Realms of Madness

The first 3 missions I've played are FANTASTIC. i really, really like the lack of push pause counter-balanced with a slower pace. Its perfect for an average gamer (non-rts pro lol) imo. There's a very large jump in difficulty on mission 4 but the dev was extremely quick in saying they would get on it (balancing the wave timing, etc.). I mean im talking its 4am EST and they responded to me in MINUTES about fixing the difficulty spike. That is amazing and shows me they really truly want to make sure this game is a treat for everyone and they will continue to balance it as we play it (just like any good game dev does!). Other than that, no bugs, the progression is fun so far, and the music, voice acting, and art/art-style are all SUPERB; im talking EXCEPTIONAL. I cannot wait to play more of the campaign.
Edit: From level 5 onwards things jump up in difficulty, as I mentioned above (it was 4 but that level got fixed). The dev is working on balancing this stuff but just realize that its a process. I doubt it will take them long to get things sorted: (get some sort of difficulty sliding scale or the enemy army appearance timing right on every level). I'd also like to see there be a little bit more reason to stick around on each level- if only for another 5 or 10 minutes each level. As is, once you are able to breach the first towers the enemy encampment is an absolute breeze. Again, some balancing needs to happen but the game is super unique and worth sticking around for. I think it IS worth buying right now even with the issues I mentioned. The dev has shown, so far, that they are dedicated to this game post-release AND are quick about it. Im sure anyone who liked Kingdom 2 Crowns or similar games will like this.

Realms of Madness is a fantasy real-time strategy game developed and published by Robin van der Horst that seeks to combine classic fortress management with imaginative large-scale warfare. Rather than relying on a traditional top-down perspective, the game adopts a side-view presentation that immediately distinguishes it from many other strategy titles. This creative choice gives every battle a layered appearance where castles rise toward the sky while conflicts unfold across land, sea, and even beneath the water. The result is an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different, offering players a chance to build thriving kingdoms while commanding armies against increasingly dangerous enemies in a world filled with magic and mythical creatures.
The game's strongest feature is the depth of its kingdom-building mechanics. Success depends on establishing a stable economy, gathering resources efficiently, and expanding a castle with carefully placed defenses before committing to offensive campaigns. Every decision influences long-term survival, whether reinforcing walls, erecting defensive towers, improving military production, or investing in infrastructure that keeps resources flowing. This balance between economic planning and military preparedness creates a satisfying gameplay loop that rewards strategic thinking rather than reckless expansion. Players who enjoy watching a small settlement gradually evolve into an imposing fortress will find plenty to appreciate throughout the progression.
Combat offers impressive variety thanks to an extensive roster of units that stretches far beyond ordinary medieval soldiers. Traditional infantry fight alongside spellcasters, trolls, siege weapons, dragons, naval fleets, and powerful underwater monsters, creating battles that rarely become repetitive. The game encourages players to control multiple fronts simultaneously, with flying creatures dominating the skies while ships clash across the sea and aquatic beasts emerge from beneath the waves to surprise opposing fleets. This multi-layered battlefield introduces additional tactical considerations that make positioning and timing just as important as assembling a powerful army.
Another welcome feature is the progression system tied to both armies and magical abilities. Military squads gain experience during combat, making veteran units considerably more valuable than newly recruited soldiers. Protecting seasoned forces becomes an important strategic objective since experienced troops perform far better during prolonged conflicts. At the same time, players earn ability points that unlock increasingly destructive magical powers capable of shifting the momentum of battle. Combined with late-game access to devastating dragons and advanced military technology, these upgrades ensure that each match steadily escalates in both scale and intensity instead of remaining static from beginning to end.
The fantasy setting is further strengthened by the game's presentation. Handcrafted artwork gives each environment, fortress, and creature its own personality, while fully voiced characters and an original musical score help establish a richer atmosphere throughout the campaign. Although the visuals may not compete with the production values of major studio releases, the artistic direction demonstrates clear passion and creativity. The distinctive side-scrolling perspective also improves readability during hectic battles, allowing players to monitor multiple levels of combat without losing sight of the overall battlefield.
Realms of Madness is not intended for players seeking fast, arcade-style action. It rewards patience, careful planning, and the ability to adapt strategies as battles evolve. Managing resources, expanding fortifications, defending several layers of attack, and deciding when to unleash magical abilities all require thoughtful decision-making. While newcomers to the RTS genre may need time to understand its numerous interconnected systems, strategy veterans are likely to appreciate the depth and originality offered by its mechanics. The combination of castle construction, layered warfare, fantasy creatures, and long-term progression gives the game a unique identity that separates it from many conventional medieval strategy experiences.
Overall, Realms of Madness is an ambitious independent strategy title that successfully blends city building, resource management, tactical warfare, and fantasy storytelling into a cohesive package. Its unconventional perspective, diverse collection of units, rewarding progression systems, and emphasis on strategic planning make it an enjoyable experience for fans of real-time strategy games looking for something beyond the usual formula. While a few rough edges remain typical of an independent production, the creativity behind its design and the depth of its gameplay outweigh those shortcomings, resulting in a memorable fantasy strategy adventure that is well worth exploring.
Rating: 7/10

I played Open the Gates from the same developer which I really loved, so I ofcourse had to buy this one.
Have played it a little now and am already loving it! The new mechanics, maps and storyline are great.

Wonderful game. Reminds me of medieval games I used to play back in the day. This game hits that sweet spot between nostalgia and fresh gameplay. You start with a lonely castle on one side of the map, building your medieval town piece by piece, training soldiers, and fortifying your walls. And then, it's watching epic clashes unfold across the battlefield. A must-play for anyone who loves classic 2D strategy!

I like the game! some reviews complain its the same thing over and over, but like, what RTS isn't? also more stuff unlocks as you go. the art is beautiful. the voice acting is pretty good. if it looks fun i would definitely give it a try :D

Very interesting concept for a game, like a mix of Kingdom Two Crowns and Stronghold. You have to build your village up, research upgrades, keep peasents happy so you can tax them more and then build an army to defend or attack.
I played the first mission
Pros: game looks good, the peasents and the village looks lively, there is quite a bit of strategy involved in the management.
Good content and fun gameplay loop.
Cons: a bit boring, after 3-4 missions you can have the perfect spreadsheet to always play it the same way, therr is a tech tree but you slowly get points to unlock it, not enough events to keep the game interesting.
The game is worth the price but i dont like the gameplay loop, i played the demo a while back and i thought the game would become more dynamic.
The game is great for an indie but something is missing like when you are eating a schinitzel with french fries but you want a ketchup-mayo or spicy cheese sauce because it would make it so much better

Very fun RTS game, with a lot of micro management and fast thinking. I really like how the art style complements the gameplay. The progression tree is a welcoming addition compared to the first game!