Warlock is a strategy game played on a hex based map, set in the lands of Majesty's Ardania. It has a modern look and feel yet inherits the best elements of the famous turn based strategy games of old. The underlying aim of the game is for players to overcome a variety of strategy and tactical challenges, in order to unify the land and be crowned Warlock – Master of the Arcane.
During the course of a game players are expected to explore the lands and uncover potentials sites, for new cities to be founded. Neutral cities can be captured and sacked or kept intact, for the benefit of the kingdom. As can those of rival factions.
Within the territory of a city, a host of buildings can be constructed; to provide a range of resources, to commission army units or equip them with upgrades to bolster their combat abilities. Some unqiue buildings must be placed upon rare resources which can be found across each map. These provide larger amounts of resources, more powerful units or stronger unit upgrades.
With large armies marching across the landscape, players must create and command an assortment of powerful units to fight in epic battles against a myriad of deadly enemies. To unify the factions, players will have to develop their own tactics and learn to use the units available to them and the special abilities they are inbued with. Add some magic to this mix and players will develop a more than capable strategy achieve victory.
In order not to be left behind in the ultimate arms race, players are required to research and master a multitude of spells. Strong enchantments can enhance the capabilities of both cities and units. While powerful offensive spells can eliminate or weaken enemy units, so they are easier to wipe out.
Diplomacy can be conducted when other factions are encountered. If they are weak, they can they be crushed. If they are powerful they may be used to help wear down a more potent threat. Resources and assets can also be exchanged with friendly neighbours in times of need.
Players can choose to take theside with one of the eight gods, satisfy their whims and become the main representative of their spiritual churches on Ardania. Periodically the gods may send quests that must be fulfilled within a limited time. Successfully completing these quests will not only provide rewards of gold and other resources, but also boost the reputation of the faction with that particular god. If the faction's reputation rises high enough, the faction may be granted powerful unit or spells. Be warned though, that the other gods may become jealous and send their own representatives to teach the player's faction a lesson.
Ultimately the goal of the game is to unify Ardania under one banner. There are four ways to achieve this.
- Defeat all the other Great mages.
- Seize all the Holy Grounds – your mage will become the only priest of the Conclave.
- Cast the great “Unity” spell – the highest spell in the game, and very difficult to research. By doing this, your mage commands all of themagical powers in the world of Ardania.
- Defeat a god’s avatar. An avatar will appear in the world to attack any Great Mage who reaches a “hated” reputation status with any god.