I never really got into PC gaming until a few years ago. For the most part, I took up with consoles where the use of a keyboard and mouse as a controller for video games was very much alien to me. As a result, I missed out on a ton of great titles that never saw a release on console platforms. Luckily, now that I have personally built a gaming PC, I don’t have to miss out on video games like Expeditions: Viking.
The latest release from developers Logic Artists, Expeditions: Viking is a strategy RPG that I can’t help but instantly think back to the HBO premium show, Game of Thrones. This might not be the exact setting Logic Artists had in mind when crafting their title, but it’s hard not to compare the similarities.
Being that this is my impressions piece, I can only speak of my time with the game so far, and I get the sense that this is one of those RPG titles you’ll be spending countless hours progressing through.
In the title, players take on the role of a young Viking chieftain who has taken the clan’s throne after the father has met his grave end. There’s plenty of political play right from the start as your father was not looked highly upon by certain families. Because of this, there are enemies lurking about to dethrone you and not to mention those who will see your clan as easy prey due to the recent passing of its chieftain.
Although you may be the son of the recently passed chieftain and as a result the new head of your clan, players will have the ability to make some drastic customization and lead your people into a prosperous town. Right from the start of the game, players can adjust their character in a few select ways visually, though it’s not enough to really warrant being all that different from the countless other characters within the world.
What will make you different are the skill sets available for upgrades. This won’t be anything too different from the other countless RPG titles you’ve likely played in the past. Gamers will have the ability to adjust various attributes and strengths that may help you in not only combat but also in dialogue.
While on the subject of visual, Expeditions: Viking is an isometric strategy RPG and for the most part, the graphics fall right within the ranks of practically most isometric strategy RPG titles that have launched over the past few years. The game might not win any awards visually, but it’s certainly nothing to keep players from picking up the title.
Going through the game, players will find that several responses when it comes to dialogue and as a result, selecting certain answers or questions may alter gameplay. Depending on your strengths and attributes, choosing a certain option may result in getting the appropriate answers your clan may seek out, though if all else fails, your group can enter combat.
Combat is turn-based and as such, it will require some patience. Depending on how many members are in your party, players will have two real options each turn. At the start, players can maneuver their characters around the map while also attacking or healing characters, similar to how Banner Saga played out, another strategy Viking RPG.
Each character will also have a variety of specialty options such as laying down traps which ultimately further enhances some of the strategy play that goes into the game. Again, not only will combat be strategic, players will have to use a bit of patience as there’s really no means to speed up the opposing team’s movements so battles can drag on just a tad bit long.
So far, Expeditions: Viking looks to be a well-worth purchase. Graphically the title might not be the most appealing isometric strategy RPG, but if you enjoy Viking history, political play, choices, and strategic combat, you might want to do yourself a favor and give the game a look over.
Disclosure: A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for purposes of review.
