Established around a decade ago, the mobile, social and web-based game developer Plarium has been behind some fairly significant hits in its time. However, considering the titles of games like Vikings: War of Clans, Sparta: War of Empires and Stormfall, you can tell that their initial priority was undoubtedly strategy titles with a strong battle element.
Over time, though, the developer has shifted its focus and looked to embrace other forms of gaming, with a particular area of interest being more casual titles.
Hugely popular
Casual gaming has been part of the video games industry for some time now and is hugely popular. Such titles tend to be particularly successful on mobile and, with research by Newzoo and Activision Blizzard Media estimating that 2.4 billion people are set to play games on such devices this year alone, it is fair to say there is a major audience for them.
In terms of popular casual titles, the ABM report revealed that the likes of Candy Crush Saga, Angry Birds and Clash Royale were among the top ten most played mobile games in the world. The idea behind these games is simple – they have straightforward rules and are designed so players can quickly and easily dip in and out of them.
Plarium’s first strides into casual gaming saw it create Rio: Match 3 Party, based on the popular animated film series, and Family Zoo: The Story. However, the company’s latest effort is a historical epic which offers up an intriguing mix of styles.
Join the Gold Rush
The Klondike region of the Yukon in Canada is renowned in history for the huge interest that emerged in the area towards the end of the 19th century, after it was discovered that there was gold in its hills. News of the find spread rapidly and a host of people headed to the region to ultimately seek their fortune. It is against this backdrop that Plarium’s Klondike game has been set.
Klondike: The Lost Expedition sees a young man head to the Blue Peaks Valley as he begins a search for his gold prospector father, setting out on expeditions and adventures in the hope of being reunited once again. However, there is much more to the title than just a daring quest.
As well as mining for gold in Klondike, players also have to spend time developing their own base within the area. This means raising and feeding animals and taking the time to harvest crops as well; giving Klondike: The Lost Expedition more of a farming simulator feel than you may have initially expected. However, surprisingly it works and gives the title a bit of depth alongside the more adventurous aspects.
A welcome addition
Plarium may be best known for its more war-orientated titles, but a game like Klondike: The Lost Expedition highlights how the developer has plenty more tricks up its sleeve.
It is a welcome addition to the company’s growing selection of more casual titles and its mix of farming simulator and adventure could well prove to be a hit with many fans of both genres.