SpellForce: Conquest of Eo Critic Reviews

I ultimately think SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is going to be a turbulent release. As a fan of turn-based combat, I loved every minute. Exploring the world, finding new and powerful allies to add to my armies, discovering new Necromancer recipes to summon deadly hordes of the undead, fighting off the constant attacks from The Circle - it's a game I will return to time and time again. However, long-time fans of the franchise may struggle with the stark differences between turn-based and real-time strategy in a franchise they've grown to love for the latter.

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo has an interesting structure and does a great job of mixing map-driven strategy and tactical engagements. Each of the three wizard archetypes plays very differently and there’s a ton of content to engage with. The world of Eo is beautifully represented, although it’s pretty standard when it comes to fantasy universes. I would have liked for the three core wizard types to offer even more variety in strategic and tactical situations. But campaigns offer a lot of variety, especially if players are ready to try out new approaches. SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is a solid entry in the franchise that should have aimed for more innovative mechanics.

Spellforce also delivers in its new genre and offers sophisticated and challenging 4X turn-based strategy.

It’s hard to call Conquest of Eo a sequel, because it’s so different from its predecessors. But at the very least, it’s a great spiritual successor, and it knows how to keep player’s interest.

Fans of the Spellforce franchise may balk at the absence of the usual RTS/RPG mashup mechanics. Spellforce: Conquest of Eo hops on the turn-based train, but the game is every bit as engaging as earlier entries in the series. It’s just different. Even players a little fatigued by the glut of turn-based RPGs should give it a go, as the game’s combat is accessible and fun. In all honesty, I’m personally hoping the next numbered game in the franchise returns to its roots, but this change in direction has its own pleasures.

Everything is very simple and fun in SpellForce: Conquest of Eo due to the bare-bones 4X gameplay, where the important thing is almost exclusively to come out victorious in battles in order to advance in the main story and side quests. Turn-based combat is the game's highlight, tactical but fast-paced. The offering probably won't please all SpellForce fans, but it will certainly enlist new ones.

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is so magnetic it can be tough to stop playing. After finishing one game, you immediately want to start another – just to use the new knowledge.

The new Spellforce shows off flying colonial turrets, tons of interesting quests and tactical battles. All wrapped up in a nice audiovisual package.

This strategic Heroes-style spinoff does not hesitate to multiply new gameplay ideas. Most are even good and work well! A daring bet that pays off, despite some flaws.

The popular fantasy brand changes its usual style and now it looks more like turn-based strategies Might & Magic Heroes and Age of Wonders. The result is remarkable.

Spellforce: Conquest of Eo is a delightful spin on the 4X strategy genre. However, it remains just a step away from being truly ambitious with most systems continuing to play the second fiddle to the overall exploration and management.

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo strips away a lot of what makes the franchise unique and doesn't replace it with anything exciting.

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is a good reason to return to the universe, but it feels far less epic in scale when compared to the previous titles.

Conquest of Eo brings SpellForce closer to 4x than to traditional RTSs. Despite this choice, the game still lacks something to feel as fresh as it could have.

Even though it lacks fresh ideas, Spellforce: Conquest of Eo offers hours of fun with its rock-solid gameplay loop. The turn-based combat is accessible and fast, there are plenty of spells to research and things to do in every round. Just don't expect a game that you will keep revisiting for a very long time.

A competent, if not groundbreaking change of pace for the SpellForce series that is a good foundation for future additions.