I just wrote a 2000 word review breaking the game down into different categories, and my browser crashed, which cost my the whole thing. To summarize, I've played every major fantasy RPG from Baldur's Gate onwards, and this is by far the best. It is bug free, features liberating and satisfying combat, has gorgeous graphics, solid writing, varied and immersive voice acting, and decent ai. The character appearance creator is quite limited for faces and bodies, and they get recycled in the game, which is disappointing for such a high profile title in 2023. But that's my only criticism. If you want more great games by independent studios that love their product, then buy this game, take your time with it, and enjoy!
I've been playing this series since AoWI 20 something years ago. I was happy to pre order the Premier Edition and support Triumph. But I can't play the game. There is no multiplayer chat tab as in the old games, so to chat with other players, you have to open a separate tab, scroll down to the bottom, and then read the text, then close the tab to get back to the game. This seems to a clumsy, slow, and frustrating way to get players to communicate. I put me off trying to chat, which meant a lot less fun in the multiplayer. Then, there's all clutter. My friend and I both had to resort to reading the combat log after every attack in combat, because visually, we couldn't figure out what was happening. In game, there is so much going on, in the city, outside the city, that it feels like a whole bunch of features were jammed in without any regard for whether they improved the in game experience. Both my friend and I agreed that this could be a good game...in a year or two after patches, expansions, and mods are released. As it is now, I've requested a refund because for me, it's a chore to play.
Whether you want to battle on land or sea, or establish a trading empire, this city builder will give you the challenge that you desire. The graphics are basic but good enough, and that really goes for the rest of the game. It won't wow you, but it will capture you if you take the time to get through the first few missions.
