It’s far simpler than that.
But over time its subtler details become more apparent, and your choices start to feel more multifaceted.
And yet, it remains at heart the same throughout.
So maybe it’s complicated, but simple to actually play?
Alright, let’s describe it.
Each also get a unique story to set things up.
Theres a tonne of character text but it keeps out of the way if you dont ask for it.
Those evil bastards to the Southwest keep trying to invade, howdarethey?
The other reason is where the differences between factions come in.
But two characters with identical stats aren’t necessarily interchangeable, since most also have special skills.
One has a much higher success rate at diplomacy.
Another is very good at training cavalry, and another grants direct bonuses to archers in combat.
I’ll come back to combat later.
What all this means is that your capabilities are defined by who’s on your side.
Not only the number of people, but what they’re good at.
Because, you see, you’re free to steal characters from other factions.
You get their skillset, and you deprive someone else of the same.
It’s surprisingly dramatic having to decide then and there which specific people to behead.
Imprisoned people can be recruited or, ah, “interrogated” first and then turned.
Released ones might join you in gratitude… or turn up fighting for someone else.
This is a weird one.
You don’t recruit armies, as such.
The battles initially seem like hopeless chaos.
There is, however, a 7-way rock-paper-scissors system going on.
So you’ll match unit for unit, right?
That’s a good baseline.
And it’s here that things get really messy.
Powers require mana, but also need to charge up over time, and each charges at different rates.
Some launch big area attacks or buff allies.
Battles remain messy, and any semblance of formation or organisation evaporates almost immediately.
I’m not convinced it’s worth it, but I love the concept.
And I love that it doesnt waste my time with city admin or recruiting or management busywork in general.
For all this though, each turn is simple even when you have lots of characters.
It could really use a “repeat orders” function, or just some alternative to the repetition.
It’s weirdly compelling, and its complications aren’t demanding or laborious.
It has personality, helped along by the excellent portraits.
