“Reigns: Game of Thrones” is a wonderfully addictive game for smartphones and PC

Fan
favorites Jon Snow, Sansa Stark and Sandor Clegane as they appear
in “Reigns: Game of Thrones.”
“Reigns:
Game of Thrones”/Devolver Digital

• “Reigns: Game of Thrones” is a strategy game that lets
  players rule Westeros from the Iron Throne with one of nine
  rulers.
  
• Much like the show, the ruler’s decision making is
  constantly put to the test, and mismanaging the kingdom could
  lead to death, or worse.
• With nearly 30 different endings, the game offers some
  fun ideas on where the series might be headed in its final
  season.

The final season of “Game of Thrones” isn’t due out until next
year, so I’ve decided to bide my time by playing “Reigns: Game of
Thrones.” Devolver Digital’s strategy game for smartphones and PC
is a great match for the witty dialogue and political intrigue of
“Game of Thrones” television series and it rewards dedicated fans
for their knowledge of the show.

The
nine rulers of “Reigns: Game of Thrones.” Can you recognize all
of them?
“Reign Game of
Thrones”/Devolver Digital

“Reigns” lets you select one of nine leaders from the series to
rule the Iron Throne for as long as you can. Whether your chose
Jon Snow, Cersei Lannister, or a another ruler, the king or queen
is faced with nonstop decisions that impact four factors in the
kingdom: military power, faith in religion, national wealth, and
the people’s morale. Decisions are made with a simple swap to the
left or the right, but as the game goes on, consequences can
quickly become dire.

If the leader dies their reign ends, and you’ll need to choose a
new leader to start from the beginning. In order to be successful
the leader must balance all four factors; letting any one factor
run empty or grow unchecked for too long will lead to the ruler
being assassinated, or worse.

Some
decisions are easier to make than others.
“Reigns Game of Thrones”/Devolver
Digital

While playing “Reigns: Game of Thrones” doesn’t require any prior
knowledge of the series, those who aren’t fully caught up with
the world of Westeros should be ready for major spoilers. The
game is set after the most recent season of “Game of Thrones” and
is filled with references to major and minor events from the show
thus far. Each ruler has their own perks to reflect their
personality on the show, and playing to their strengths can
unlock secrets and special abilities. While the game takes some
liberties to place the different rulers on the Iron Throne, the
storylines and dialogue from the game provides some fun ideas on
where the series might be headed during its upcoming final
season.

My
reign was tragically cut short by a diseased
blanket.
“Reigns: Game of
Thrones”/Devolver Digital

Every playthrough of “Reigns” offers a different experience, even
when you pick the same ruler. Each time you start over the order
of events will shift ever so slightly; changing your responses
will open new paths in the story and reveal familiar characters.
“Reigns” has 29 different endings for its nine rulers, ranging
from gruesome deaths to total triumphs. There are another 49
“royal deeds” to accomplish during the course of the story,
adding extra goals to every playthrough.

A
few royal deeds that can be completed during your
rule.
“Reign: Game of
Thrones”/Devolver Digital

“Reign: Game of Thrones” came out for iOS, Android and PC on
October 18 and is the third game in the “Reigns” series. The first game “Reigns,” and
the follow-up “Reigns: Your Majesty” feature the same style of
gameplay without the extra “Game of Thrones” flavor.