Love the game. Only reason I'm leaving this review though is because GOG won't let me launch the game without prompting me to share a review and I'm tired of clicking "Maybe later." Not cool, GOG.
I waited until full release because I don't care for unfinished products, and I am not disappointed with the game at all. It has a few experimental but not too weird mechanics. Voice acting is so-so, but I think the writing is very good. (I loved the time travel bit.) Some quests are mundane, but others keep me guessing, and even the mundane ones are realistic, with plausible background and dialogue. The quests require you to read and figure stuff out with few hints. Use your DIY journal, because there aren't that many guides online to help you, and if you forget where your NPC was, you are out of luck. I may never again find Chief Davon to tell him about the illegal beasts he asked me to slaughter.
I don't usually review a game before I've had time to explore it more thoroughly, but as of the day after its release, I'm so impressed I want to share my initial admiration with anyone who's one the fence about buying this awesome game. Gameplay (so far): 4 classes with branching skill trees, appears to rival xcmon in depth and complexity 9/10 Story (so far): Hard to judge on the second day, but I feel completely immersed. Voice acting is top notch; characters are lifelike; conversations feel natural. You get to meet Gaius Julius Caesar and, no spoilers, but something happens early on that makes me really excited about the rest of this campaign. Also, if you play as a woman, you'll get realistic reactions from everyone concerning your presence in an army. 10/10 Art: realistic and gorgeous 10/10 I love a good fantasy adventure as as anyone, but there's something deeply satisfying about playing in a historically familiar and realistic world. I haven't been this excited about a game since Pathfinder WotR. Definitely worth full price.
I've unlocked all the cards. I've beaten all the clan combos. I should move on to something else, but I can't...stop...playing...it.
I can't believe I only paid $4 for this game. I wouldn't have waited for the sale if I'd known how awesome it was.
For anyone who's played Final Fantasy Tactics, circa 1998, this is essentially a clone, with a new story and nicer graphics. (In other words, the best thing ever!) For anyone has not played Final Fantasy Tactics, this is a turn-based RPG with a lot of satisfying mechanics that differ substantially from the normal turn-based fantasy games you may have played. The combat grid has both a vertical and horizontal combat. Classes are fluid and can be changed every battle, but progression and skill choice is still very meaningful. I've been waiting for a game like this for years and I couldn't be happier with it. Nice art and lots of customization. Great story, too.
I actually liked this game slightly better than Banner Saga. It is very similar in theme and mechanics. The art was sublime. It's so nice when your characters are interesting to look at. The combat was solid. I found it challenging enough. It has simple skill trees with a few interesting things to try out. The story was complicated. A substantial chunk of the dialogue just went over my head. (Maybe 10%, usually because the lore was simply too bloated to be explained.) But there were also parts that made me shiver with awe. The story arc was solid, the tone was grim, and the consequences felt both weighty and real. If you like Banner Saga, dark fantasy sagas, or turn based games in general, I suggest giving Ash of Gods a try.
Stylish art, superbly designed visual effects, amazing writing. I am blown away.
Expeditions Viking combines two of the best possible themes any game can have: 1) challenging, tactical turn-based combat and 2) an involved storyline with heavy role playing. Either of these attributes is enough to lure me into a game, but the combination of both together is a rare delight. The game feels similar to Paradox's recent game Tyranny (which everyone who likes this should also play). The story holds a lot of branching choices and multiple ways to achieve your goals. Memorable traveling companions, great writing, and a lot of conversation. Bear in mind this endorsement comes from someone who does, in fact, like to read. I even read novels. If you do too, you'll probably like it. Also, lovely art (character portraits) and pretty good music. The historical flavor, if not exactly accurate, feels very genuine. I hope they make many more in this series.
I actually wish there were more stars to give this game. The combat, skills, equipment, interface, etc. are all good, top notch polished stuff. But the story is where this game really shines. It is really, really immersive. I've read bestselling fantasy novels that were less developed. (Yes, it's all text, so if you don't like to read, look elsewhere.) I've done one and half playthroughs so far, and if I had to guess, I'd say I've seen perhaps a third of the possible text. I would recommend Tyranny to anyone.
