Kingdom Eighties is the fourth game in the micro-strategy Kingdom series, while it is my first full endeavor into the series, my understanding is that the core gameplay hasn't really changed since the first or second iteration. And while that doesn't matter, I think it speaks volumes to how simple and uninspired the game can feel at times.

Beyond the excellent 80's themed aesthetic, which captures a Stranger Things-esque vibe, nothing in this game really oozes creativity. The overall system of expanding your kingdom is fairly shallow, and way more reward than risk, and the act of begrudgingly trudging through your camp in the later aspects of levels can be a snooze. Everything from the character names to the text they used to display dialogue feels uninspired and boring.

However, through all of these flaws, I found myself beating the game in only 1 major sitting. There is something about the sounds and physics of the coins, and the satisfaction in a huge spending spree, that makes this game pretty enjoyable. So, while I personally think this game is fairly skippable, I would recommend it if you have the time, if just to listen to the pretty great soundtrack, and look at the beautiful pixel art.