Endless Legend

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 37 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 37
  3. Negative: 0 out of 37
  1. SpazioGames
    Feb 10, 2015
    85
    The masterpiece you don't expect, who knows how to remedy many flaws of the more famous rivals without disrupting any of the mechanics which we have become accustomed, using instead many original ideas to give a boost to the genre.
  2. CD-Action
    Jan 9, 2015
    80
    A complex, polished and really pretty game that has nothing to be shamed of even when compared to Sid Meier’s Civilization. [13/2014, p.44]
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  3. Games Master UK
    Dec 21, 2014
    89
    A beautiful strategy diamond that breathes new life into a tired genre. [Christmas 2014, p.71]
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  5. The Escapist
    Dec 17, 2014
    90
    Endless Legend is a lovely game with deep strategy that's a singular pleasure to play, but can sometimes disappoint you in finer details. Know that if you're never going to play multiplayer, you're not getting the whole experience - so bring a friend.
  6. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Nov 12, 2014
    60
    A fresh mix of Heroes of Might & Magic, Civilization and the 4X strategy genre that boasts an enticing atmosphere but lacks polish. [Issue#246]
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  7. Gaming Nexus
    Oct 28, 2014
    90
    Welcome to the new king of fantasy turn-based 4X strategy. While not perfect, this game has achieved many of its lofty goals. A must-buy for any fan of TBS games, Endless Legends could put a dent in the sales of that other big game coming out soon. It is that good.
  8. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 25, 2014
    80
    Game has the original setting, the normal economic part, many of the small and large original features and unusually lax battle system. It means unambiguous excess of debit over credit, at least – in absolute terms. But... niche is quite filled today, and everyone can find a game to his liking and suitable for his style of play. And Amplitude Studios definitely should not feel the shame for its creation. [Nov 2014, p.90]
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  9. DarkZero
    Oct 24, 2014
    80
    Endless Legend offers one of the more refreshing entries in the genre, and it will destroy your sense of time and disrupt your sleeping pattern. This should be a sign to anyone that Endless Legend is not only a successful turn-based strategy title, but also a great game.
  10. Riot Pixels
    Oct 19, 2014
    87
    Right now, Endless Legend is already much more balanced and fun than its direct competitor, Age of Wonders 3.
  11. Multiplayer.it
    Oct 17, 2014
    85
    If you love the 4X genre, you have to try Endless Legend, even only for the combat system.
  12. Everyeye.it
    Oct 14, 2014
    80
    Endless Legends defies Civilization with a deep strategic gameplay, and a luxuriant fantasy setting.
  13. PC Gamer
    Oct 14, 2014
    89
    Thankfully, smart as ever, Amplitude Studios has created another astounding story-driven game, that really has taken the best bits of RTS, RPG and 4X, drawing much from Endless Space, and spun it differently for every faction.
  14. GRYOnline.pl
    Oct 14, 2014
    85
    Endless Legend does not set new quality standards in the 4X genre, but it delivers on all fronts and has some really unique features: an interesting world, original factions and seasons change. All these elements are combined with well known things with great results. It's not perfect but you can turn a blind eye on some flaws when everything else is so good.
  15. Games.cz
    Oct 13, 2014
    90
    Endless Legend brings a whole new view on turn-based strategies. Nations with tens of characteristics, a changing world, unique atmosphere and balanced gameplay – all these things make the game a significant milestone for the genre.
  16. GameSpot
    Oct 10, 2014
    80
    Each new game in Endless Legend feels different and exciting thanks to its well-crafted factions and earliest uncertain moments, but those initial distinctive stories begin to meld at some point therein, becoming the same experience. Yet it's hard not to look at the experience as something very special.
  17. Gamer.nl
    Oct 7, 2014
    85
    Endless Legend has taken a good look at its competitors while introducing some ideas of its own. On top of that, those ideas actually work. The game is beautiful and plays very smoothly, but a few serious bugs tend to ruin the fun.
  18. XGN
    Oct 7, 2014
    85
    Endless Legend turned out to be a much better turn-based strategy game than its predecessor. The maps are fantastically detailed, there's a lot of depth, and the different races are very diverse.
  19. Eurogamer Germany
    Oct 6, 2014
    80
    Give the AI more bite, make the end game a bit better and focus the skill tree and Firaxis will be in trouble when the next 'Endless' game comes around.
  20. Hardcore Gamer
    Oct 6, 2014
    80
    Inventive lore, gorgeous art direction and clever use of RPG mechanics make Endless Legend an absolute treat.
  21. Gamer.no
    Oct 6, 2014
    80
    A gorgeous, smart and addictive game that is somewhat let down by weak AI. If Amplitude sticks with it post release, it could easily become the new king of the genre.
  22. Shacknews
    Oct 2, 2014
    70
    Endless Legend is a gorgeous game, with a unique take on 4X strategy, and a tremendous amount of potential. Its interface and diplomacy systems could use a bit of improvement, but the tactical combat and decision-based campaign help make up for it.
  23. Vandal
    Oct 1, 2014
    89
    It takes a classic strategy formula, but makes it feel fresh, offering a fun, addictive and almost unique experience.
  24. Meristation
    Sep 30, 2014
    80
    Endless Legend is one of the best turn-based 4X games currently available. It mixes classical mechanics and new original components in a nice graphic and colorful environment while offering numerous options to users. Although some aspects would require a bit more variety, it's a perfect deal for the fans of 4X games. If empire building is your thing, you'll need to play it.
  25. 3DJuegos
    Sep 30, 2014
    80
    Endless Legend is a great turn-based-strategy title that you should play if you like the genre.
  26. GamingTrend
    Sep 29, 2014
    75
    Endless Legends tries to overcomes flaws by focusing on strengths. Unique factions, in-depth customization and beautiful art will keep you hooked and wanting more. It isn’t perfect, but it is still a solid strategy game.
  27. Softpedia
    Sep 28, 2014
    90
    Given the history of Endless Space and the many post-launch updates it got, we’re bound to see a lot of support for Endless Legend, fixing bugs and tweaking mechanics and improving on the already exciting experience.
  28. PCGamesN
    Sep 26, 2014
    90
    Endless Legend combines fantastic fiction with compelling strategy. Underpinning it all is a strong design philosophy that connects the tenets of the 4X genre together seamlessly, while providing a plethora of options without being overwhelming. Even during a time when we’re seeing a lot of 4X offerings, it sets itself apart, promising something different from its contemporaries.
  29. CalmDownTom
    Sep 26, 2014
    80
    The presentation is also very sharp in Endless Legend, with nice in-game art and music combining with the well laid out menus to create the impression of a quality product. Unusually for a 4X game there’s a story running throughout the campaign, and the theme of a world on the brink of apocalypse is well handled and lends the whole experience a sense of urgency.
  30. 4P.de
    Sep 26, 2014
    81
    They’re on a roll: The French team from Amplitude delivers again. In the endgame they could deliver more and more varied options as well as convincing diplomacy. But, nonetheless, this is turn based strategy you can lose yourself in.
  31. IGN Italia
    Sep 25, 2014
    81
    Endless Legend is a masterpiece in every conceivable way, save for the AI. If the devs could fix the hole, we would have a serious contender to the crown of the 4X genre.
  32. COGconnected
    Sep 25, 2014
    81
    Daunting to an almost discouraging degree at first, but once you get the hang of it you’ll get sucked right in, and afterwards you’ll probably need a cooling off period before trying again. But you WILL try again.
  33. Game Revolution
    Sep 24, 2014
    80
    Endless Legend won’t be for everyone, of course. This is very much a hexagonal conquest game that comes complete with methodic, turn-based play. While I found multiplayer way too slow and dependent on others, the single player was my jam. The best way I enjoyed this game was to fire it up in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, and prepare for a few hours to vanish.
  34. IGN
    Sep 24, 2014
    83
    Plays out on one of the greatest, most beautiful maps in strategy gaming history. It combines style, substance, and setting into a marvelous overall experience for both empire management and tactical combat. It struggles slightly with strategic depth, but this is a science fiction and fantasy strategy game with tremendous soul.
  35. GameWatcher
    Sep 23, 2014
    75
    It takes a while to get going; unlike the very best titles in its genre, it doesn't present complex information to the player in a concise and understandable way, which means it can sometimes be a frustrating experience for new players.
  36. Hooked Gamers
    Sep 22, 2014
    90
    Endless Legend is not a fast game, but if you prefer your games deep and thoughtful, then it is this game that will put your brain to task.
  37. IncGamers
    Sep 22, 2014
    70
    Superb faction design and twists on 4x genre conventions, combined with rather passive AI (even at higher difficulties,) mean Endless Legend is a strategy title that falls frustratingly short of being sublime.
  38. Gameblog.fr
    Sep 19, 2014
    80
    Endless Space gameplay is pretty well adapted to this fantasy/SF Civ-like that also provides new interesting features. Most of these are well-thought and Endless Legend is close to perfection technically and artistically. Some might find the tactical fights a bit fastidious and the AI too timid. Let's hope Amplitude will work on that after release. Also, it's better to join the community and look for multiplayer games anyway if you want to enjoy Endless Legend at full capacity.

Awards & Rankings

38
#38 Best PC Game of 2014
51
#51 Most Discussed PC Game of 2014
15
#15 Most Shared PC Game of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 556 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 417 out of 556
  2. Mixed: 77 out of 556
  3. Negative: 62 out of 556
  1. Propbuddha
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    Endless Legend is a fresh take on the "4X" genre with original (yet familiar) factions, beautiful graphics and great game play. HighlyEndless Legend is a fresh take on the "4X" genre with original (yet familiar) factions, beautiful graphics and great game play. Highly recommended to turn-based strategy fans who are looking to lose 100s of hours in a fantasy setting.… Full Review »
  2. Nosferatiel
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    Endless Legend (EL) is a very ambitious simultaneously turn based new 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) strategy game in a fantasyEndless Legend (EL) is a very ambitious simultaneously turn based new 4X (eXplore, eXpand, eXploit, eXterminate) strategy game in a fantasy setting by Amplitude studios (Endless Legend, Dungeon of the Endless). The general setting is unusual, as you're stranded on the planet Auriga that has been a favoured laboratory of a powerful precursor race, the Endless, until they erased themselves from existence in a large civil war.
    Now, you take control of one out of 8 standard factions or any custom faction you create in an editor, using the basic gameplay of one of the 8 with some modifiers. Your goal is to survive as Auriga is slowly drifting towards an everlasting winter that will snuff out all life left on its surface. There are several victory conditions you can fulfill, ranging from "bucket"-type conditions like gathering enough currency or being the highest in score at a configurable turn limit to fulfilling a quest and building an expensive wonder, exterminating all concurrents or researching yourself to victory. Not all of these victory conditions are equally fun to reach as "filling a bucket" can be quite tedious, but the different factions are also specialised at reaching different victory conditions.
    And this is where EL is ambitious in the sense that its 8 factions are very asymmetrically designed:
    - The Wild Walkers are the not so usual Elves of the game, using woods to boost their industrial proficiency. They get to be the production powerhouse of the game.
    - The Vaulters are the survivors of the Dungeon of the Endless game, stranded on the planet. Hightech-dwarfs of a sort with heavy armor and the best science output.
    - The Rowing Clans are supposed to be the traders of the planet. They cannot declare war, are better than the NSA at finding out who's selling or buying what to a common marketplace you can get access to by research, and can actually even trade-ban people, bleeding them dry, economically.
    - The Drakken are the peacekeepers, a draconid race interested in achieving diplomatic victory by using their influence to force whole empires into peace or alliance with them.
    - The Ardent Mages can use spells on the map and in combat. Given enough currency, a weak army of them can still beat a superior foe with enough magic support fire.
    - The Necrophage do not do anything but feed, war and reproduce. Peace is not an option, as is not conquering. The Zergs of the planet, indeed.
    - The Broken Lords are living armors thinking of themselves as paladins and leeching life like vampires. Lorewise, one of my favourites, their gameplay is centered on currency to buy population with.
    - The Cultists of the Eternal End have only one city and expand by converting minor faction villages across the planet to generate troops for them and to harvest resources for them.

    In general, this asymmetry is what makes the game nice, but it is also its vulnerability. As each faction plays differently, the AI also has to account for that. During the Early Access phase, the AI made huge jumps and has become a threat to the unwary at higher difficulty levels, now, but still fails in the endgame. It doesn't recognize that, given it is close to winning, the human player in the game will go to lengths to eradicate them. On the other hand, in the beginning, different AI personalities shine through. Around the Ardent Mages, there's always a lot of scorched earth destroyed minor faction villages, while Wild Walkers spread and pacify, instead. I'm quite confident that this will improve, further, but I rate what's present, now.
    Therefore I downright recommend to play this game in multiplayer. The simultaneous turns allow for fast games, compared to other titles. You can set turn timers and therefore force people to be fast, or give each and everyone as much time as they want, but a long game would last 4 hours, at most, on fast speed settings.
    Even there, though, the asymmetry of the game design has its dangers. You can equip your units with better and better equipment through the ages, having to use strategic resources on the map to get the very best, but there's a clear preference for some attributes being far better than others. Some units you gain by assimilating minor factions (you can then build their units and get some bonus per controlled village of that faction) are better than standard units and certainly better than most other units on the planet. I'm thinking of e.g. Kazanjii demons or Haunts of the Ended here, both having a chain hit special ability.
    One thing I have to add about the techtree: It is not linear, there's no clear progression. In each "era", you have to choose at least x technologies, then you progress to the next era. Each time you research something, the cost for the next research increases, no matter the era its out of.

    Overall, the game has a lot of depth for someone who favours empire management over combat. There's still lots of balancing and AI-tuning to do, but the game is fun and I recommend it.    … Full Review »
  3. Eysteinh
    Sep 18, 2014
    9
    I have played turn based strategy games for the last 25 year and I have been a play tester for several of the old great games (for exampleI have played turn based strategy games for the last 25 year and I have been a play tester for several of the old great games (for example Civ4). I will be very upfront in why I rate Endless Legend (EL) so high (9/10) is because of the new ideas and its potential, not because it is flawless.

    What I like about Endless Legend is that they have made innovations in the genre. The combat system is a good example of this, it allows semi real time combat at your own pace during your turn. This creates a tactical battles while allowing the turn based part of the game not to suffer and the pace of the game is still good. The world of Auriga and the world generator is also top notch. The map itself looks like a board game map and the region system creates interesting mechanisms for example with quests. The artwork is beautiful and reminds me of old role-playing book artwork of monsters.

    The balance of the game is not yet perfect, but very much playable. The AI hopefully can become even better and finally the multiplayer out of syncs needs to be fixed. I also wish for much more features, for example team game and setting positions in multiplayer and better victory conditions and solving the age old question of how to make the game fun even for players loosing the victory race. In a sense the victory condition thus could use some work.

    Finally the developer has a history of continuing developing the game and releasing free content so in time this game can become even greater. I have not influenced my score based on this merit but I think it should be mentioned.

    I think any fan of the turn based strategy genre should avail of the opportunity to play Endless Legend as it brings a lot of fresh ideas to the table and could keep your spark and interest for turn based games alive.    … Full Review »
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