Bandai Namco recently announced that they would work with developer Koei Tecmo to release a free-to-play mobile game called Kingdom: Hadou. This game is based on the popular manga series Kingdom created by Yasuhisa Hara. The video trailer doesn’t show any release date but the developer will open a closed beta test in January 2025. Note that this game will be available in Japan for now, but there is a chance that it may be released worldwide. Those interested in participating in the CBT can submit their applications on the official website. They will only accept applications until January 2, 2025, and only 5,000 players can participate.
According to the About section on the website, you must play as a general in the world of the Kingdom series. Kingdom: Hadou features various iconic battlefields, such as Dakan Plains and Hangu Pass. Fans will need to work alongside other players from the same army to take over castles and fortresses.
Like other strategy games, you must observe the battlefield and utilize nearby geographical features to win the war. For example, players can hide in forests to launch a surprise attack. You will also need to rearrange your soldiers’ compositions and formations based on the ever-shifting situations on the battlefield.
Besides winning wars, you can also engage with the officers under your leadership. By developing these bonds, players can gain more abilities and advantages in battles. Kingdom: Hadou even features large-scale combat where you must take over a fortress in a siege battle. You must deploy Siege Towers and work together with your allies to win the fight.
Although Kingdom: Hadou seems to show some promise, fans’ reception is quite lukewarm. Many wanted Bandai Namco to release a PC or console game instead of a free-to-play mobile game. “Why is Japan so insistent on making mobile games for their anime instead of actually making games?” one Redditor commented.
Kingdom: Hadou is not the first game based on the popular manga series. Those who are not interested in playing a mobile game may consider trying out Kingdom: Ikkitousen No Tsurugi. It’s a hack-and-slash game released back in 2010 for PSP.
