Enough to delight strategy game fans, following the release ofAge of Mythology: Retold. Another studio, another approach to the genre... Amplitude Studios has announced the return of the Endless Legend license with Endless Legend II, a new opus in its strategy game series. This title, which combines the expertise developed on the Endless and Humankind games, will be released in early access on PC in early 2025 (no exact date given). Players can already add the game to their wish list on Steam in anticipation of its release.
This new opus transports players to Saiadha, a constantly changing ocean world. Environmental conditions, including waterfalls that radically alter the landscape, will provide strategic challenges and opportunities. Players will have to adapt to the world's transformations, confront ancient threats and explore the depths of Saiadha to uncover its secrets. " Each cataclysm brings new dangers, but also unique opportunities," says the studio in a release.
The game will feature several factions, each with its own characteristics, distinct strategies and asymmetrical approach to gameplay. At launch in early access, four factions will be available, with two more added at a later date. Players will also be able to join the Insiders program from January 30, to preview the game and provide feedback to the developers.
Our preview of Endless Legend II:
During a hands-on session, we were able to get our hands on Endless Legend II for a good two hours, an opus eagerly awaited by fans of the franchise... And, not being a fan of this type of strategy game ourselves, we were pleasantly surprised by the overall presentation. As we had access to a version that was still being worked on, we can't judge the rendering or the perceived bugs. One thing's for sure, though: the game's rendering is graphically rather pretty, and fits in well with the proposed universe. A good point to start with.
Next, on the gameplay front, we were able to practice on one faction (with a choice of two). We could have tested both (as was planned), but we preferred to concentrate on just one and sand it down as much as possible, so as to be able to offer you a more complete review... So we started with the Heroes faction(Kin of Sheredyn, the other being the Aspects faction, i.e. diplomats). And as far as the mechanics are concerned, it's pretty fluid and complete, and relatively intuitive to get to grips with.
We'd like to point out that we hadn't played Endless Legend, first of the name (we're 100% newbies), so we can't compare it with the old opus. So if you want to get into the game without knowing the slightest thing about the universe, the license or even the type of game, you can go ahead with your eyes closed! Everything is well explained, and the community will always be there to explain a trick or help you progress. And for connoisseurs of the franchise, getting to grips with the game will be almost immediate, as you'll find yourself back in the habit of gameplay loops.
The idea of this preview with our faction: to find land where our people can settle, and try to resolve conflicts, either by force or diplomacy. In this respect, it's also quite complete, with a wide range of possibilities. Note that you'll need to acquire XP to develop the skills of your heroes and your faction, so as to progress in your missions, a progression that is turn-based, like many strategy games.
We particularly appreciate the rich and dynamic staging of the narrative elements, which are well-integrated into the overall gameplay, changing the way you approach a campaign or a mission altogether. Combat is also well-paced, thanks to movement points (up to 5 in a single turn), smoothing out troop movements on the map.
Another huge plus is the map, which evolves with the weather and climatic conditions, changing the terrain dramatically. The idea: progress in a kind of constant uncertainty as to the positioning of a stronghold or the beginning of a city. Monsoon, typhoon... You'll be spared nothing, if the game so decides. This uncertainty adds a little more spice to the game, and avoids the pitfall of boredom.
What more can we say about this software... ? Not much, apart from the fact that we had a great time trying to complete the Kin of Sheredyn 's missions, while settling them more permanently on the island of Saiadha. Mission more or less successful, and our side... Your turn, if you have early access. If not, you'll have to wait until summer!
With this early access release, Amplitude Studios intends to fine-tune the gameplay experience based on feedback from the community. It remains to be seen how Endless Legend II will renew the formula while preserving the license's identity!
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