A Kingdom for Keflings

NinjaBee has launched A Kingdom for Keflings for the NxE Arcade. I had the pleasure of downloading this game for 800 MS points and then not being able to put the controller down.

At first glance I thought, “how could this game possible be any good?  Where are the explosions? The guns? The gore? The blood?” While I am normally what the industry refers to as a “hardcore gamer,” I found this game to be packed with fun and lightheartedness. The bright graphics and original music sealed the deal: I spent 4 hours a night playing this game and had an absolute blast.  What a treat it was to watch my little avatar run around on screen and help build a Kingdom. This is cutting edge for NxE and is the first game that’s avatar-based on the 360 platform.

The goal of the game is simple – build a Kingdom by directing villagers to tasks and deciding where things will go in your village. You can pick up your Keflings and place them wherever you’d like.  If you want more lumber to be cut for new buildings, then snatch a few and place them next to a forest.  If you need more rocks for bricks, move them next a rock field.  If the Keflings aren’t working fast enough, then build a trade school and they can become expert miners, loggers, brick makers or whatever fate you choose for them.   You have total control of the layout and design.  If you don’t like the colors of the buildings or houses then build a dye shop and start painting.  If you don’t like where you placed a structure then knock it down and move it.

Seasons change... People change...

As the game progresses you’ll notice subtle seasonal and music changes.  For example, the melody remains the same, but new instruments will now join along with the original score.  It’s as if the game evolves with you and you tiny village of Keflings.  The more you build the more rewards will be unlocked.  You can obtain new skills for working, tools for cutting or digging, blueprints to build new structures, and achievements that will help you along the way.

There are no enemies to fight, no invasions to worry about, no natural disasters to contend with. This is a family-friendly, positive game that encourages constructive thinking, planning, and creativity.

An Xbox Live Gold account is an added bonus and will allow you to play with friends and help you build your empire even faster.  Up to four friends can play at once.  The game is loaded with fun for all ages and is a nice change of pace from hardcore gaming.  I think you’ll be as surprised as I was when A Kingdom for Keflings puts a smile on your face.