Liegecraft

Liegecraft is a turn-based strategy game developed by the independent Polish team From Chaos, founded by former employees of companies such as CD Projekt RED, Paradox Development Studio and 11 bit studios. The inspiration for this team's debut work, combining elements of 4X and RPG, were the games Crusader Kings III and Yes, Your Grace. Similarities to the Heroes of Might and Magic series can also be found in the game.

Plot

Liegecraft takes us to the Middle Ages. During the game we take on the role of a ruler of our choice and become the head of one of the kingdoms, which we must lead to domination over the others. The way in which (and whether at all) we achieve our goals depends not only on our actions and choices, but also on the individual characteristics of our character, and also... the whims of the lords subordinate to us.

Gameplay

We begin the game in Liegecraft by choosing the country we want to rule. The list of kingdoms includes Poland, Sweden, or the Abbasid Caliphate. Each of them has individual set of features, as well as strengths and weaknesses. Next, we need to choose one of the rulers, who have been differentiated in terms of initial statistics, character archetypes or even available units. Then we have nothing left to do but to plunge into the whirl of medieval adventures.

The game takes place in turn-based mode, and is based on two pillars. The first pillar has a more "personal" meaning, because the game allows us to directly control the ruler shown from a bird's eye view. Traveling on horseback across the vast map, we visit various locations and meet a variety of characters (led by other rulers), as well as gain access to useful resources, interesting quests or engaging events.

This is not the end, as the game also allows us to choose vassals who, in exchange for titles and land, will work for us, performing specific roles at the court, managing the estates we designate and going on missions. When assigning them missions, their different personalities, strengths and weaknesses should be taken into account. The character traits of each of them influence not only how they fulfill their duties, but also their mutual relations. In extreme cases, there may be quarrels and even duels between them.

The game also allows us to participate in hunts, feasts and expeditions to dungeons. Each of such activities can provide an opportunity to nurture relationships with our vassals and other rulers... or to plot intrigues and conspire against our enemies. As we progress, we develop our ruler, increasing their statistics and gaining access to new skills.

The second pillar of the game has a more "global" meaning. We need to expand the city (presented in the form of a diorama, like in the classic installments of the Heroes of Might & Magic series), as well as recruit units with the help of which we can conquer subsequent regions that make up the extensive map of the medieval world. The battles we wage (played out on battlefields covered with hexagonal grids) vary in scale. There is room here for both one-on-one duels or smaller skirmishes, as well as full-scale wars. We establish the rights that our subjects will respect, and we also conduct research on technology to ensure our advantage over other countries.

The icing on the cake is the ability to create our own maps and scenarios. The game also allows for the creation of fan mods covering both single units and entire kingdoms. Those willing may even attempt to create completely different realities.