Fine slice of historical fun
This is a little known but highly enjoyable take on the enduring legend that is the bold bandit of Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood. The game takes an intriguing spin on gameplay, and instead of an action/adventure in the traditional sense, we instead have a stealth/real-time strategy game that is reminiscent of Desperados: Wanted Dead or Alive, or the Commandos series. The plot revolves around classic conflict between Robin Hood, his Merry Men, and the evil Prince John and Sheriff of Nottingham who are seeking to expand their power. Throw into the mix a kidnap plot and the usual array of colourful characters, including Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and Little John, and you have all the makings of a complex slice of historical fun. The gameplay puts players in charge of up to six different characters, each with their own unique skills and weapons, and tasks them with sneaking, fighting, bribing and talking their way through a series of stealth-based missions, with the ultimate aim of stopping Prince John's nefarious schemes. While much of the gameplay is quite familiar from similar games, there are enough unique features on display here to make Legend of Sherwood worth playing. Imaginative and humorous elements like Friar Tuck's ability to make soldiers drunk help give the game a distinct flavour and personality of its own, something which is supported by the fine in-game graphics and well directed cutscenes. The gameplay itself is enjoyably varied, with a nice mix of stealth, tactics and violence, while the story, although not original, is compelling enough. Legend of Sherwood really is something of an unexpected treat that is well worth digging out when you're in the mood for some historical shenanigans.
