Expeditions: Viking

This game feels like a classic but not in that it has deliberately de-made graphics or a bad UI. It's the sheer amount of stuff packed in, the amount of meaningful choices, and the clear attention to detail on display that made me feel like I'd cracked open a big box game from the glory days. This is turn-based combat perfected. Short and sweet, hard hitting, you always feel you're in control, it's challenging but RNG is never an issue. Archers troubling you from cover? Smoke them out. Use spear fighters to jab around your swordsmen and axemen. If you're failing it's usually because you ran into a tough challenge or YOU made a mistake in tactics, not because chance wasn't on your side. You've got the reigns of choice here. The first major decision has several shades of choices interlaced depending on what you decide counts as an honorable duel. It would be a meaty enough game without the manifold components opening up soon after the first few quests. You do indeed have expeditions, but you also manage a stable of warriors and allies you need to keep in the zone for when they're called upon, materials gathered for crafting and trading, and eventually a homestead to guide and upgrade. There's some scattered voice acting, but the amount of reading is thankfully offset by the interesting characters and a story that feels authentic and dependent on your pathway to leadership. The 'good' option isn't always the one your allies prefer because it could be a sign of weakness. If you suggest something typically viking-ish like a raiding party you might flat out be told to keep your head out of the clouds and your mind on the problems at home. The 'correct' path isn't the one that satisfies everyone or the one the game rewards karmatically, it's the one YOU decide based on your playthrough. If you like deep roleplaying, great turn based combat, AND tons of systems, check it out!

Be warned. It is hard to grasp the mechanics of this game. I came here straightforward from Conquistador and the first days I was really close to uninstall this game and start over a new game in Conquistador. And boy, I am glad I didnt do it. Shield factor is important and changes completely the way to aproach battles. Archers factor, they are lethal. You will have to learn how to deal with that (demoralize, mostly) Setting camp, asigning chores to your hird is not a copy of Conquistador. Is more complex and will make you think things twice. Very good story. Amazing music. This time, unlike Conquistador, your main character has a real presence in battle. You create him/her from scratch assigning points to stats (similar to other rpgs) and choosing a few abilities. As you progress you will be able to choose more abilities (there is a huge lot of abilities). Your main character will play a major role in all your fights, be warned. I disagree with people claiming this game is easy. I played in Ragnar Lothbrook difficulty (not even the most difficult)and get my ass kicked too oftenly. Even when you are really strong and well equipped some random encounters can be an insane challenge (I am looking at you, wolves in England...what where devs thinking?) So...easy? My halls. The game provides a few characters which are totally fine. If you dont like them, you can ditch them later. And you can even create almost every member of your hird (very early in game)if you feel like it. Total freedom. I came here expecting Conquistadores 2 and I found Wasteland 2 in viking era and I am so happy about that.

I loved conquisitor and really enjoyed this game, but after only a few hours in when you try to visit the city of ribe, the game crashes. Whilst I didnt have the cannot load issue that many have, i had the game just crash whilst you are running around the town. Again and again and again, no matter what the settings are. Sad, as was enjoying the game, but considering how old it is now and that these bugs are not fixed, it shows that the makers do not care and i doubt they will fix it. Many complain about problems like this in the game in the large towns. Such a waste.

The game surprised me in many ways: + Excellent script/writing; good range of options (words and actions); not black & white + Incredible immersive soundtrack + Excellent combat system, very funny and challenging + Very interesting characters + Homestead and camping management systems are a treat + Great historical immersiveness, though many liberties were taken. Well done. - Minor UI issues, like ambiguous descriptions (especially about skills) - Combat skills UI bugs (some skills just never appeared in battle, others were dupplicate x10) -A bit predictable ending, and sometimes, but only very few times, the answer I wanted to give was not among the choices. It is still a very minor negative point. Overall, it is one of my best RPGs from the last years. Definitelfy a great historical game, more about what it could have been to live/die as a Viking in that era. Good representation of religious point of views with a modern and mature understanding. I had a blast and will remeber this game for sure. Thank you Logic Artists!

[h1] Great game (bought on Steam)[/h1] This is one of my favorite games of all time. It is not perfect but the game has a lot going for it. If you are into Nordic/Germanic history this is for you. If anything it was too short. Then again, any good game is always too short. I wish there were more games like it (what is taking so long? Get the new expeditions out there already @THQ Nordic. It's been 3 years). I did three playthroughs. All very enjoyable. 1st attempted to make trade allies with the Pics and Umbrians and lost in the end. 2nd attempt helped Pictavia conquer the south and ended up winning by a small margin. 3rd attempt rained hell on the Pics and North Umbria and destroyed my main rival. Overwhelming victory! Pro's: - Vikings! - Historic flavour. - Good turn based tactical game. - Improve your town. - Crafting weapons and armor. - Great music and lovely art style. - Traveling and graphics are a mayor improvent compared to Expeditions: Conquistadores. - Good price for the game time even at full price. - Your decisions have consequences. - Plenty of room for expansions or DLC's (afterall Vikings travelled far and wide into the Mediteranean, North America and even Asia) Con's: - Looting 100's of crates and barrels may be fun if you are 7 years old, but when you are an adult it gets boring real fast. - Town improvements could have been made more useful. - Buying equipment in town is exceptionally expensive. - Encountered one bug in my third playthrough where a quest got broken. Enjoyed and won the game nonetheless. - Where are the expansions or DLC's? This game deserves a sequel at least. Maybe adventures into France or Russia. Recently added the music and artbook DLC and played a 4th time.