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Expeditions: Viking, developed by Logic Artists, the same studio behind the critically acclaimed Expeditions: Conquistador, takes players on a journey back to 789 AD, the era of Viking expansion. Trading the sun-drenched landscapes of 16th-century Spain for the icy fjords of the North, does this new installment recapture the magic of its predecessor, or is it simply a rehash of old ideas?

Expeditions: Viking – Game Review

Following a familiar narrative trope, the game begins with the mysterious death of your clan’s chieftain, your father, during a voyage to the British Isles. Thrust into leadership, you face immediate dissent and the threat of hostile forces seeking to exploit your clan’s vulnerability. The task before you is clear: forge alliances and secure your clan’s survival.

Expeditions: Viking – Game Review

While the overarching narrative might lack depth and suffers from a somewhat abrupt conclusion, Expeditions: Viking compensates with a wealth of player choices that shape the 30-hour journey. Alliances with the Picts or Northumbria lead to divergent storylines and quests, with consequences impacting your clan’s standing. Your actions, whether diplomatic, aggressive, greedy, or cunning, directly influence companion loyalty, and the prosperity and power of your homeland determine the ultimate outcome of your leadership.

Expeditions: Viking – Game Review

This freedom of choice is a core tenet of Expeditions: Viking. While the main objective remains constant, the path you take is entirely yours. The game acknowledges that pleasing everyone is impossible. Whether you embody a ruthless tyrant or a benevolent leader, the game presents viable solutions for every challenge. Companions may abandon your cause, individuals can become valuable traders or enslaved laborers based on your decisions, and even combat encounters offer options beyond simply killing or sparing enemies, with each choice impacting the narrative.

The turn-based combat system, a meticulously crafted element of Expeditions: Viking, occupies roughly half of the gameplay. Character classes and weapon choices dictate individual combat styles. Archers excel at ranged attacks, boasting the ability to fire twice in a turn. Spears offer reach advantages, axes can disable shield-bearing foes, and support characters provide crucial buffs and healing abilities.

Expeditions: Viking – Game Review

Assembling a well-balanced party allows for strategic execution on the hexagonal battle grid. Positioning, flanking, and exploiting enemy weaknesses become essential. Archers can flush out enemies from cover, shield maidens can block chokepoints, and spearmen can capitalize on these tactical advantages. The variety of skills and weapon types allows for dynamic and engaging combat encounters, further enhanced by visceral sound design and detailed character animations.

Expeditions: Viking – Game Review

However, the journey is not without its pitfalls. Numerous bugs, ranging from minor visual glitches to game-breaking crashes, plagued the initial release. While subsequent patches have addressed some of these issues, the overall technical execution feels rushed and unpolished. Furthermore, several design choices detract from the overall experience. The lack of control over party positioning at the start of combat, combined with the absence of an initiative system, can lead to frustrating situations where your archers are exposed and vulnerable. The awkward camera angle and its tendency to jump during combat also hinder the gameplay.

Finally, the homestead and ship customization mechanics feel somewhat inconsequential. While homestead upgrades offer potential benefits, the limited resources and minimal impact on the overall game diminish their value. Similarly, ship choices offer little practical difference, with limited opportunities for naval encounters.

In conclusion, Expeditions: Viking offers a compelling blend of RPG and tactical combat, rich with player choices and engaging gameplay. However, technical issues and questionable design choices hold it back from reaching its full potential.