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Expeditions: Conquistador, developed by the independent studio Logic Artists, offers a unique turn-based RPG experience that distinguishes itself from the mainstream “cookie-cutter” approach often seen in larger game studios. This in-depth look at the game explores its compelling narrative, engaging tactical gameplay, and some of its shortcomings.

A Captivating Narrative Journey

Expeditions: Conquistador shines in its storytelling, employing a method largely abandoned by modern RPGs. The game immerses you in rich, detailed dialogues, vividly portraying the actions and personalities of the characters you encounter. This narrative style, reminiscent of classic RPGs like Planescape: Torment and Baldur’s Gate, encourages players to savor each interaction and make choices that resonate with their individual playstyle. The sheer volume of dialogue demands careful attention, rewarding players with a nuanced understanding of the unfolding narrative.

alt text: In-game screenshot showing a dialogue sequence in Expeditions: Conquistador.

The carefully crafted writing evokes a range of emotions, from triumphant satisfaction when confronting disliked characters to genuine respect for those exhibiting courage and integrity. Each encounter and storyline unfolds with unique twists and turns, making the gameplay experience akin to reading a captivating novel set in the New World, exploring the power struggles between factions, the lives of indigenous peoples, and the experiences of those who migrated to this new land.

The role-playing aspect is deeply ingrained in Conquistador’s narrative. You can choose to be a benevolent and magnanimous explorer, a shrewd strategist who carefully weighs the pros and cons of each decision, or a ruthless mercenary driven solely by greed. Furthermore, your interactions with your companions significantly impact the story. Displeasing them with actions that contradict their beliefs can lead to dissent and even rebellion. While the choices may not be overwhelmingly numerous, they offer varied outcomes, adding replay value to the game.

Engaging Turn-Based Tactical Gameplay

Expeditions: Conquistador’s gameplay seamlessly blends exploration and turn-based tactical combat. The exploration aspect allows you to assemble a party of followers, each with unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. Initially, you can choose from ten characters across five classes, with the option to recruit additional members, including indigenous people and migrants, throughout your journey.

The game world encompasses Hispaniola and Central America. With a playtime of 15-20 hours for a first playthrough, including numerous side quests, there’s ample opportunity to explore the world, discover interesting locations, gather resources for crafting, and uncover hidden treasures.

alt text: Screenshot from Expeditions: Conquistador depicting the camp management interface.

A unique feature of Conquistador is the camp management system. Limited turns within a given timeframe necessitate setting up camp, where you must manage food supplies, tend to injuries, and assign tasks like guarding, patrolling, and hunting. Hunting is crucial for maintaining adequate food rations to keep your party in optimal condition.

The turn-based tactical combat evokes similar experiences to games like Heroes of Might and Magic and Age of Wonders. Each turn allows you to move units within a specific range, determined by their class, while incorporating strategic elements on the battlefield. Factors like distance between units affecting ranged attack accuracy, unit facing influencing actions upon closing in, and obstacles providing cover from enemy fire add depth to the combat. Each unit possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, and special abilities, emphasizing the importance of pre-battle unit selection and strategic deployment. The interplay of these elements creates a compelling tactical experience.

Limitations and Imbalances

Despite its strengths, Expeditions: Conquistador suffers from certain limitations and imbalances. The limited number of turns, restricted dialogue choices, low companion levels, and forced faction selection can be frustrating. While the developers ambitiously incorporated various elements, their execution feels somewhat incomplete, leaving the game feeling slightly lacking.

alt text: In-game screenshot showcasing combat in Expeditions: Conquistador.

Repetitive tasks can lead to monotony, potentially diminishing the desire for replays. The game’s balance also presents an issue, with a lengthy tutorial potentially overshadowing the main narrative. Although multiple endings exist, player freedom feels somewhat restricted, with pre-determined elements limiting the impact of choices on the overall outcome.

A Lackluster Presentation

While visually acceptable, the game’s graphics can become tiresome over the 15-20 hour playtime. Overuse of blurring effects, simplistic animations, and limited character movements detract from the visual experience. The audio fares no better, lacking voice acting, featuring uninspired music despite the intriguing setting, and offering underwhelming sound effects that make toggling the audio almost inconsequential.

Conclusion

Expeditions: Conquistador presents a compelling blend of narrative and tactical gameplay, reminiscent of classic RPGs. However, its limitations in terms of balance, presentation, and some design choices prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite its shortcomings, the game offers a unique and engaging experience for those seeking a deep dive into a historically inspired RPG.