Disciples: Domination

Disciples: Domination does not upend what already works about the series. It moves Empress Avyanna’s narrative in a new direction and adds nuance and depth to all the game’s systems. There are a lot of mechanics at play, from combat to RPG-like elements to diplomacy, and they work together well and add up to a rich experience.

Dark fantasy RPG with highly tactical and intense turn-based combat, but weaknesses in city building and character development.

Disciples: Domination offers a massive new campaign that spans anywhere between 30 and 50 hours depending on your level of difficulty and style of play, plenty of major new features with their own spin on systems and combat, baseline enhancements and QoL features that were patched into Liberation over time. But it still sticks too close to Liberation to be called an entirely new game. If you were looking to experience more of Nevendaar from Avyanna’s PoV or want to spend several evenings in a solid turn-based strategy, you will enjoy the new installment. But if you are waiting for the second coming of Disciples 2, Domination features vastly different vibes and aesthetics.

Disciples: Domination is a sequel that embraces absolute continuity. It corrects some of Liberation's imbalances, increases the challenge, and consolidates the foundations, but it stops there. The combat system works, the factions offer distinct approaches, and the dark fantasy atmosphere remains intact. But it lacks the bold vision that could transform a good strategy game into a memorable one. Where evolution was expected, Domination opts for maintenance. Solid but predictable: it will convince those looking for exactly what they already know, disappointing those hoping for a decisive step forward.

Disciples: Domination knows exactly what it is and what it wants to do. It's an old-school strategy game with great combat but also frustratingly shallow mechanics in other areas. Fans will love it; everyone else will wonder what the big deal is.