Weapons include axes, swords, halberds, spears, a bow, and various magical elements such as a magic wand or ring of power. Shields and mail offer various levels of protection. In battle, your three primary stats are health, attack, and defense. Your inventory has four slots for weapons, off-hand, attire, and miscellaneous. Items can be picked up off the battlefield and given to party members to keep them safe and strong.

Playing as an Orc is a great diversion. The perspective of the gameplay shifts to accommodate the nuances of these characters. For instance, you don't need a farmer or a trapper to provide you with meat, as you can get all the protein and nutrients that you need from humans. Yes, you can eat them after you kill them. Another example of the dark humor and overall charm of this title.

Employing a top-down isometric perspective affords you a good view of your surroundings. The color scheme uses lots of primary colors to keep things looking fun and vibrant. Character models have just enough detail to give them personality based on appearance alone. At times, the framerate stutters when the action heats up, especially during a raid. Commands are as simple as clicking on the mouse and letting the appropriate action take place. The interface is about as straightforward as can be expected for such a game. Musically, the tunes are a little on the boring side, unless you're into the whole renaissance-fest thing.

Orc Lords doesn't reinvent the genre, but it doesn't have to. It keeps us busy, entertained, and challenged. It reminds us how much fun games can be without a variety of single or multiplayer online modes. One more thing, I've saved the best for last. You can get this game for less than twenty bucks. What are you waiting for?

By Cole Smith
CCC Senior Writer