Lords and Villeins

Mechanics

Lords and Villeins plays in an isometric perspective. Throughout the game you're the one responsible for how your settlement functions. We thus have to erect houses, production and storage buildings, public spaces, as well as fulfill the needs of various social groups (such as peasants or nobles), them various professions (which are then passed down from generation to generation) and enforce the law. You also need to gather various resources, create efficient production chains and collect taxes.

Since your settlement is only a part of a larger domain, you must also handle the Church and fulfill your ruler's whims. These include training soldiers or fielding an army when needed, as well as paying tribute. Needing to satisfy the king and taking care of your people at the same time can be problematic. If residents feel exploited, they may refuse to obey orders; if you take too much from them, you can cause a famine. On the other hand, not fulfilling the ruler's demands might get you executed, with your land granted to a more competent administrator - in the eyes of the king, at least.

Uniquely, the game doesn't force the player to handle every single villager or nobleman. Instead, players deal with groups of people at the same time, represented by family leaders. If you rule your land well, you'll see the fruit of your actions overtime - as months pass (which is represented by, among other things, changing seasons), your village grows, with the villagers fulfilling their duties while having enough free time to enjoy themselves, make friends, enter relationships or start families.

Technical aspects

Lords and Villeins features simple, yet colorful and clear pixel art graphics. The maps are procedurally generated, so each playthrough is slightly different from the previous ones.