First Queen IV: Varcia Senki

About

First Queen IV: Varcia Senki is a real-time strategy game where players command armies of quirky characters like enchanted swordsmen, archers, and witches. Battle across a fantasy world torn by conflict, managing units that act independently or follow your orders. The story follows Ares, a warrior freed from prison by a magical stranger, who must rally allies and stop a mad king’s invasion. Combat blends fast-paced unit control with resource management and terrain-based tactics. The game stands out for its surprisingly modern feel despite a 1994 release date, with ports spanning DOS to PlayStation 3. Over 100 distinct characters join the fray, each with unique traits and roles. While its niche appeal might limit mainstream recognition, long-time fans praise its depth and replayability. The mix of narrative-driven campaigns and competitive multiplayer keeps the experience fresh, even after decades.

Storyline

The land of Logris was originally inhabited by elves, dwarves, and other magical creatures. When the humans arrived, the cultural differences between the races were not enough to provoke a war, so for a while they co-existed peacefully. Afterwards, the humans have split into several smaller nations. The nation of Barcia in the north had a small population, and its king Zenel was worried his country will be conquered by others. To prevent that, he invited the dark magician Zon, who cast a spell over his soldiers. But nothing comes without a price. Insanity seized the king and its army. Barcia began invading other countries. A warrior named Ares and his friends try to assassinate the king, but as a result, Ares is thrown in prison. A mysterious man with magical powers saves Ares, telling him that it's time to sort out the differences between nations and races, and lead an army to stop the madness of Barcia...