Expeditions: Rome

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Expeditions: Rome

by Mikhail Jan 31, 2022 | 1 Votes | 37 Played | 0 Reviews

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Genres:

Strategy , RPG

Graphics:

3D

Labels:

War , Historical Setting

Platforms:

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THQ Nordic Expeditions: Rome is a tactical strategy RPG developed by Logic Artists and THQ Nordic. You’ll play as a fledgling legatus on the rise, and you’ll take part in the turbulent events during the Third Mithridatic War. Explore the ancient world from Greece, Rome, Gaul, and Egypt with your legion. Play Now Similar Games Played Post a Review

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Summary Plotline Gameplay Graphics/Sound Conclusion

Summary

Rome was already an ancient powerhouse even before it became an empire under Augustus. Its legions marched through the plains of Gaul, the shores of Greece, the hills of Anatolia, and the sands of Egypt, plowing through rival armies. Its history gave us significant names we still quote and talk about today, including Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Scipio Africanus.

In turn, this makes it a fantastic setting for a historical video game, and this is what Expeditions: Rome does perfectly. You’ll explore the ancient Mediterranean with your companions and legion, visiting temples, villages, and even large cities as you perform quests and attempt to pacify rebellious locals. This turn-based strategy does not only have its setting going for it but also its rather exciting small-scale tactical and army battles, deep and well-defined RPG elements, and outstanding presentation.

However, like most Expeditions games, it has a rather steep learning curve, and it fails to explain certain aspects of its gameplay. Nevertheless, it provides a deep look into Roman life and a must-play for Romanophiles and those who show even a remote interest in the civilization.

Plotline

Expeditions: Rome takes place during the height of the Third Mithridatic War, where the Roman Republic is facing off against the Kingdom of Pontus, led by the Mithridates VI. You’ll play as an original character, a son of an assassinated Roman Patriarch sent to the frontlines to serve under the command of the real-life general and consul, Lucullus.

Without diving deep into spoilers, you’ll prove your courage in a battle, impressing some of the higher-ups, which will grant you command of your own legion. This honor comes with additional responsibilities, and great things are expected from you. After all, you’ll be replacing the mantle left by a certain Julius Caesar, who was unceremoniously felled by an arrow that could have struck your character during an ambush.

Gameplay

One of the first things you’ll notice in Expeditions: Rome is its deep RPG mechanics. Though essentially a strategy game, it puts character development at the forefront. You’ll have several class choices when you create your character, from the tank Princeps, long-range Sagittarius, support Triarius, and rogue Veles, each with their own set of skills and roles. In addition, you will also be responsible for equipping them, may it be with a fine gladius or with a shovel.

As a legatus, you’ll direct your legion by sending out tasks, whether it involves capturing a resource point or harvesting resources which take the form of rations, medicine, slaves, etc. Note that you’ll need to have enough of these to perform specific tasks and raise morale; after all, an army marches on its stomach. The map presents an overview of each region your character and his entourage will traverse. Traveling will fast forward time and will make your legion consume resources. Quests are scattered throughout each region and are set in temples, villages, and cities. Moreover, you will inevitably encounter random events as you travel, ranging from enemy ambushes to religious cults helping you out.

The turn-based tactical battles are Expeditions: Rome’s main draw. You can deploy up to seven of your companions or praetorians in the field, and these can take place in city streets, fortresses, and different biomes. Characters have different roles, which means there are numerous tactical considerations you need to consider. Princeps may be slow and bulky, but they make valuable damage sponges and obstacles while your Veles will flank them as your Sagitarii rain arrows. If you’ve played the likes of XCom and Final Fantasy Tactics, you’ll feel right at home.

Expeditions: Rome’s weakest aspect is its army battles. In a nutshell, you’ll take to the field with your legions, issuing them commands from a deck of cards. These orders vary, ranging from tactics like having your men lock shields or scatter to weather an enemy attack or immediately charge forward while your enemies retreat. You’ll end up watching squares with labels clash without even knowing how the cards will affect your chances of victory. Outside of battle, you’ll manage your camp, construct upgrades, and manage resources to help keep morale high.

Graphics/Sound

In terms of presentation, Expeditions: Rome is nothing short of fantastic. The locales and explorable areas are nothing short of beautiful and are a joy to look at. I’m not sure how historically-authentic the architecture is, but everything is beautifully designed, may it be the Greek temples, busy fishing villages, and Roman villas. Character outfits are also customizable, and you can have them wear various Greek and Roman armors and helmets, setting them apart from their peers.

Finally, one of the best things about the game is its voice acting and pronunciation of Roman names. Though most characters have British accents, they use the Latin pronunciations of Roman words, like “Kai-sar” instead of the English “Si-sar”.

Conclusion

Overall, Expeditions: Rome presents a fantastic coming-of-age tale set in one of the most eventful eras in Roman history. It’s an adventure worth undertaking, especially if you’re a fan of Roman-themed movies and strategy RPGs. Yes, we recommend playing it, so start going on a journey to cement your place in history.