Expeditions: Viking Review

[Midplayz]

Óðinn á yðr alla!!

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to don a fur cloak, yell "Skål!" over a mug of mead, and lead your clan into the throes of Viking glory, Expeditions: Viking might be the closest you'll get. Developed by Logic Artists and released in 2017, this tactical RPG plunges you into a historically inspired narrative where every decision shapes your legacy. It’s a game brimming with promise, albeit with a few battle scars of its own. Let’s dive in!

Note that this review does not contain literally everything the game has to offer. This is just a review after all, not a game wiki. I would highly suggest checking out their fandom wiki page if you are intrigued to know everything there is to the game! Or you can just try out the game and find it out yourself! 😉

About This Game

Storyline

The narrative begins with your father's death, thrusting you into the role of a newly minted Viking chieftain. You inherit more than just a wooden throne—you're handed a fractured clan, debts to settle, and a reputation to rebuild. Set against the backdrop of 8th-century Scandinavia and Britannia, Expeditions: Viking takes its cues from history while weaving its own saga of political intrigue and Norse mysticism.

Your overarching goal is to elevate your clan from relative obscurity to a position of influence. This involves everything from managing relationships with neighboring clans to forging alliances with—or plundering—the kingdoms across the North Sea.

The story doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity. Do you uphold Viking honor and raid to secure resources, risking alienation and retaliation? Or do you play the long game with diplomacy, trading your sword for silver? Choices you make aren’t just flavor; they have real consequences, altering relationships, quests, and even the fate of your settlement.

Notably, the game's writing excels in capturing the nuances of Norse culture. The dialogue is sharp, peppered with humor and occasional melancholy. Characters in your party, such as the steadfast warrior Ketill or the enigmatic healer Nefja, bring their own agendas and personalities to the table, adding layers of depth to your journey.

Gameplay Mechanics

Here’s where Expeditions: Viking really sinks its teeth into you. This is no hack-and-slash romp—it’s a tactical RPG with a variety of interwoven systems that demand attention. Let’s break it down.

Core Gameplay
At its heart, the game is a mix of exploration, resource management, and tactical combat. You’ll spend much of your time navigating the overworld, where your choices—whether to raid a village, trade, or settle disputes—dictate your path.

• Exploration: You guide your party through lush Norse landscapes and gritty British territories, uncovering quests, treasures, and hidden dangers.
  
• Tactical Combat: Combat plays out in a turn-based format on grid-based maps. Positioning is critical—place your shield-bearer up front to absorb blows while your archers rain death from afar.
  
• Settlement Management: Back at home, you’ll upgrade your village using resources gathered during your adventures. Better blacksmiths, stronger walls, or a bustling marketplace? The choice is yours.

Weapons and Gear
What’s a Viking without an arsenal? The game features a variety of weapons and armor to outfit your warriors:

• Weapons: From massive axes that cleave enemies in two to nimble daggers perfect for backstabbing, each weapon has unique stats and abilities. Some are more effective against specific types of armor, adding a layer of strategy.
  
• Customization: Gear isn’t just about stats. Want to make a statement? Equip your hero with a helmet adorned with raven feathers or a cape dyed in the blood of your enemies. It’s a Viking fashion show!

Skills and Abilities
Leveling up isn’t just about pumping numbers into strength or dexterity. Your party members gain skill points, which can be invested in abilities like:

• Berserk Charge: Let your warrior charge into the fray, dealing damage to everyone in their path.
  
• Tactical Retreat: An archer's bread and butter, allowing a quick disengage to reposition.
  
• Healing Runes: Essential for keeping your party alive during drawn-out battles.

Social Dynamics
Your party isn’t just along for the ride. Each member has opinions, preferences, and a breaking point. Make too many decisions that go against their ideals, and they may leave—or worse, betray you. It’s a balancing act between being a strong leader and keeping the peace among your crew.

Economy and Resources
As a Viking chieftain, you’ll need to manage resources like food, silver, and crafting materials. These are used for everything from equipping your warriors to maintaining your settlement’s morale. Neglect one area, and you’ll feel the sting—hungry warriors are demoralized warriors.

Visuals & Audio

While Expeditions: Viking won’t blow you away with next-gen graphics, it nails the atmosphere. The Scandinavian forests are lush and vibrant, while the British moors feel cold and unwelcoming—perfect for a raid. Character models are functional but lack fine detail, and the limited camera angles can occasionally feel restrictive.

The soundtrack, composed by Knut Avenstroup Haugen, deserves a special mention. The mix of haunting strings and stirring drums perfectly captures the tone of Norse exploration. Voice acting is sparse, but the dialogue’s quality helps bring the characters to life.

Pros

• Engaging Storyline: A tale of ambition, survival, and moral dilemmas that keeps you invested.
  
• Deep Gameplay Systems: Tactical combat, resource management, and social dynamics create a layered experience.
  
• Customizable Characters: From appearance to skills, you have a lot of control over your party.
  
• Atmospheric World: Authentic settings and music draw you into the Viking Age.

Cons

• Technical Hiccups: Bugs and occasional crashes can disrupt immersion.
  
• Repetitive Visuals: Limited variety in character animations and environments.
  
• Steep Learning Curve: Newcomers to tactical RPGs might find the mechanics daunting at first.

Conclusion

Expeditions: Viking isn’t a flawless saga, but it’s a memorable one. It excels in blending history with tactical gameplay, creating a world where your choices truly matter. While its graphics and technical polish might not rival AAA titles, the depth of its story and systems more than make up for it. If you’re a fan of historical settings, strategy, or simply love the idea of living out your Viking fantasies, this game is worth raiding.

Grab your axe and shield—adventure awaits!

Rating: 8/10

Reviewer: Midplayz
Who would win if there was a war between Vikings and Spartans? HMMMM