What makes The Horde different from -- and superior to -- most other action games is the excellent blend of strategy and action. Success in the game requires that you plan ahead, as the number of houses, farms, and other structures in your fiefdom continue to grow from mission to mission. Growth requires investments, while balancing the costs of defense and keeping up with tax payments. You don't get much time to prepare for the next horde invasion, so quick thinking is also necessary. Simply putting up fences around your village isn't going to cut it, as the Horde monsters are not as dumb as they look.

Game graphics are excellent for the era (although many people will have trouble running the game on new 3D cards). Nice landscapes will take you from desert, to swamp, to arctic lands. The character, enemies, and effects are well done, and the cinematic cutscenes are splendid. The controls are where the game falters a bit: they're clumsy and sometimes confusing in a game where you can't afford such time wasters. But overall, The Horde is a fun, addictive underrated gem. Zany humor and many hidden surprises round off one of the best action underdogs ever. Highly recommended!