Endless Space fans rejoice as Amplitude Studios open up their new fantasy turn-based 4X strategy Endless Legend to early access Alpha.
Honestly, it blows my mind that Endless Legend is still in alpha phase. Despite the fact that it is clearly incomplete, this game is really, really, good. I am 8 hours in, and I’m completely hooked. Each time my city is laid to siege by an enemy faction, I restart my attempt to dominate Auriga with renewed vigour, and determined to do better this time round. And the different factions mean that Endless Legend is highly re-playable. Amplitude Studios’ existing fan base will not be disappointed, nor will newcomers to this exciting universe.
STORY
Set after Dungeon of the Endless and a prequel to Endless Space, you control one of four (this will become eight on full release) factions struggling to populate the planet of Auriga, which is dying. Each faction is in a time-trial to save their people before the planet can no longer be lived upon. The currently known factions are The Vaulters, The Wild Walkers, The Broken Lords and The Necrophages.
GAMEPLAY
Amplitude Studios’ main goal in the release of this alpha is ‘to prove the main core loop to players’. Therefore, they have really put their work into the core mechanics of the game. As such, there are elements that are noticeably missing, although Amplitude emphasise that they will all be present in the full version. This doesn’t impede on the gameplay too much, though. You are perfectly capable of playing for hours without running out of things to do.
The general idea is to expand and exploit the land around you. Different factions benefit from different land types, ore and minerals can be extracted from the ground and used to gear your units and heroes. You can assimilate and recruit unique troops from Minor Factions which you encounter on the way, and either negotiate and pacify, or wage war with, the factions competing for space and power around you. In alpha phase, you have 200 turns to generate the best score possible against enemy factions – you are scored on your military prowess, research done, and tiles occupied.
As I’ve already mentioned, there are currently 4 out of the 8 total factions available for play, and they each have different mechanics. For example, the Broken Lords have an affinity with Dust, the currency of Endless Legend, and can be healed after battle using Dust, whereas Necrophages heal over time. The factions are varied enough that re-playing them feels like a new outlook on the game. Quest lines are slightly different for each, although you don’t miss out on anything particular by choosing one faction over another.
The quests are a wonderful addition to this genre. They provide directives and prevent the game from feeling monotonous. Some quests must be accomplished within a certain number of turns, putting a timed feel onto the game, and increases the sense of urgency.
Another interesting addition is the use of seasons. There is Summer and Winter. When Winter hits, the land becomes covered in snow, and your food production, visibility and movement is hindered until Summer comes around once more.
There are bright, shining ruins dotted around which can be searched. Searches either uncover Dust, enemy clans, or nothing at all. Sometimes they uncover new quests. Exploring and sending out settlers into unclaimed areas benefit by expanding the tiles occupied by your city, and sending your coloured border further out into the map.
It currently feels limiting that you can’t cross or interact with the water, but Amplitude have this covered – ‘Naval transportation’ is a very exciting prospect, and will even further expand the world which is open for your discovery and conquering.
HEROES AND UNITS
Researching allows you to unlock the ability to gear up and customise your heroes and units. Unlocking the Heroes Market allows you to exchange Dust for Heroes. Heroes all have a skill tree which, although fairly limited, allows you to control the progression of your Hero for their purpose. Amplitude Studios promise ‘varied unit abilities’ in their full version.
You can acquire neutral minor faction units by assimilating minor factions into your empire.
COMBAT
Combat is not finished. Amplitude promise a ‘finished battle system’ and ‘additional battle options’ in their final game. For now, combat consists of three main phases – to begin with, you must decide if you will play offensively, defensively or if you will hold your ground. You are given a vague prediction of your likelihood of winning the battle. You must then position your troops on the field. This is your moment to move your melee units into place in front of your enemy, and your ranged units out of the way. Then, choose which enemy your units are to hit, hit a button and you’re away. As it stands, combat is a little flat. You press a button and watch it unfold in front of you with no further input from the player. But I have high expectations from Amplitude on this front! I’m very curious to know how they intend to polish their combat system.
RESEARCH
Research trees are organised into ‘eras’. You must research a good chunk of an era before you unlock the next era to research. Researching costs more and more as time goes on, so prioritising your research properly will give you an edge. Researching unlocks the market, weapon and armour tiers, military units and constructions, to name a few.
ARTWORK
Endless Legend has a distinct art style which really compliments the fantasy theme. From the elf-ness of the Wild Walkers to the dark, glowing Broken Lords, the characters have unique and detailed appearances. The terrain is also beautifully done, especially regarding the high and low areas, which are stepped up to show off the high terrain, which is advantageous in battle.
MUSIC
Amplitude’s ‘first pass at music and sound design’ is outstanding. The music is beautiful, ranging from a calm and serene dingling as you explore, to dramatic music and sounds in moments of danger and tension. The tramp of hooves heard in the distance has you frantically scanning the map because you just know those damn centaurs are somewhere nearby. If this is their rough copy of the soundtrack, I simply can’t wait to hear their re-recordings!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Amplitude Studios have done a remarkable job of extending their Endless series with Endless Legends. The beautiful music and artwork sets off an addictive, well-thought-through strategy game in which politics and wise decisions are essential for success. I have high hopes for Endless Legend – this is one to watch!
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