With a medieval game sale currently live on Steam, I decided to dive into the S_Sovereign Tower_ demo. This tactical point-and-click title allows you to run a kingdom while balancing the fragile egos of the knights and nobles surrounding you. It is a unique experience that feels like a medieval fantasy Dispatch with all the bossiness and flirting you could want.

A Royal Premise in Sovereign Tower

The premise of Sovereign Tower is a blend of Dispatch and The Sword in the Stone. You play as a wandering leper who is anointed as the "True Sovereign" after opening the doors to an ancient tower that everyone thought was locked forever. At first, no one questions your right to rule, as the inhabitants fall into their roles as if they had been waiting decades for instructions.

You are not alone in managing this new realm. You can rely on Arlin the helpful advisor, Carina the blacksmith, the Lady of the Tower, and the gossiping Alwena. However, the true stars of the show are undoubtedly the knights you recruit into your service.

Recruiting Knights and Building Relationships

Playing Sovereign Tower feels like a medieval version of Dispatch as you learn the strengths and weaknesses of your troops. You send them on missions across the realm to level them up and earn their trust; if you get close enough, you can even flirt with them. During my demo playthrough, I encountered several unique characters:

  • Angelica: A timid but strong knight who works well with everyday people.

  • Goberto: An incredibly strong knight who may be a bit simple-minded.

  • Gwendan: A capable all-rounder whose obsession with himself is almost insufferable.

  • Ursula: A goth knight—enough said.

  • Gideon: An emo knight who has a lot to say but excels in combat.

The Daily Grind of a Ruler

Managing a kingdom involves a never-ending laundry list of tasks and responsibilities. I began my days repairing armour at the blacksmith or stocking up on supplies at the witch Belladonna's shop. Afterward, I would head to the main hall for morning audiences with the people of Brizh.

These sessions involve listening to commoners complaining about festivals, skeptical nobles, and even the occasional unskilled assassin. Making impactful decisions requires you to dip into your coin reserves or maintain a minimum reputation level with commoners, nobility, or scholars.

My recent playthrough was interrupted by the arrival of the massive Dragon Knight. This behemoth demanded a match against me, and since I had no chance alone, I worked to beef up my knights with new armour, swords, and even smelly goat cheese to buff their stats. We managed to come out on top, earning me a meeting with the Dragon Knight and a new trainee named Arron.

While the demo ends there, the full game is set to release this August. Until then, I will be using the power of the tower's resident demon to rewind time and practice my ruling skills.