ENDLESS Legend™

It's a game that I return from time to time. Still have some faction untried. Cultists are one of the most interesting ones, to me. Game allows for some unconventional shenigans. Can't wait to try out the second game after it's finished. Few things that are a bit annoying - first winter, pearl hunting.

Each faction is completely different to the other. Beautiful art and music. A little bit hard because it is too different if you compare it to Civilization, but I like it because it feels unique. 100% recommended.

+ Deep gameplay + Rich, unique lore + Appealing visuals and brilliant music + Huge variety and replayability - Steep learning curve; the tutorial doesn’t do a good job explaining the basics. - UI takes time to get accustomed to

"у нас есть цива дома"

Takes everything one loves about 4X games, and does it right! The graphics are beautiful, the music is hypnotic, and the game is complex enough to keep one interested without getting frustrated. From the opening prologue, the game immerses the player in a compelling and unique world that is rich in lore. It is starting to show its age in 2025 but still worth playing if you have not already tried it.

After hour I had no idea what I am actually doing or trying to achieve. That's a bad setup to have for a strategy campaign that takes 300 rounds and after 20 rounds you have no idea what to do.

### 🎮 What it is Developed by Amplitude Studios and released in 2014, Endless Legend is a turn-based 4X strategy game set in the dying fantasy world of Auriga.You choose from one of many distinct factions, each with their own flavour and mechanics, and compete (or cooperate) to build your legacy on a world that’s beautiful, harsh — and full of secrets. --- ### 👍 What it does very well **1. Unique factions & flavourful world** One of Endless Legend’s greatest strengths is how each faction feels *very different*. Players have pointed out that “faction asymmetry is *the* reason to pick up this game.” Whether you’re commanding the fungal Mykara, the volcanic Kapaku, or the secretive Shadows, the gameplay style shifts meaningfully. The setting is full of lore, quests, and ambient storytelling. **2. Gorgeous presentation** The art style, the world-map aesthetics, and the city visuals are consistently praised. From the lush plains to the desolate winters, the visual tone sets a strong mood. Reviewers called it “visually stunning” and “a strategy diamond that breathes new life into a tired genre.” **3. Deep strategy layer** There’s a lot to dig into: resource management (industry, dust, food, science, influence), empire expansion, quests, hero management, region control. If you enjoy planning and tweaking systems, Endless Legend delivers. > “I love this game, but it is dense and hard to feel ‘good’ at. … I think that’s less because I was bad at the game and more because EL doesn’t do a good job of making you feel like you’re doing well.” > That complexity is a feature for fans of the genre. **4. Replayability & emergent stories** Because factions are so varied and the map is generated, each play-through can feel fresh. Quests and minor factions add narrative moments that break up the usual 4X grind. One review said: > “I found myself constantly wanting more; more insight into these crazy factions, more cities to conquer, more heroes…” --- ### 👎 Where it can stumble **1. Combat & tactical battles** One recurring complaint: while the empire-management side shines, combat sometimes feels underwhelming. For example: > “The weakest part is combat. … It could be good if it was standard turn-based (one side then another), or based on initiative, but they wanted to streamline it and the effect is questionable at best.” > Other reviewers mentioned it lacks the visceral excitement of tactical games. So if you’re someone who buys strategy games largely for in-battle tactics rather than empire building, this may matter. **2. Learning curve & UI/clarity** Because there are so many systems, quests, resources and mechanics, new players may feel a bit lost. One user said it took “400+ hours” to feel comfortable. Also, some quests or objectives aren’t clearly marked and the end-game can drag. **3. End-game / pacing** As with many 4X games, the “last third” of the game can feel less dynamic — the momentum slows. Also, the AI and diplomacy are sometimes cited as weaker spots. --- ### 🎯 Verdict: Should you play it? Yes — if you’re a fan of 4X strategy games and you’re looking for a title with strong flavour, high replay value, and a world worth exploring. Endless Legend earns its place among the top of genre in its era. According to aggregators: rated around 84/100 by critics. On Steam, it holds "Very Positive" reviews. If I were to put a score: **8.5/10**. * For what it sets out to be — immersive, strategic, rich in lore — it mostly succeeds. * It loses a little for combat and end-game pacing, but those are trade-offs in a game that prioritises empire-scale strategy more than micro-tactics. * Also, given its age (2014) there might be a few compatibility/modern-UI quirks to keep in mind. 💡 Tips if you decide to dive in * Don’t rush: take time to learn one faction at a time — their unique mechanics are part of the fun. * Focus early on expansion + industry + luxury resources; they’re often more valuable than you expect. (One Redditor’s tip: Industry > Food > Science early on.) * Try to engage with the quest lines — they aren’t just flavour, they often shape your strategy. * Expect a steeper learning curve — but once you’re comfortable, it becomes very rewarding. * Watch for sales / bundle deals — since the game and its DLC have been around a while, you’ll likely snag good value. I hope this review has been helpful.