Expeditions: Rome

Expeditions: Rome is a tactical RPG with clearly outlined strategy elements. The game is the third installment of the series launched in 2013, which includes the games Expeditions: Conquistador and Expeditions: Viking. The game was developed by the Logic Artists studio developing the series, while its release was handled by THQ Nordic, which acquired the rights to the brand in November 2018.

Plot

Expeditions: Rome takes us on a journey to ancient Rome from the first half of the first century BC, when Gaius Julius Caesar was triumphant. The game gives us three extensive story campaigns, which are set in picturesque Greece, sunburnt North Africa and forest-covered Gaul.

Taking part in expeditions organised by an outstanding Roman leader, we learn about the fate of the main hero (or heroine, because we can choose the gender of the character). It is the child of a Roman dignitary murdered by a political enemy. Not wanting to share his father's fate, our hero (or heroine) has to leave the Eternal City and take part in the military campaign as Legatus. Return to his hometown, regain his lost heritage and take his revenge will be possible only if he becomes a widely respected (or feared, as the plot is non-linear and depends on our decisions) commander.

Game mechanics

We start Expeditions: Rome by creating a hero. What's interesting, at this stage we decide only about the gender and appearance of the character; we choose his class only after completing the tutorial and preliminary learning about the possibilities of each of the four available professions.

During the game we observe the action from an isometric view. Wandering through the lands, we complete tasks pushing forward the plot and numerous side missions, we meet characters who decide to join us (there are five of them and each has its own history and individual character traits and combat skills), and we take part in clashes with enemies. Skirmishes take place in turn-based mode, in arenas covered by a grid of hexes, and during them we have to both properly position members of our team and skillfully use their abilities.

As we progress, the combat potential of the protagonist and his companions grows, they gain new levels of experience and unlock new skills. Compared to Expeditions: Viking, character development has been slightly simplified and has become more transparent. In addition to class-specific abilities, skills linked to a specific type of weapon are waiting to be discovered. We gain new weapons and armour during expeditions or produce them in the camps.

The game also allows us to command an entire legion on the strategic map and decide where they should go and in what battles they must take part. The battles are presented in the form of interesting mini-games, and the largest of them, combined with skirmishes in which we directly participate with our team, are the highlight of each campaign. Apart from that, the duty of recruiting new soldiers and improving the war camp rests on our shoulders.

After each war campaign, we visit Rome. Our family villa is a kind of hub and a base for the hero and his charges. Moreover, there is a Senate in Rome, whose members we often have to convince to our cause, whether by force and intimidation or using our oratorical talents. Side quests await us here, among others related to our companions.

Technical aspects

Graphics of Expeditions: Rome presents high level of quality. Full of details and varied locations especially attract attention.