Endless Legend 2 won’t reinvent the wheel. It improves on the original in every respect, and that’s completely fine with me

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11 years have flown by since Amplitude Studios released Endless Legend, their second game. Since then,

We’ll get another look at the imaginative universe of Endless, where fantasy and sci-fi intertwine in an exclusive combination. I think it’s great since it seems the French developers thrive in this genre. A sneak peek at the forthcoming Endless Legend 2 reveals that admirers of the first game can anticipate enhancements rather than a complete overhaul, with fresh factions and continued use of the distinctive features from the previous version—a dynamic map. Nonetheless, there’s still some uncertainty regarding minor aspects.

Revolution? Not at this address

In contrast to the creators of the latest Civilization 7, who aimed for a revolutionary player experience, the designers of Endless Legend 2 opted for a more refined approach. They built upon their original game, updated it to meet current standards, and incorporated several intriguing mechanics that subtly alter, rather than fundamentally change, the gameplay.

Essentially, the fundamental aspects of gameplay remain consistent with the original version. Following the conventions of traditional 4X games, we select one out of several nations and establish ourselves on a sprawling board (split this time into hexagons instead of being on Auriga, but rather Saiadia). Initially, we decide where to place our starting settlement, and the gameplay unfolds in a familiar pattern. We expand cities, claim new territories, interact with competitors, engage in conflict, and discover unknown areas. However, the nuances are crucial.

In the game “Endless Legend” from 2014, instead of a traditional linear technology tree where technologies are gradually unlocked, it features a circular tree. This design enables researchers to access all technologies belonging to a particular era at once, giving us the flexibility to either focus entirely on one research branch or maintain a balanced development across all areas.

During our journey, we’ll come across both powerful empires that rule independently and smaller groups controlling just one area on the map. At first, they may pose a challenge, often attacking our forces. But with time, we can gain their allegiance by completing tasks for them, offering them rewards, or using brute force. This alliance will provide us access to exclusive perks and unique troops. This system operates similarly to its predecessor, and the game already features numerous minor races, from business-savvy centaurs in the courier industry to self-aware stones.

Here, it appears that there’s a role-playing game (RPG) influence at play as well. This involves assigning characters to our units, progressively increasing their power levels, enhancing their attributes, and unlocking abilities unique to their roles or classes. These characters can also be enhanced with specific weapons, armor, or additional items like grenades. Their significance lies in their role in completing missions, from the main storyline to side quests for lesser factions.

In this game, veterans will find familiar elements that have been significantly upgraded from the original. From the get-go, you’ll spot improvements, like a more intuitive and user-friendly interface compared to the one I remember from the last edition. The revamped city expansion also seems more engaging, as it encourages strategic placement of buildings within neighborhoods for maximum profit through smart dependencies.

In this updated version of the game, the combat system has been significantly improved, although it continues to operate on the same fundamental principles as in the original Humankind. However, it’s clear that this is its most refined iteration yet. Battles are once again taking place on a divided segment of the map, but now everything runs more efficiently. The combat feels smoother, the interface functions flawlessly, there are more tactical options to explore, and the AI appears to have a better grasp of leveraging the terrain for strategic advantage.

In the updated version of our game’s army system, I’m thrilled about the change that eliminated the laborious task of upgrading individual unit equipment. Now, units can be upgraded to specialized archetypes, which excel in specific roles. While it does require resources, the new process is simpler and more straightforward than fiddling with equipment components in the previous version (which could easily be missed).

One noticeable enhancement in this game is the diplomatic element. In the initial release of Endless Legend, it was quite simple to incur irreversible hostility from other nations, and there were limited diplomatic avenues available. However, in this updated version, the range of possible agreements and actions has expanded, and the system for fostering trust between empires seems more intricate. The relationship progresses gradually, beginning with small gestures and eventually leading to more decisive actions over time.

Coral samurais versus killer insects

The unique qualities that distinguish games within the Endless universe from other 4X titles lie primarily in their profound focus on storytelling and the distinct personalities of the factions portrayed. I am confident that this will hold true for Endless Legend 2. In the demo, you’ll notice that although there are merely three nations, each offers a unique approach to gameplay.

The initial group hails from Sheredyn, a rather commonplace society. Originally, they belonged to an interstellar nation, but a war forced them onto Saida, leaving them cut off from their satellites and spacecraft still in orbit. Their aesthetic hints at ancient empires combined with cutting-edge technology. Yet, they possess the fewest distinctive traits among all groups, offering simple yet engaging gameplay mechanics. Consequently, they are versatile and suitable for beginners.

The collective known as Aspects stands starkly contrasted to others. They are an energetic blend of metallic structures and coral, deeply influenced by the aesthetic aspects of the samurai era. Their consciousness is intertwined through the Choir, facilitating harmony among them. Fundamentally, they prioritize peaceful cohabitation with their neighbors. In terms of gameplay, they can scatter coral over extensive regions of the map, offering beneficial perks and aiding navigation across the seas. This process is essential not only for their immediate benefits but also in setting up subsequent settlements.

At the bottom of the list resides a group of ravenous insects, whose job is strikingly straightforward – consume anything they encounter, and form a new settlement on the remains of their foes. They don’t respond to diplomacy. This group bears resemblance to Tyranids from Warhammer 40,000, but they are less acidic and far more insect-like in appearance.

Without a doubt, it’s evident that the developers have an incredible array of nations up their sleeves, and I’m absolutely thrilled for the upcoming unveilings. After all, Aspects has been a stunning demonstration of Amplitude’s boundless creativity, leaving me eagerly anticipating more innovative concepts in the game. However, let’s be real – cosmic samurais fashioned from metal and coral? I simply can’t get enough!

When it comes to this presentation, it truly shines. The leader and hero graphic representations are superb, the initial cut-scenes for their backgrounds are stunningly beautiful, and the designs of the unit models are eye-catching with intriguing features. To put it simply, the visuals as a whole are exceptional, boasting a very high standard. Yet, unlike recent iterations of Civilization (which, no matter what one might argue, is breathtaking), this one leans towards a more stylized aesthetic, possessing a unique charm all its own.

Isn’t all this lore too much?

When playing games set in the Endless universe, it’s essential to keep in mind a crucial aspect – the backstory or lore. While these are strategy games (4X), the storyline, historical background of the world, and unique threads for each nation significantly impact the gameplay. Players of the original game may recall that each nation had its own set of quests, completing which was one of the nine potential ways to win the game.

In “Endless Legend 2”, each faction possesses unique narratives, and these stories are more expansive compared to the first installment. Unlike before, where these quests were optional and could be bypassed for focusing on state development in other directions, they hold significant importance in this sequel. During my playthrough, I traversed the map, conversed with numerous characters from my council, made crucial decisions that shaped the storyline, and progressed further into the narrative. Given it was a demo, there seemed to be an abundance of quests, suggesting that this aspect is a significant part of the gameplay experience.

Currently, my main worries revolve around how much focus the developers have given to the narrative aspect in their game, as it might compromise its sandbox characteristics. This is concerning, especially because the demo doesn’t provide information about alternative win conditions yet. While it’s highly improbable that there won’t be any other win conditions at all, I find myself growing suspicious that faction quests may take priority over others. At this point, I can’t make a definitive statement, as my experience is limited to the standard gameplay so far.

If you appreciated the RPG elements from the previous game, here’s something exciting: The RPG aspect has been expanded not just within the main story for each nation, but also in minor narrative events. These occur frequently and can be linked to our accomplishments, characters we’ve recruited, or even the outcomes of our discoveries. They typically offer chances to make decisions about a particular issue, which could lead to rewards or, alternatively, initiate a crisis. Here’s hoping that the developers create enough of these events so they don’t lose their appeal during multiple playthroughs.

New year, new continent

It’s worth noting a unique feature that the developers were excited about when they first announced the game – a dynamic map that transforms over time, unveiling hidden secrets for players to discover. This is indeed an innovative and exciting approach! So, how does this mechanism function? Essentially, every so often (approximately after many turns), a monsoon season kicks in, bringing heavy rainfall. During these periods, anomalies appear on the map, which can be collected for minor benefits. Once the monsoon ends, the water recedes, exposing new areas of land.

This significantly expands playable areas on the map. New lands, ancient sites, extra missions, and hidden resources will now be visible. This also presents a chance to conquer and explore newly opened territories. Additionally, lowering sea levels grants access to previously unreachable regions that were submerged underwater. This new feature keeps the gameplay exciting and provides an incentive for continued growth. There’s always something new to discover, helping combat the potential monotony often associated with the endgame of 4X strategies.

I’m really hoping to see more diverse territories added as the game progresses, since there aren’t too many biomes right now. During my playthrough, I only encountered grasslands, deserts, savannas, and forested areas, but I missed out on tundra or snow-covered regions. It’s possible they could be included later on, considering the early stage of the game – a lot can still change in development.

Instead of grumbling over the limited variety of biomes, I must admit I’m captivated by the wealth of distinct fields I’ve come across. The entire map teems with intriguing oddities that provide valuable advantages, like ancient bunkers, diverse wildlife habitats, and unique geological formations. These features play a crucial role in selecting the location for your next city, as they yield substantial profits. However, they are not ideal for construction, so it’s essential to find a balance between setting up a settlement in an area abundant with open fields and one surrounded by these intriguing anomalies.

Pleasant return to familiar areas

The assortment of elements presented earlier instills a sense of anticipation for Endless Legend 2. Unlike their recent endeavor with Humankind, where they ventured into uncharted territories, this time the developers seem to be revisiting something that has won them numerous fans. Interestingly, the game’s formula remains unique enough to maintain its freshness against competitors, even though it focuses on enhancements rather than radical transformations. Given the 11-year wait for a sequel, it’s only natural to keep a close eye on Amplitude’s moves and hope that the final product will live up to the promise of the demo.

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2025-04-10 17:33