Don't go in expecting an in-depth fleet simulator. That being said, if you are looking to send a maximum amount of Japanese tonnage to Davy Jones' locker with a minimal time investment, sending out a torpedo spread in this game is very, very rewarding. Accessible real time with pause strategy, if a bit casual.
Improves on the Panzer Corps formula by adding a supply line mechanic, unit special actions, detachable commanders, and an entrenchment system, This game also places more emphasis on naval operations than Panzer Corps. Build up a core force to suit your tactical fancy, gaining experience as you progress through the campaigns. Missions are varied and interesting, and the veterancy system rewards careful play. The DLC system can seem like a shakedown, but nobody pays full price for Slitherine/Matrix games, neither should you. On sale, you can buy the campaigns you actually want to play, which turned out to be a bargain for me.
The Legend of Eisenwald is one of my favorite games. This game however, does a disservice to the spirit of Eisenwald. This stand-alone DLC is just a single map scenario, where the devs use the toolset to crack a political joke about the 2016 election. This may have been relevant during the election season, but a year and a half later I've had my fill of Trump and Clinton. It's advertised as a sandbox mode in Eisenwald, but I just sandboxed for 25 hours on the Iron Forest map by avoiding the main quest. If you need a fantasy story inspired by CNN, this is a must-have. My fear is that folks will buy this as a cheaper alternative to Legend of Eisenwald, which would be a huge mistake. The great lore and storytelling is an integral part of this game, and when you sacrifice that for a political joke, the game becomes a mediocre tbs at best.
I enjoyed both Banner Saga games, but I was tired of killing retro fantasy robots, so I thought I would love this. Unfortunately, I quickly found myself skipping through tedious blocks of dull dialogue, just to arrive at combat sequences that were boring and easy.
The engine and mechanics had the potential to make this the best turn-based fleet simulator since Jupiter Incident. Unfortunately, the campaign is dreadfully boring, the one enemy you face is repetitive and uninspired, and the lack of any meaningful rpg system makes this kind of a disappointment. There is no designing, no ship upgrades, no editing weapons or loadouts. That doesn't mean you can't have fun here. I think I got my money's worth playing the skirmish mode. Maneuvering your ships to support each other's strengths and weaknesses is the core of fleet tactics, and this game does that brilliantly.
