Summa Expeditionis
Release Date: November 20, 2024 Early Access
Strategy, TPP, sandbox, survival, arcade elements, crowdfunding, indie games, ancient Rome, crafting, singleplayer
Steam
A combination of a TPP survival and strategy game. In Summa Expeditionis we play as a Roman legionnaire stationing in the north of Spain. Our goals include gathering resources, building and expanding a fortified military camp, conquering the land and defeating barbarians.
Summa Expeditionis is a production on the border between survival and strategy games. It was developed by the independent studio Lobico Games. Its creation was made possible, among other things, thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.
Historical realities
Summa Expeditionis takes us to the 1st century BC, when Rome was ruled by Octavian Augustus. During the game, we take on the role of a legionnaire who arrives in the wild north of the Iberian Peninsula. Our tasks include exploring this area, establishing a fortified camp. We also plan on subordinating the Cantabrians to Rome. They are the last of the barbarian tribes inhabiting this territory, so far still maintaining independence.
Gameplay
In Summa Expeditions we view the action from a third-person perspective (TPP). Exploring the vast and procedurally generated land gives us the ability to acquire resources that ensure survival.
Resources, construction and crafting
The animals we hunt are a source of food. Natural resources, on the other hand, allow us to build a military camp (we choose its location ourselves). It can feature buildings with various purposes, tents for soldiers and fortifications ensuring its defense. Besides, we need resources to create production chains and manufacture equipment - from weapons to tools.
Soldiers and combat
Since the area is teeming with barbarians, we often have to engage in combat. During real-time skirmishes, we command legionnaires, whom we recruit as we progress. Our soldiers eliminate enemies, fighting in close combat (gladius swords, spears and other melee weapons are available) or at a distance (using bows).
We can kill defeated enemies to eliminate the threat they pose once and for all, or enslave them and put them to work for the glory of Rome. We assign tasks such as guard duty in the camp to our soldiers. It is worth continuously monitoring their morale, as it determines their effectiveness.
If we do everything right, over time our superiors will start to appreciate our efforts and promote us in the military hierarchy, the highest level of which is the position of centurion.
Videos and Screens
[0:27] Summa Expeditionis Gameplay Trailer
[0:54] Summa Expeditionis Cinematic Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Concept and Theme: Many users appreciate the unique setting of the game in the ancient Roman Empire, highlighting the engaging storyline and military life aspects.
- Potential: Reviewers see significant potential in the game, with some comparing it favorably to other popular titles like *Bannerlord* and expressing hope for its future development.
- Community Support: The game's online community and developer engagement on platforms like Discord are praised for being helpful and welcoming, which enhances the player experience.
- Exploration and Freedom: Players enjoy the freedom to explore and advance through the game at their own pace, appreciating the non-linear gameplay.
The main cons of the game
- Bugs and Performance Issues: A significant number of reviews mention numerous bugs, including crashes, stuttering, and AI pathfinding problems. The game is described as "nearly unplayable" in its current state.
- Combat Mechanics: Users criticize the combat system for being broken and unclear, with issues like weapons not equipping properly and poor AI behavior during battles.
- AI and Task Management: The soldiers and NPCs are often described as ineffective, failing to complete assigned tasks and requiring excessive micromanagement from the player.
- Lack of Content: Many players feel that the game currently lacks sufficient content and depth, making it feel more like a demo than a finished product.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Improved AI Behavior: Users want better task management systems for NPCs and soldiers, as well as improved AI for combat and resource gathering.
- More Content and Mechanics: There is a call for additional gameplay content, mechanics, and quality of life improvements to enhance the overall experience.
- User Interface Tweaks: Reviewers suggest that the menus and inventory systems need simplification and better organization to improve usability.
- Multiplayer Options: Some players express a desire for multiplayer features, such as cooperative or competitive modes, to enhance the gameplay experience.
Summary
- Overall, while Summa Expeditionis has a solid foundation and an engaging concept, it currently faces significant challenges that need to be addressed before it can be fully recommended to potential players.
Summary generated on:
Summa Expeditionis Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows
Developer: Lobico Games
Publisher: Megalevel
Age restrictions: 16+
Summa Expeditionis System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Quad Core 2.6 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 950 / 3 GB Radeon HD 7970, 1 GB HDD, Windows 7
Recommended: Intel Core i5 3.0 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 3.0 GHz, 16 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1060 / 8 GB Radeon RX 580, 1 GB HDD, Windows 7/8/10/11