"Rurick" is a campaign based around the main character of Rurick, a legendary founder of the Russian State. In this campaign you play people who are under the orders of Rurick, and have to extend the borders and conquer land by means of conquest or peace.
Playability: Due to the superb Ai files playing through Rurick was a lot of fun. Firstly having to position Outposts indirectly by use of Ai was a good addition and then having to conquer surrounding peoples so that you may benefit. The Ai files were really up to the task and proved for many a hard task, due to the fact you had a fixed force, even if these included self-healing berserks.
Balance: The balance was as previously mentioned good, due to competent Ai files which really prove for a challenge. The way that you are given a reasonably big army to begin with makes you think that the battles will be one sided, but soon enough you'll be fighting to save every man you can possibly keep alive.
Creativity: The creativity of this campaign was another good feature of a solid campaign. The idea of making a campaign on Rurick, a legendary person of stature proved interesting. It also seems that ENOTH managed to pull this off well. Features of the creativity include buying villagers, upgrading your troops, the trade routes idea was brilliant and really gave the feeling, is it ok to keep the man there for extra gold, or do I need him here in the thick of the fighting.
Map Design: The map design of Rurick was above average. With varying terrain's, the map gained the feeling of Russia and the map supported the Ai players and proved for many a tactical challenge. A thumbs up to the author here for a job well done.
Story/Instructions: The story was strong, especially at the introduction screen with detailed sections with hints that you really are advised to use and a solid bitmap. The instructions in game where not too many but enough to know what to do at the right time, and you knew your objectives as they were very clear from the start of the campaign.
Overall: A good campaign, worthy of making The Best of AoK section of the Blacksmith and a campaign based around an interesting figure.