Expeditions: Rome

The game is very good. I liked the combat. The story is nice. The game is quite linear and player doesnt have so many options. Overall nice game !

This is in its core a brilliant game, with some major flaws. All in all they're worth turning a blind eye to, but they are nevertheless frustrating. In general, I'm not a fan of big "missables", and in this game there is a huge one that comes early. I don't think this is a spoiler, but if you're paranoid you might want to look away. You can get a second rhetoric style. I missed the opportunity to do so, even though I'm the type of gamer that checks every crevice and corner for surplus loot and easter eggs. I might be stupid, but this is either way something which affects many, many crucial dialogues/choices throughout the game, and will in a very frustrating manner limit your options. Also, out of the 89 hours I've apparently played, I think 87 were waiting for praetorians to climb up and down ladders. Why do I still recommend it? I couldn't really focus on any other aspects of my life properly until after I was done. It's addictive and genuinely interesting, providing an authentic narrative that channels the passion of the developers. I'd recommend playing the earlier instalment, Expeditions Vikings prior to playing this if you're a fan of the tactical X-COM style combat; it's in many ways very different, both in good and bad ways. I played the games pretty much back-to-back and now I'm hoping that a new sequel is in the works (which, according to some intensive googling, seems to be the case).

Reminds me of the first time I played Fallout: New Vegas. The gameplay is completely different, but the feeling when it all came to an end was the same.

Excellent story and core gameplay. The legion battles can be a bit boring, but the tactical party based battles more than make up for it. Add to it excellent rpg aspects with meaningful choices and character customisation, and you get a game which I would highly recommend

Not much left of actual "expeditions", but it is a good game. It is a shame that there will be no more expeditions.

It’s such a weird concept. It’s supposed to be a party based RPG, so why throw Total War into the mix? Why make the player act as both a political leader and an adventurer?

The game tries to do too many things at once and loses focus, dropping the ball on every aspect. The most empty and lifeless strategic map award is well deserved. And it’s not like the juicy part is in the tactical map or squad management either

The game would be so much better if it focused on doing at least one thing well

Outstanding RPG with excellent turn based combat. Not perfect but still outstanding

fun turn based strategy with great graphics and story arch

This game is amazing. It's an RPG with turn-base tactic combat. Nothing fancy at first glance, but it's done well.

The most pleasing nature of this game is the lines are all voice-acted and done so well. Characters and places names are pronounced in latin. The cultural differences are shown and the game doesn't shy away from showing conflicts of the time. Not much of the "modern audience" shenanigans so far. I only play as male so I'd love to see how difficult it will be if choose to play as female. If it'd make the game harder, that'd be even more amazing.

The game is not fancy, as said. There are 4 classes with 3 subclasses. Some weapons and armors appropriate to the theater where we find them. Characters are greatly written. Plot progress well and I'm excited to play more. So far, this is a great game.

A tour de force from start to finish. An amazingly well-written story, inspiring and likeable characters, and an antagonist you can see coming from a mile away (which, in this case, isn't a bad thing). A fascinating "What if?" scenario, exploring the possibilities of what might have happened had Julius Caesar been killed on his first deployment. You take up the mantle, and mostly mirror his meteoric rise to the top of the greatest empire of the ancient world. With a variety of different endings to choose from, even allowing you to maintain the republic instead of turning it into an empire, you'll always be satisfied with your ending. For the record, I chose to march my legion on Rome to depose the evil dictator, then I went into exile in Egypt and shacked up with Cleopatra, a la Mark Antony. Except my life didn't end with a snake bite!

This was not what I expected - but in a good way! It exceeded my expectations a lot.

It is not only a very nice turn-based tactics combat game. It has a nice strategic layer, meaningful RPG elements, interesting characters and companions, a long story arc devided by acts and impactful decisions on your journey. Music and voice acting are very good. I found mself caring for my companions, especially towards the end game - which I find quite rare in this genre.

This game is not without flaws - like the sub par controller support, for example. But I enjoyed it very much and can easily recommend the game to fans of the genre.

An immersive CRPG. It's not doing anything game changing, but I enjoyed my time and the characters in it. It did spin the history of the time period to make the story fit, but it was engaging.

My biggest drawback was that when it comes to crafting weapons, or assigning Praetorians to tasks, I have to physically go back to camp. Other than that, gameplay was solid, no major bugs on my playthrough.

Rating: 7.5/10

Cool Alt History XCOM style RPG. What if Caesar never lived long enough to be influential and instead your character is put in a position to shape the future of Rome driven by the motivation of the story in this game.

Gameplay is fine, though some sections could be a bit of a slog. Maybe play on normal or easy and speed up enemy combat turns in the options.

Great game in a great series. The legion battles can get a bit tedious, just because there are so many of them. This is also a little less of a role-playing rpg than its predeceossor. It is however still my favorite of the series. The gameplay and plot are top tier. Special shout out to the improved UI/UX

Honestly, it's one of the best games I've played in years. Nearly on par with Baldur's Gate 3, I had an absolutely fantastic time playing and eagerly hope for more Expeditions games in the future.

The combat and the exploration parts both drag me in. the game seems to be the most likely one to pull me in to play multiple playthroughs.

I have just completed the game, I have mixed feelings, on sale its great value for money. I really enjoyed Act 1 and II.

I feel that a few minor changes can help a lot for quality of life. When moving around the campaign map your unit versus your army you can see whats in the top left corner to select as it gets covered and is really frustrating. The amount of times I wanted to attack an outpost with my army and yet my personal unit is clicked and I have to reset where I was going. Everything inside the cities points of interests takes a long long long time just walking around, you want to talk to someone on top the temple you have to walk all the way to the top every single time. I would go get a drink and come back. Then when you are done most of the time you dont get a quick exit. I also found the game really got slow and bogged down in the last act, the fights just go on for ages so many enemy units have to act, and all your allies have to act its frustrating and pointless, to have a mission not show you all the objectives at the start could save you an hour of playing when you know you cant complete it. For example I had to survive, so I did with 1 archer, then it says eliminate all remaining enemy, so impossible... Took me an hour to get to that point, and the whole plan was to break the dam from the beginning but we have no units near the dam to do it and my units are on the other side of the map? I also got catapults that cant hit anything as they can only target outside the walls where no enemy are? My choices felt like they had no meaning in Act 3, I walked into trap after trap after trap, and I can understand running around doing quests when I am not a significant part of the Army, but when I am now at the top its suicidal and makes no sense. Act 3 needs to be redone.

This game is amazing. In my opinion it surpasses games like BG3 in terms of quality.

Expeditions Rome is an isometric turn-based combat simulation with role-play elements. Some moments and characters shine, but other story elements are average. I am not a history buff or a Rome enthusiast. Excellent combat combined with these above-average elements makes this a good game. It tries to be a story-rich, choices matter Jagged Alliance 2 with the alternative history concept and your Roman legion replacing the roughed mercenary company and '90s atmosphere. This attempt leaves much to desire, but this game deserves your money. There is clear dedication, effort, and successful management. I would wait for the sale if you are poor but still want to buy original games, like me.

Didn't click with me at all: I find combat quite boring and legion management tedious. I guess I was also expecting more of a party-based RPG with a tight group of companions and didn't appreciate having to recruit 10 random praetorians I didn't care about to send on missions. Good game performance- and graphics-wise, though, can't say anything negative.

I just finished the game and I did enjoy it, as I'm a fan of XCOM-like, turn-based RPGs. It's a fun few tens of hours to finish the campaign, but unfortunately there's little replay value here.

The pros:
- Fun turn-based combat for the most part, with some decent skill trees and several interesting encounters.
- Good balance between combat, basic grand strategy and some role play in dialogues.
- Very decent voice acting, music, and graphics
- Decent length main campaign. Neither too grindy, nor too short.

The cons:
- Zero replay value, mainly due to very few meaningful choices, in a surprisingly linear story. Could really use some lessons from BG3 and perhaps a sandbox/conquest mode.
- The grand strategy elements are quite shallow and the overall campaign unsatisfying.
- Huge missed chance in the legion vs enemy card game battles, should have really spent some time to do some proper animations for each tactic. No need to redo Total War or Bannerlord, but anything would be better than what's there now.
- Crafting suffers from too many legendary drops and no meaningful variety between the various options. They did get weapons right, as the same tier dagger could have very different associated skills, but the rest is meh.

Ready for XCOM -like gameplay in relative realistic historic setting? Welcome to Expeditions: Rome

The gameplay: Similar to XCOM you have turn-based tactical combat with your 4 to 6 praetorians, rpg-elements since those praetorians belong to four different character-classes with different equipment und skillsets and a management aspect where you care and use your legion to conquer the world map.

The story: Your father was murdered by political rivals. You are sent to hide in a legion of a family-friend where you are soon given a command. From there on you try to collect evidence against your rivals while solving all kind of crisis threatening Rome.

The problems: The game is quiet hard especially in the beginning when you are still learning the mechanics and the game forces you in a battle with a time limit where none of your praetorians are allowed to go down. According to the achievement statistic only about 15% of the players finished the game on medium or a higher difficulty. There is just one difficulty-level below medium but at least you can fine-tune different aspects of the difficulty-level. Also managing the equipment of your up to 14 praetorians soon becomes a chore and the legion-battles get boring really fast.

If you are looking for a game that scratches the XCOM-itch and have some frustration tolerance Expeditions: Rome is for you. If you dig the ancient Rome aesthetic it’s a nice bonus.

At times repetitive, at other points unintuitive, not particularly difficult and yet deeply engrossing and fun.

The authors do a great job of melding historical authenticity with fantasy, depicting an alternate history take of the late republican era and the rise of a would-be Julius Caesar. It's one of those games that I would point to to express that authenticity means a lot more than accuracy when telling narratives. That it doesn't shy away from at least touching uncomfortable subjects of the ancient world is quite refreshing.

The characters around you run into are surprisingly interesting - though at first they seem like archetypes, there's a depth of opinions that lies beneath the surface. Syneros, a greek servus and teacher, in particular, offers a lot of great commentary that encourages you to consider the philosophy of your actions and your decisions.

While the gameplay is far from perfect, with repetitive battles and subjugation missions making up the worst parts, it also contains quite a bit of mechanical depth with a lot of variation that encourages tweaking and optimization. The sieges are among the best missions in the tactical rpg genre, in my opinion, allowing you to witness events happening at a great scale.

In short: ROMA INVICTA!

A great little gem Ive stumbled upon. I don't usually write reviews, as you can probably tell, but I felt I had to for this game. I have thoroughly enjoyed it, the story so far is amazing, nicely written. It reminds me of Simon Scarrow's novels about Cato and Macro.
I highly recommend for fans of Rome who want a fun tactical rpg set during the Republic.

Closest game I've found to a fantasy X-com. Not quite as in-depth, and no magic, but the skill trees are satisfying, the camp development is strategic, and it's a decent challenge (though I'd recommend playing on at least hard difficulty if you're a veteran strategy gamer)

I finished Act 1, but I think I'm done with the game. It has a bunch of features, but does none of them particularly well.

-You have companions, but none of them are remotely interesting like in BG 2 or 3.
-There's tactical combat, but not as good as XCOM. If you REALLY like tactical combat, this could probably be what carries the game for you, but don't expect anything revolutionary.
-It has base/army management and item crafting, but it's incredibly shallow.
-You have a bunch of options for army battles, but it really doesn't seem to change that much.
-The storytelling, despite an incredibly rich potential given the historical context, is very flat. Games like Tyranny or Knights of the Old Republic handle it much better.
-The world is much more accurate than a lot of other games in the ancient world (speaking as an actual classicist). I was impressed with the correct Latin and they clearly had somebody coaching them on classical pronunciation. The armor and weapons were also clearly based off of real extant pieces and models. However, there were still enough flaws that it really couldn't carry the game by itself.
-The overworld portion is incredibly tedious; especially compared to something like a Total War game
-Walking around in the specific areas is very slow with the areas not being interesting enough to make me want to be there longer than absolutely necessary.

It might not be fair to compare every game to XCOM or Baldur's Gate. Honestly, it's okay, but after playing for awhile I asked myself why I was playing and couldn't answer that question. I decided to slog through to the end of Act 1 but couldn't bring myself to go farther. The game just tries to do everything, but ends up with no soul. It seems like it was created by AI rather than a human.

EDIT: Almost forgot, but the amount of loading screens is absolutely brutal. You frequently have to go in and out of your camp and it gets very mind-numbing.

A really fun game, would be a 9/10 if there was co op

I went in expecting it to be a very shallow, indie style game, tactical combat with a little bit of RPG skill-system thing thrown in.

But goddamn, this thing is an incredibly well written, full-on RPG.
A well realized plot (much better realized than, well, most modern RPGs I've played), a very, very fun tactical turn based combat system, and GASP, they actually got to keep my money by not being cringe woke and making women look like women. Hot.

Well done this.

One of the GOATs for me. Great story, combat, mechanics. 10/10.

Although I personally didn't like the game; I can see how it would be good for some people. I like an open world where you can explore at your leisure. This game tells a story. There is a set path and you don't have an option but to go to the next mission.

This is one of my new favourite games, a good balance of story, role playing, ease (for casual gamers like me) and length. I look forward to more from these folks!

Historical rpgs are rare, and this is a good one. If you are into Roman History I recommend it.

Truly fantastic if not the best turn based combat game on the market. If only legion battles were 3D, like Total War. It would be the best game overall for me. Caracter class skills + weapon skills - supreme.
Get it and play it.

SPOLIERS ALERT!!!

This is a fun game and I highly recommend it to people who enjoy more simplified RPGs and not something as grand as a Pathfinder or Divinity title. You more or less play as Julius Caesar in RPG form during the collapse of the Roman Republic and I had a good time with it. The combat is very easy to get the hang off and outside of a few specific encounters, I didn't find the game that difficult. The only real challenge combat-wise was getting lit on fire by archers or torches since it bypasses all your armor. The AI for the most part is pretty skilled and they tend to avoid doing extremely dumb shit, but aren't all-knowing and aren't hard to beat. There isn't much in the way of looting since you end up crafting all your gear once you unlock Tier 3 schematics which I found kind of lame since it is an RPG game. I did like the idea of scrapping unique weapons and then getting their ability to put on other items of yours since it allows you to create a consistent armor scheme. Weapons having their own set of abilities was also a cool touch and allows for some further customization depending on what you wanted to build your character around.

The main issue with this game is that while it starts off really strong, it tapers off as you progress towards the end. By the time you reach Act 3, you pretty much have every piece of gear and ability that you want + pretty much all the enemies are no threat to you whatsoever. The story rapidly devolves and there are certain plot lines that make absolutely no sense (your main rival rescuing you for no reason?), which is a shame since it starts off pretty well. I also found the whole campaign micromanager extremely boring since it was just doing the same thing over and over again with no variation except maybe upgraded strategems.

The main story overall was pretty predictable, but you have a ridiculous amount of choices that you can make that affect the story which creates a wide variety of endings. The idea that you can storm Rome, kill your main political rival and then flee to Egypt, marry Cleopatra, and become the pharaoh is really really cool and I thought that was an awesome way to play the game. The minor characters that accompany you all have interesting side stories and personalities that are different enough from one another that they appeared pretty unique. The world building is also pretty good and I was happy to see that they started the game in the Mithridatic Wars since that's usually something that isn't ever highlighted.

Overall, it's a fun game if you like simpler RPGs. Decent story with a wide array of endings. Solid combat. Mid customization.

Listen to Mike Duncan’s, The History of Rome podcast while playing this game - goes together like wine and cheese. 🤌🏼

Brilliant game. Sad for there will be no follow up

superb classic rpg with good writing and impactful choices

An interesting RPG with great well written characters with character development, turn based combat and a wide spanning campaign with what I found to be a satisfying epilogue based on the majority of your decisions. The entire game is voice acted to a really good standard and really immersed me in the Roman setting, it was also interesting to see their take on an alternate history.

The sheer scale of this compared to what I thought I was getting in to was great, not what I expected. The first 2 campaigns/acts by far shine the brightest, with the 3rd act dropping slightly however pulling it back in with a satisfying conclusion.

What a fantastic game! I cannot suggest it enough to fans of isometric turnbased strategies and Rome. While games like BG3 have opened up the genre to new people, Expeditions: Rome has been offering up a solidly Roman and very entertaining addition for the veteran community that should appeal to new comers as well.

Pretty good game if you like turn based combat. They fixed the main problems I had with the previous game, Expedition: Vikings: there is no longer a time limit and the missions are much more diversified and feel different one from the others.

Historically faithful and satisfyingly complex. Definite thumbs up.

An incredible hidden gem. I can't recommend it enough if you enjoy games like Baldur's Gate, XCOM, or the historical Total War titles. A shame the developers have been all but extinguished thanks to Embracer Group. There is so much potential and talent on display here, I would've loved to see and play whatever game they made next.

Expeditions: Rome stands as a monumental achievement in the realm of tactical role-playing games, offering an experience that is both immersive and profoundly engaging. From the outset, players are drawn into a meticulously crafted world that seamlessly blends historical authenticity with compelling gameplay mechanics.

The game's narrative is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving a tale that is both grand in scope and intimate in its character development. Each decision feels weighty, with choices that resonate throughout the campaign, ensuring that no two playthroughs are ever truly alike. This depth of choice and consequence is a testament to the developers' commitment to delivering a truly dynamic experience.

Combat in Expeditions: Rome is both challenging and rewarding, requiring strategic thinking and careful planning. The variety of classes and abilities available allows for a multitude of tactical approaches, catering to a wide range of playstyles. This flexibility not only enhances replayability but also ensures that each encounter feels fresh and engaging.

The game's attention to detail is evident in its rich environments and authentic portrayal of ancient Rome. The developers have painstakingly recreated the era, from the bustling streets of Rome to the far-flung battlefields of the Republic's campaigns. This dedication to authenticity serves to further immerse players in the game's world, making each moment feel both real and significant.

It is a testament to the game's quality that, even after 130 hours into a single campaign, players find themselves eager to continue exploring and experiencing all that Expeditions: Rome has to offer. The sheer depth and breadth of content ensure that there is always something new to discover, making it a title that is well worth the investment.

Expeditions: Rome is not just a game; it is a journey—a journey that every fan of tactical role-playing games should embark upon. Enjoy

If you are a fan of turn-based isometric combat from games like X-Com, Wildermyth or Battle Brothers, this game is of interest to you.

The story kept me engaged the entire game, and the combat never got boring. While the combat is not the most intricate, it definitely has enough depth to keep you engaged for the entire game. There were several points in the game where I thought it would end but an interesting twist reeled me right back in for another engaging campaign and plotline.

I had a lot of fun playing this game and I would have loved if it lasted even longer!

good game interesting story with a little history, just a shame that the original developers left the studio to make nft games

What a gem. Goated Dev's making another banger.

PLEASE let us have some more games like this. Iron age setting is OP it lends for so much content. Imagine covering Alexander's route through Persia!
Love this game. It has its flaws but still a 10/10.

Very fun. Didn't know i needed a game with dnd mechanics in a roman setting before.

very fun and easy to learn

A long journey of a game that culminates in a thrilling finale. Great story and characters, developers did put some passion in. Fun combat.