Developed for DOS, the game offers players the choice to lead either the technologically advanced Survivors or the animal-relying Evolved.
The game requires strategic planning, resource management, and tactical combat to emerge victorious.
Gameplay
The game mechanics in KKnD follow the standard real-time strategy formula. Players control their units by clicking on them with the mouse and issuing orders to attack or move. Victory requires building well-planned bases, managing resources like oil patches, and effectively commanding units to accomplish mission objectives.
Missions range from destroying enemy bases to search-and-rescue tasks, adding variety to the gameplay.
Faction Diversity
The game introduces two distinct factions: the Survivors and the Evolved. The Survivors rely on machinery and advanced technology, deploying vehicles armed with machine guns and missiles. In contrast, the Evolved use mutated animals as their primary weapons, including acid-spitting scorpions and elephants with automatic guns.
While each faction offers unique visuals, some units lack significant differences in terms of gameplay mechanics, which may limit their overall appeal.
The title “KKND” initially stood for “Krush, Kill, ‘n’ Destroy,” representing the aggressive nature of the post-apocalyptic world and the factions’ desire to dominate.
However, due to potential controversies and concerns about the violent connotations, the developers decided to rename the game to simply “KKND,” without explicitly mentioning the meaning behind the abbreviation.
This change allowed the game to maintain its edgy and eye-catching title while avoiding potential controversy surrounding the original interpretation.
Challenging AI and Difficulty
KKnD poses a formidable challenge to players, especially experienced real-time strategy gamers. The AI employs advanced tactics, attacking from multiple fronts and probing the player’s base for weaknesses.
However, the game’s design presents some issues, such as sluggish map scrolling, making it challenging to respond to battles across various locations. Additionally, the enemy often possesses technological superiority, making them artificially tougher opponents.
Graphics and Sound
KKnD features crisp SVGA graphics that display multiple units and well-drawn terrains on the screen. However, some units could have been better animated and designed. The soundtracks are decent, and the humorous responses of the units add charm to the gameplay. Nonetheless, the overall presentation could have benefitted from further polishing.
Conclusion
KKnD: Krush, Kill ‘N Destroy is an engaging real-time strategy game set in a post-apocalyptic world. While it offers diverse factions, challenging AI, and strategic depth, it falls short of reaching the heights achieved by other genre-defining titles like WarCraft II or Command & Conquer.
Fans of the genre will likely enjoy the game’s difficulty and complexity, making it a worthy addition to the collection of vintage gaming enthusiasts.
Play KKnD Online
You can play KKnD online on our website through our DOS emulator. Enjoy the nostalgic experience of this classic real-time strategy game right in your browser.