Unsung Empires: The Cholas

One of the things I love about historical action games is how they allow people like me to learn about history without the need of books or boring documentaries. With Unsung Empires: The Cholas, players get the chance to discover the story of Rajendra Chola, one of Tamil Nadu's greatest kings. Set against the rich backdrop of 11th-century Southeast Asia, the game chronicles Rajendra Chola's daring mission to reclaim his trade routes from the rival kingdom of Srivijaya. I had no idea what any of those were before I played this game, mind you.

Unsung Empires combines historical facts with action game excess. By weaving strategic stealth, intense combat, and world exploration, the game ensures that every minute feels rewarding. Fans of historical epics like Assassin's Creed: Origins and the artistic storytelling of Ghost of Tsushima will find plenty to love here.

Action vs. Culture

One of the game's greatest achievements is its depiction of the Chola dynasty's cultural and historical essence. I mean, sure, you shouldn't go in expecting the same level of detail you would find in your average Assassin's Creed title, but this game has a fraction of any of Ubisoft's titles.

For what it is, Unsung Empires: The Cholas gets the job done. It presents the story and characters aptly, letting you feel as if you were living in the time period. If you're into Tamil culture and architecture, you'll find some great sights in this game.

The music is another standout element, expertly crafted to transport players to ancient Tamil Nadu. The use of traditional instruments like the nadaswaram and veena creates a soundscape that's as immersive as it is educational. And yes, I also learned what those instruments were in this game.

Engaging Gameplay

At its core, Unsung Empires: The Cholas offers a blend of stealth, strategy, and combat. Sneaking past Srivijayan soldiers in dense jungles or scaling fortresses under moonlight are moments of pure tension. The combat system – though not as polished as Ghost of Tsushima's – is deeply satisfying, with a focus on swordplay and tactical archery.

Boss fights, especially the climactic duel with King Sangrama, are challenging without feeling unfair. The mechanics reward patience and adaptability, pushing players to think like a true strategist. While the learning curve may be steep for newcomers, veterans of action games will appreciate the depth.

A Few Missteps

Not even a AAA title is without flaws, and a game like Unsung Empires also falls victim to some of its more ambitious aspirations. Certain quests drag longer than necessary, making the plot feel overly long and, dare I say, boring. Additionally, while the visuals are stunning, occasional bugs and frame drops detract from the immersion.

Compared to modern action-adventure titles, some aspects of the game's AI feel outdated. Enemy guards often exhibit predictable patterns, making stealth sequences more forgiving than they should be. Still, considering the small developing team, I'd say there's a good chance we'll hear more about Unsung Empires in the future.

Pros

• Rich cultural and historical immersion
• Serviceable visuals and authentic music
• Challenging and rewarding gameplay

Cons

• Occasional pacing issues
• Minor technical glitches
• Simplistic enemy AI

Unsung Empires: The Cholas is a fascinating journey into antiquity. Take on the responsible role of Emperor Rajendra Chola, the ruler of the lands now called India. The Chola dynasty has long ruled these lands, but there is no limit to the size of the empire, so Rajendra personally goes to declare war on neighboring countries. Take back control of the trade routes, conquer more lands for your people and become famous as a fearless warrior in legends.

Game Pros:

• Unique open world of antiquity, created from real historical references
• Melee, ranged and stealth mechanics