The hame is probably one of the best action rpg of all times. Nothing to add on this review that not already said. One BIG complaint is that since i play it on steam deck ( i bought it from gog, like almost all my games to support directly the devs ) i would like a separate classic version to download. I can (?) Reverted on 1.32 version ( using heroic app for the gog Linux support so i have some restrictions ) but also the extra installed gigs for not reason just bothers me. Please for the love of god, add a separate store front with the classic version that we can directly download.
many compare doctrine with the newest x - coms but it is mostly because doctrine is a turn based game while xcom redefined the genre (so are close in the sense that all the 4x4 cars called jeep ). Other than that is one of the very few turn based games bold enough to try somethings different while preserve many succeeded elements from xcom The pace of Doctrines gameplay remind me most of the long war 2 mod. You can send multiple Teams in different places, you will need to farm some missions before progress the story in order to level up and you will learn to care about those agents of yours. stealth means a lot ( we talking about spies) but honestly I had the first mission without kill someone after 140 hours of gameplay. Bring one or two agents cover up to do the job and the rest armed to teeth waiting in the corner like an A team and you will ne fine. The boarding mini game is also a welcome addition. Graphics - builded on unreal engine is the quality difference here ( I m looking at you phoenix point ) beautiful lights, quite well models and textures. I wouldn't believe I'd say that but the 80s feeling feels very fresh after so many sci fi turn based. Sound- voices with some exceptions are not so well made, especially the cia protagonist is abysmal. the music on the other hand is gorgeous and enough subtle at the same time so to not get repetitive easily. Sound fx, especially guns are high quality. Atmosphere - everything screems 80s. From the building designs, the interiors, the clothes. That said, everyone who lived in the 80s will remember that those were hard times, raining every night when you had to go on undercover missions and especially breaking windows to come in was something ordinary and not at all suspicious. Ill admit that Can become somewhat repetitive ( almost all sanboxes games can ) but after watching an episode of homeland, secret city or even broadchurch I always ant to returne for one more mission.
For everyone that knows a little about ancient warfare, this is the closest that it can get on a video game. it hasnt a statigic level (*) and is based on tailored battles to tell a story of famous generals or factions and armies, from Hannibal to Ceasar, from rome to byzantines and all between . the community moding support is fantastic, produsing set ups and scenarios of more famous battles or generals stories. Have you seen a historical documentary of a battle? remember the formations and the generals desisive decision? here you can reproduce all of these. now, while the graphics seemed old, the tabletop style is captivated and manage to create a familiar feeling . sound serves its purpose but dont expect AAA levels ( blends with the graphics though ) the gameplay is deep, unforgiven or steep at times but fair. been a seasoned total war gamer and moder for over 15 years, field of glory2 felt like a natural evolution gameplay wise. * if you like turn based tactical warfare games AND a stratigical level on your wars and factions managment then you will have to compine it with field of glory empires, a seperate game. Do that and you will have a more sofisticated ala total war sanbox experience. the transition between games is smooth, takes 4 mouse clicks and less time than a battle on any newer total war to load. the price may seems high but gog always have sales and then it is a bargain. compine with field of glory empires it is a gem.
finally GOG host the game and is 10/10. It is what was total war for the rts fans ( they even "betrayed" them afterwards with the chimera squad release, like creative assembly did with modern total war :) It can be super maistream to super complex depented on the mod you use. But I will be honest. "the mod you use" is the catch here. Many mod makers and developers and people in general believe that if you are not on steam you are pirate and this can lead you feel and behave ( download mods from alternative sources etc ) like a 2nd class customer. i have the GOG version of the game plus all the dlc and i spend time to find a way to play with all the beautifull mods out there , especially long war 2 and i blame the develpers mostly for this. It cost me days to found out that i can definetly use the WOTC with every mod i can find ( use FLORI24 review below ) A first advise. many mods are based on community highlander mod. google "community highlander mod xcom2 crash on start how to install " and you will be fine! I play vanilla xcom 2 with long war 2 and extensive mods, WOTC super moded ( over 120 mods ) I play it only on GOG .
a) the graphics are cleverly picturesque and delliver the medieval fieling quite well. injuries, armors etc. being drawn graphics fell into the artistic section so to like them or not is adjective. b) the battle mechanics are among the best i have ever met on a game. the battles feeling realistic and let you try different strategies in a logical way. the ground, armor, training, enemies everything plays its part. you think something of a logical solution to a situation, you try it and you have many possibilities to succed. c) the game is difficult but no in the darkest dungeon punishing way. dont play on veteran because "you are a turned based die hard", play in easiest is not shame and will let you judge the game for what it is. d) the music and especially the sounds are super immersive. the classes sound impactfull, the screamings, roarings, high quality work. e) the RNG thing is just RNG thing. it is good that is there. it is not a chess match perce, on a battle many things can go wrong, the wind, a misstep, luck. it is not unfair its just that. f) the base game is ok, once you get the DLCs the next step should be to try the Legend mod. and for conclusion. I personally love the open world and open ending games. I understand that the campaign for some people seems without purpose and after a ( long ) time you are out of clear goals. ( reminded me of the total war campaigns, when you are overly powerfull and loose interest ) But in battle brothers if you continue you will most likely die, and i think that the games story is just that usually a sellswords life is eventually destined to end in death and bitter.
