Expeditions Rome

Expeditions: Rome is a tactical RPG enriched with clearly outlined strategic elements. The production is the third installment of the series started in 2013, which includes the games Expeditions: Conquistador and Expeditions: Viking. The title 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 triumphed. The production gives us three extensive story campaigns, which are set in picturesque Greece, sunburnt North Africa and forest-covered Gaul.

Taking part in expeditions organized 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). He is Legatus, the child of a Roman dignitary murdered by a political enemy. Not wanting to share his father's fate, our protégé (or heroine) has to leave the Eternal City and enlist in the army. He will be able to return to his homeland and regain his lost heritage only if he becomes a respected (or feared, as the plot is non-linear and depends on our decisions) commander.

Mechanics

We start the gameplay in Expeditions: Rome from 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 learning about the possibilities of each of the four available professions.

During the game we observe the action in isometric view. Travelling across lands conquered by Caesar, 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, individual character traits and combat skills) and we take part in battles with enemies. Skirmishes take place in turn-based mode, on arenas covered with a grid of hexes, and during them we have to both properly position the 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. In comparison to Expeditions: Viking, character development has been slightly simplified and has become clearer. In addition to the abilities characteristic to a given class, skills associated with a particular type of weapon are waiting to be discovered. We gain new weapons and armor during expeditions or produce them in the camps.

The title also allows us to direct an entire legion on the strategic map and decide where they should go and in which battles they must take part. The latter 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, we have to recruit new soldiers and improve the war camp.

In breaks from warfare, for our own and Caesar's glory, we visit Rome. Our family villa is a hub and base for the hero and his charges. In addition, the Senate is in session in Rome, whose members we often have to convince to our cause, whether by force and intimidation or using our oratorical talents.

Technical issues

Graphics of Expeditions: Rome presents a high level. The attention is especially drawn by detailed and varied locations.