Noblemen 1896 is a unique mobile game that blends turn-based strategy, real-time tactics, and third-person shooting into a single, action-packed experience.
Developed by Foursaken Media and released in August 2017, the game transports players to an alternate-history version of 1896, where a devastating plague has plunged the world into chaos.
With a steampunk aesthetic and a war-torn setting, players take on the role of a nobleman leading a resistance against various factions that seek control. The game challenges players to strategically manage their army, engage in real-time battles, and command troops while personally fighting on the battlefield.
What is Noblemen 1896 ?
At its core, Noblemen: 1896 is a hybrid strategy-action game that combines multiple gameplay elements:
- Turn-based strategy – Players manage resources, capture strategic locations, and position their forces on a grid-based map.
- Real-time tactics – Commanding troops in battle and directing their movements in response to enemy actions.
- Third-person combat – Directly controlling the nobleman character in firefights and melee engagements.
The game is set in an alternate history of 1896, where a mysterious plague has crippled the United States, leading to widespread conflict. Various factions battle for dominance, and players must lead their own army, using both strategic planning and real-time combat skills to fight for survival and reclaim control.
Success in the game depends on balancing strategic decisions and direct combat engagement, ensuring that resources are well-managed and that units are effectively deployed in battle.
Gameplay Overview
Strategic Map Management
Before engaging in real-time combat, players operate on a grid-based strategy map where they must manage troops, capture resources, and plan their moves. The key elements of this phase include:
- Supply Depots – Crucial for maintaining an army’s resources, ensuring a steady flow of reinforcements and ammunition.
- Strategic Points – Capturing these locations grants advantages in battle, such as reinforcements, better positioning, or defensive bonuses.
- Unit Deployment – Players must choose different unit types, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and tactical roles on the battlefield.
Strategic planning in this phase is essential for gaining an upper hand before transitioning into combat.
Real-Time Combat
When armies clash, players enter the real-time battle phase, where they must personally engage in combat while commanding troops. The battle mechanics include:
- Cover System – Players can take cover behind obstacles to reduce incoming fire and plan counterattacks.
- Direct Combat – Using firearms and melee weapons, players fight enemies up close or at a distance.
- Troop Commanding – Players can issue tactical orders, such as directing units to attack specific targets, defend positions, or retreat strategically.
This blend of third-person action and large-scale strategy creates an engaging and dynamic gameplay experience.
Visuals and Sound
Noblemen 1896 boasts detailed, stylized graphics that complement its steampunk-inspired setting. The game features:
- Rich environmental details – Battlefields, ruined cities, and war-torn landscapes that immerse players in the alternate-history world.
- Distinct character and unit designs – Heavily armored soldiers, steam-powered war machines, and period-appropriate weaponry add to the visual appeal.
- Sound design – The game features dramatic music, realistic gunfire, and ambient battlefield sounds, enhancing the overall experience and immersion.
With its combination of stunning visuals and immersive audio, Noblemen: 1896 successfully creates an intense and atmospheric gaming environment.
Player Feedback
Noblemen: 1896 has garnered mixed reactions from both players and critics, with praise for its unique concept and criticism for some of its execution.
Praise
- Genre Fusion – The game stands out for its seamless integration of turn-based strategy, real-time tactics, and third-person combat, a combination rarely seen in mobile games.
- Immersive World-Building – The alternate-history 1896 setting, with its steampunk aesthetics and war-torn landscapes, offers a compelling backdrop that keeps players engaged.
- Deep Strategic Elements – The grid-based map, resource management, and unit deployment provide a challenging and rewarding experience for strategy enthusiasts.
Criticism
- Clunky Controls – Some players find the third-person combat mechanics awkward, making precise aiming and movement difficult during firefights.
- Strategic Complexity – While the depth is appreciated by seasoned strategy players, newcomers may struggle with resource management, unit positioning, and large-scale battle planning.
- Repetitive Battles – Early stages can feel repetitive, as battles often play out similarly until players unlock more unit types and strategic options.
Despite these critiques, many players appreciate the game’s ambition and innovation, making it a noteworthy experience for fans of tactical combat and strategy games.
Why Noblemen 1896 Stands Out
In a crowded mobile gaming market, Noblemen: 1896 distinguishes itself with its hybrid gameplay and unique setting.
- Comparison with Other Mobile Strategy Games – Unlike traditional mobile strategy or action games that focus on one gameplay style, Noblemen: 1896 combines macro-level strategy with real-time combat, offering a multifaceted experience.
- Large-Scale Tactical Warfare Meets On-the-Ground Action – The blend of battlefield strategy and direct third-person combat creates a dynamic experience where players are both commanders and frontline soldiers.
- Alternative History Storytelling – The game’s steampunk-inspired, plague-ridden 19th-century setting is a refreshing departure from the typical medieval or futuristic war themes seen in many strategy titles.
These factors make Noblemen: 1896 a rare and compelling mobile game that appeals to both strategy lovers and action gamers.
Conclusion
Noblemen: 1896 is an ambitious and innovative mobile game that combines tactical warfare, strategic planning, and real-time combat in a richly detailed alternate-history world. Its unique hybrid gameplay, immersive setting, and deep strategy mechanics make it a standout title in the mobile gaming landscape.
For fans of strategy and action games, this is a must-try experience, despite its learning curve and occasional repetitive elements. While some mechanics could be refined, Noblemen: 1896 successfully delivers an engaging and memorable gaming experience that pushes the boundaries of mobile strategy-action hybrids.
FAQ
Can Noblemen 1896 be played offline?
Yes, Noblemen: 1896 offers an offline mode where players can engage in strategic battles and campaigns without an internet connection. However, some online features may require connectivity.
What kind of game is Noblemen: 1896?
Noblemen: 1896 is a hybrid mobile game that combines turn-based strategy, real-time tactics, and third-person shooting, set in an alternate-history version of 1896.
How does the combat system work in Noblemen: 1896?
The game features a mix of strategic planning on a grid-based map and real-time combat where players directly control their nobleman, engage in gunfights, and command troops in battle.
Is Noblemen: 1896 free to play?
Yes, the game is free to play with optional in-game purchases that allow players to enhance their experience through additional units and resources.
What makes Noblemen: 1896 different from other mobile strategy games?
Unlike typical mobile strategy games, Noblemen: 1896 integrates large-scale battlefield tactics with third-person combat, offering a unique blend of action and strategy.