With the introduction of the new Xbox 360 dashboard, complete with customizable avatars, it came as no surprise that a game launched alongside the new dash, allowing players to use their avatar in game.

The actual surprise for me was that A Kingdom for Keflings is actually a pretty fun experience. Developed by NinjaBee, a Kingdom for Keflings allows the player to build an entire kingdom from scratch using both a giant version of their avatar, and the industrious citizens that will come to live in the player’s Kingdom.

The game itself is not for everyone, but I think there is a specific set of folks out there that will get a lot of enjoyment from A Kingdom for Keflings as there is really nothing else like it out on XBLA as of yet.

Gameplay:

In A Kingdom for Keflings, the player takes on the role of a benevolent ruler and builder of the kingdom. Starting with only a few Kefling citizens the player will proceed to build up a massive kingdom that takes up most of the map. In order to actually build a new building however, the player must first have both the blue prints for the building as well as enough required materials and resources.

The fun of the game lies in the truly gigantic production chains that the player can get going. As players continue to improve their kingdom and add new buildings, more Kefling’s will move in. Each Kefling can be set to a specific task, such as chopping down wood, collecting ore, mining special crystals and so forth. Once the Kefling has collected their resource, the player can set a waypoint for the Kefling to automate the process, having their loyal citizen drop off the resource at various types of resource buildings, and then continue back to resource collecting. The resource buildings themselves produce even more specialized resources at a cost of the basic resources your Keflings are bringing in.

As players get further into the game, things get somewhat complicated as specialized resources are required to build even more complicated buildings, with those complicated buildings creating even more rarer resources. This creates an engrossing supply chain simulation where allocation of Keflings is the key to efficiency.

Aside from resource gathering, Keflings can be set to ferry goods between various resource buildings, which again creates interesting choices for the player as to where Keflings can best be used. The player also controls a Giant version of their avatar in the game, which is used to build new buildings and can also take an active role in the ferrying of resources back and forth between resource buildings. Your avatar can change Kefling’s job on the fly simply by picking them up and pulling off their “job” hat. Assign the Kefling a new resource to gather and building waypoint and they will take to their new task.

Players can also unlock upgrades for their avatar by accomplishing quests and tasks from the town hall once built. Every so often the Mayor Kefling will flash on screen letting the player know there is a new task available. Finishing quests is necessary to unlock “love”, a vital ingredient to attracting new slaves...erm, Keflings, to come live in your kingdom. In addition to love, other rewards include items that give stat upgrades to your avatar.

Once nice thing about the game is that there is no real competitive element, and players can work at their own pace. This makes the game a relaxed affair, with the enjoyment of A Kingdom for Keflings coming in creating an efficient supply chain that allows the player to unlock more and more complicated blueprints.

Graphics:

The graphics in the game are a little on the cutesy side, however they are adequate for an XBLA title. The buildings themselves are fairly detailed, and the game runs very smoothly even when there are dozens of little Keflings running around the screen attending to their jobs. Seasons in the game change from summer to winter, which also adds a nice touch giving the player a sense of how much time has passed in game.

Sound:

The audio in the game is nothing special but generally gets the job done without annoying the player. The game soundtrack is upbeat and matches the graphical direction the title has taken. While the actual sound effects of your Keflings working is minimal most players will be so engrossed in their next mammoth construction project to actually notice.

Longevity:

A Kingdom for Keflings is the type of game that plays best a bit at a time. While there is about 10 hours worth of content until the end game Castle Keep is finally built, many players will find themselves putting in an hour here and there in between other games. The relaxing nature makes it the perfect “go to” title when players feel like scratching that strategy itch, or simply just want to zone out to a game that is entirely stress free.

Multiplayer online options are available and allow the player to play with up to four other players over Live. Personally I felt that the game plays better in single player. Pub games are a hit and miss affair, with other players often doing damage to each other’s plans and buildings. If however, you can get 3 cooperative friends I suspect the online experience will be much more positive. A Kingdom for Keflings is definitely a game to be played with friends, if you choose to go online.

Overall:

A Kingdom for Keflings provides a light but unique strategy experience that is pretty much one of a kind on XBLA. The game gave me many of the same feelings I’ve had when playing games like Sim City, and this is definitely not a bad thing. The game essentially gives the player a construction box, complete with workers, and lets one go to town, creating the kingdom of their dreams.

While A Kingdom for Keflings isn’t going to be for everyone, those that do enjoy this type of game will very likely really enjoy what it has to offer.

At 800 MS points, it is worth the asking price if you like strategy titles. If you’re not sure, at the very least give the demo a try and see if it’s your cup of tea or not. You just might be surprised at how much fun A Kingdom for Keflings can be.