depth, and historical setting, which may not be appealing to younger players.
Conclusion
Chitei Tairiku Ordola is a timeless strategy classic that offers an engaging gameplay experience with deep mechanics and high replay value. Its unique blend of resource management, unit composition, diplomacy, and research and development makes it a standout title in the FDS library.
While not suitable for all ages due to its complexity, Chitei Tairiku Ordola is a must-play for fans of strategy games, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the lesser-known titles of the Famicom Disk System era.