Endless Legend

This game takes the turn-based strategy genre and breathes fresh life into it. Endless Legend incorporates many traditional elements of 4X titles, which can seem daunting to someone with little experience of these tactical games. Fortunately, the tutorial does a nice job of introducing the fundamentals, which is particularly useful to newcomers or younger players. But where it really shines is in the customization options and graphics. It's eye candy, pure and simple. Resources are animated and the map is dotted with items of wonder ready to be explored and exploited. The vibrant, 3-D map feels alive with imaginative buildings, races, and lush elements that look very good. Each of the factions plays differently, highlighted through separate victory conditions. For example, the Ardent Mages can achieve victory through scientific advancement while the Cultists win through supremacy and converting others to their path. The look of each race is different, which extends down to their buildings.

Research trees are tiered and broken down into a series of elements that actually makes sense, with the results of the research having an impact on the game almost immediately. Want to increase weapon damage? Build a forge and work metals. By being able to queue the research trees, you can relieve some micromanaging often associated with strategy games and focus on other elements. Where the game falters somewhat is in battle strategy, but even here what would appear to be a downside to a more experienced player works in favor of the novice. Combat is rather simplistic, and players can even put the whole affair on auto, which reduces hands-on tactical decisions. Overall, Endless Legend has some very minor flaws but brings so much freshness and visual appeal to the genre that players will find themselves lured back time and again to the lands of Auriga.