Summary
- Release Year: 2017
- Genres: Indie, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy, Tactical, Turn-based strategy (TBS)
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Logic Artists
Expeditions: Viking (2017): A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
Expeditions: Viking is a historically-themed RPG set in the Viking Age, developed by Logic Artists and published by THQ Nordic. Players take on the role of a newly appointed chieftain of a small Viking clan and must lead their people to wealth, fame, and glory through raiding, trading, and exploration. The game features a deep and engaging story, a unique blend of turn-based combat and strategy gameplay, and a cast of memorable characters.
Gameplay
Expeditions: Viking combines turn-based combat with strategic decision-making, offering players a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience. Players control a party of up to six Vikings, each with their own unique skills and abilities. Combat takes place on a grid-based map, and players must carefully position their units to maximize their effectiveness and minimize their losses.
In addition to combat, players must also manage their clan’s resources, make strategic decisions about where to raid and trade, and interact with a variety of characters and factions. The game features a branching dialogue system that allows players to shape their relationships with other characters and influence the course of the story.
Setting
Expeditions: Viking is set in the Viking Age, a period of time from the late 8th to the mid-11th centuries. The game’s world is based on historical research and features a variety of realistic locations, including Viking settlements, monasteries, and battlefields. Players will encounter a variety of historical figures, including the legendary Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok.
Characters
Expeditions: Viking features a cast of memorable and well-developed characters. Players will interact with a variety of Vikings, each with their own unique motivations and backstories. The game’s main characters include:
- Haraldr: The player character and newly appointed chieftain of a small Viking clan.
- Brynhildr: A fierce and skilled shieldmaiden who serves as Haraldr’s second-in-command.
- Ivarr: A cunning and ambitious raider who seeks to prove himself as a worthy successor to his father, Ragnar Lothbrok.
- Halfdan: A wise and experienced elder who serves as Haraldr’s advisor.
- Eydis: A skilled healer and seer who provides guidance and support to Haraldr and his clan.
Story
The story of Expeditions: Viking is non-linear and unfolds based on the player’s choices. Players will make decisions that affect the fate of their clan, their relationships with other characters, and the overall course of history. The game features multiple endings, and players can replay the game to experience different outcomes.
Graphics and Sound
Expeditions: Viking features beautiful and detailed graphics that bring the Viking Age to life. The game’s world is rendered in a realistic art style, and the character models are highly detailed. The game’s soundtrack is also excellent, and it features a variety of atmospheric and evocative tracks.
Reception
Expeditions: Viking was released to critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising its deep and engaging gameplay, well-written story, and memorable characters. The game was nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Strategy Game.
Conclusion
Expeditions: Viking is a must-play for fans of RPGs, strategy games, and historical fiction. The game offers a unique and immersive experience that allows players to lead their own Viking clan to glory. With its deep gameplay, branching storyline, and memorable characters, Expeditions: Viking is sure to provide hours of entertainment.
Review Score
8.5/10