Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye

Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye – Strategy, Myth, and Power in Ancient Eire 🛡️☘️

Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye (ケルトの聖戦) is a deeply strategic RPG inspired by Irish mythology, blending tribal diplomacy, territorial warfare, and mythic storytelling. Released as part of Koei’s Imagination series, this 1990s classic was designed by Stieg Hedlund and scored by Eric Heberling, offering players a richly atmospheric journey across the island of Eire, where gods, giants, and heroes battle for supremacy.

🧝‍♂️ Plot Summary

The island of Eire, once a land of peace under the goddess Danu, is shattered by the invasion of the Fomors, monstrous giants led by the tyrannical Balor. Survivors form scattered tribes, unable to resist alone. You take the role of a tribal ruler, chosen by Danu, to unite Eire, defeat Balor, and restore balance.

🎮 Gameplay Overview

🔁 Turn Phase

• Command Your Tribe: Assign monthly actions to your champions—recruit, trade, build, explore, or declare war.

• Manage Resources: Each province offers supplies, gold, and strategic value.

• Diplomacy or Conquest: Win over tribes peacefully or conquer them in battle, though hostile actions make alliances harder.

• Yearly Tribute: Submit part of your resources to the Fomors—unless you can fight them off.

⚔️ Interactive Phase

• Tactical Combat: Battles play out over a week, in four daily turns.

• Deploy Champions: Select up to 10 units led by a Battle Chief.

• Real-Time Strategy: Position, cast spells, communicate, or retreat.

• Morale & Supplies Matter: Armies can be forced to surrender from starvation or broken leadership.

• Capturing Leaders: Conquer tribes by defeating their chiefs. Some champions may defect, others stay loyal.

🛡️ Tribal Leaders & Starting Conditions

• Morrigan (Findias) – 2 territories, 5 champions.

• Medb (Sligo) – 3 territories, 6 champions.

• Sinnan Og (Falias) – 1 territory, 3 champions.

• Manannan (Fionnaidh) – 1 territory, 6 champions.

• Angus Og (Airceltrai) – 2 territories, 7 champions.

• Calatin (Bri Leith) – 1 territory, 3 champions.

• Finn (Fianna) – 1 territory, 8 champions.

• Lugh (Rodruban) – 1 territory, 2 champions.

• Cuchulainn (Eas Aedha) – 1 territory, 4 champions.

🌌 Legendary NPCs

• Balor – The dark titan with the Evil Eye, capable of annihilating entire forces.

• Danu – Goddess and patron, grants blessings to the righteous.

• Skatha – War goddess, offers power-ups to those who train under her.

✨ Key Features

• Isometric Strategy Gameplay: Classic Koei depth with Celtic mythology flavor.

• Unique Tribal Politics: Multiple win conditions—unification by sword or speech.

• Time-Limited Campaign: 70-year limit adds pressure to every decision.

• Moral Consequences: Reputation affects alliances, loyalty, and the story's tone.

• Rich Lore & Worldbuilding: Grounded in ancient myth, with fantasy woven into every event and encounter.

🏆 Final Verdict

Celtic Tales: Balor of the Evil Eye is a cult classic for fans of deep, myth-driven strategy. Its difficult yet rewarding mechanics, rich cast, and tactical depth make it a gem in Koei’s portfolio—perfect for players who love mythology, diplomacy, and war with consequence.

Unite the tribes. Defy the giants. Rule Eire. ☘️🔥