Ancient Wars: Medieval Crusades, developed and published by JOTASOFT STUDIOS, is an ambitious real-time strategy title that attempts to fuse large-scale medieval warfare with modern customization systems and a broad array of game modes. Although still in Early Access, the game already presents itself with a strong identity: sprawling battlefields, asymmetric factions, and a unit-customization system that aims to give players more agency than the traditional rock-paper-scissors formulas of classic RTS design. At its core, the game wants to capture the gritty spectacle of medieval combat while offering enough strategic depth and flexibility to let players tailor their armies to their preferred style of warfare.
Set across multiple medieval cultures, the game currently offers five civilizations, each with its own starting technologies, unit identities, and thematic strengths. The Crusaders, Arabs, Byzantines, Mongols, and Russians form the initial roster, and even in this early state, the distinctions between them hint at the developers’ attempt to create meaningful asymmetry. Some emphasize cavalry, others siege machinery or complex infantry structures; this variety ensures that no two playthroughs feel identical. What sets Medieval Crusades apart, however, is its equipment-based customization system. Instead of relying purely on predefined unit types, players can equip soldiers with different weapons, armor, shields, and supplementary gear, effectively shaping unique variants that mirror the evolving tactics of a medieval commander. This adds an RPG-like layer that encourages experimentation and gives the player a sense of ownership over their military forces.
The available modes further expand the game’s scope. Classic skirmishes coexist with objective-based scenarios like Conquest and Domination, while Survival modes challenge players to endure waves of enemies. Multiplayer support allows for cooperative or competitive engagements, and the inclusion of a map and campaign editor signals a long-term vision for community-driven content. For an Early Access title, the range of options is surprisingly robust. The developers have also been active in improving core systems since launch — refining pathfinding, adjusting unit collision and formation behavior, and improving performance during large-scale battles. These updates indicate a willingness to respond to community feedback and a commitment to smoothing out the rough edges inherent in ambitious RTS projects.
On the battlefield, Medieval Crusades aims to deliver spectacle and strategy in equal measure. The maps—spanning deserts, forests, mountain passes, and fortified settlements—are typically large enough to allow flanking maneuvers, ambushes, and long-term tactical planning. The combination of cavalry charges, volleys of archers, siege weapons, and infantry clashes creates a palpable sense of medieval chaos. When formations behave as intended and battles unfold cleanly, the game can feel thrilling and cinematic. The customization system also meaningfully influences engagements: equipping units with heavier armor slows movement but increases survival; specialized weapons might give an edge against certain unit types, encouraging players to adapt on the fly.
However, the game’s Early Access status is still evident. While pathfinding has improved, managing large armies can occasionally feel imprecise, especially during chaotic engagements where tight formation control becomes essential. Some factions and unit loadouts currently offer more definitive advantages than others, leading to occasional balance concerns. Additionally, the breadth of content—factions, maps, campaigns, unique missions—remains foundational rather than fully fleshed out, and newcomers to the genre may find the layered systems overwhelming without more comprehensive tutorials or gradual onboarding.
Performance also varies depending on hardware and battle size. Medieval Crusades aspires to depict large armies clashing in semi-realistic fashion, but doing so consistently requires optimization that is still in progress. Still, these weaknesses are typical of a strategy game in active development, especially one aiming to integrate complex systems without the backing of a major studio.
Despite its current limitations, Ancient Wars: Medieval Crusades offers a compelling vision: a flexible, customizable RTS experience with enough strategic depth to appeal to seasoned players and enough variety to remain engaging across different modes. Its foundation is strong, and its ambition—balancing faction asymmetry, unit personalization, and large-scale warfare—sets it apart from more conventional entries in the genre. Players who appreciate evolving RTS projects, enjoy tinkering with unit builds, and are comfortable navigating Early Access titles may find a great deal to enjoy even now. Those seeking a polished, fully realized strategy experience may prefer to watch its development unfold and revisit it closer to its planned full release.
In its current form, Medieval Crusades feels like a promising blueprint: a game with clear aspirations, a distinctive mix of customization and strategy, and the potential to grow into something substantial with continued support. It stands as one of those Early Access titles that invites investment not just in gameplay, but in the thrill of watching a complex RTS evolve into its full form.
Rating: 7/10
