Game Review: Expeditions: Conquistador

Expeditions: Conquistador is a fun game put together by Logic Artists via a Kickstarter campaign.  Though I only heard about this through the grapevine, the game is apparently getting enough attention and praise that they’re already planning on putting together an expansion for it.  And after playing the game for many, many hours, I can honestly say that all the praise it has received is well-deserved.

The basic premise behind the game is that you play a Spaniard during the time of the conquest of the New World.  You grab up a handful of followers and set out to make your name, your fortune, or to just discover what wonders the New World has to offer.  Which goal you choose is yours to decide.  Which is one of the best things about this game.  

The followers you choose all have their own personalities, ranging from Pious to Greedy to just plain violent.  In order to keep them all happy (via the morale mechanic) you have to make decisions that they like.  If you go against what they believe, there is the threat of mutiny.  Further, each follower has their own back-story and ongoing story.  As you play through the game, these stories will come out, revealing more about your companions and sometimes affecting the game itself.  Thus, which people you bring along with you will determine how the game plays out, at least in a minor way.

As far as gameplay goes, you spend about half your time navigating around the world map, picking up resources and treasure and trying to keep your people alive and well-fed.  Occasionally, you’ll run into hostiles and then you will have to fight.  If you have enough Diplomacy skill, however, you can avoid many of the fights by using your words, giving several ways to resolve obstacles.  The combat system is fairly simple and reminiscent of games like X-Com, with turn-based, hex-grid tactical combat.

This game is truly addicting.  You’re not just running around leveling up and gathering money and equipment, you also get to shape the way the story plays out.  And though I haven’t reached a point where you can alter the actual history of the Spanish Conquest, I’m guessing there might be a better outcome for those that wish to make peace instead of war.  The game seems geared toward letting the player decide, using the historic background but allowing for choice to change the timeline.

The game is also not for the faint of heart.  If you want to be a really bad guy and subjugate the natives, you’ll have to be willing to cut down women and children or force the defeated natives into slavery.  The game doesn’t play nice with history and some of what goes on is pretty heinous.  Luckily, you can be the good guy and try to make peace, so it’s not all doom and gloom.

If you’re a person that likes tactical combat but also likes to have an ongoing, organic and player controlled story behind it, I highly recommend Expeditions: Conquistador.  You can grab the game up at Steam (only $9.99!) or buy it from the official website.  Just be prepared to lose a day or two as you find yourself lost in the fun that comes with exploring the New World.

Photo Credits -           

Expeditions: Conquistador courtesy of gamersgate.com