SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars is the sequel to SpellForce: The Order of Dawn. In Order of the Dawn, the player vanquishes evil as a Rune Warrior. In Shadow Wars, the player takes on a new role as a Shaikan, a bloodline created by the powerful alchemist Malakay, where the blood of humans are bonded together with dragon blood. In this saga, the Shaikan homeland is invaded by the Pact, an alliance between the Dark Elves and the Shadows. Our hero desperately travels the continent to gain allies in order to save the Shaikan homeland…but that’s only part of the story.
Game play in SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars features a unique combination of Real-Time Strategy (RTS) and Role Playing (RPG). RTS game play only occurs (in campaign mode) when the player has access to workers and a headquarters to develop units and resources. The player’s units and buildings consist of an alliance between the three major light races: the Humans, the Dwarves and the Elves (Realm Alliance). This alliance allows the player to build and recruit all three different buildings and units from those races. Establishing a presence of all three races, will allow the player access to more powerful buildings and the ultimate unit: the Titan! Later in the game, the hero will be able to access other opposing (dark) races.
The player during travels will be accompanied by other Shaikan heroes and Shaikan companions. Heroes may be equipped with weapons and armor, as well as directly accessing each individual skill ability and spells. Companions are similar to heroes, but their inventory and skills may not be accessed. They can however, like the other heroes be directly controlled. Unlike Rune Warriors, the Shaikan need only directly resurrect a fellow member if killed in battle. However, there is a time limit before permanent death. If a Shaikan hero dies a permanent death, the player loses the game. The Shaikan may also summon other members to the player’s location anywhere on the map.
A new highlight in this installment features (later in the game) your role as the new ruler of Westguard, a poor and often disputed land, besieged by Beastmen and the Undead. Here, you may escape the pressures of the main plot, develop your land and help your new found subjects.
