I have had a blast with this game so far! At first, I was hesitant to make the purchase, but it was well worth the 14.99 USD. If you have been eyeballing this title, I implore you to give it a chance- you're more than likely to enjoy it.
My favorite aspects of the game are:
- The miniature style (Very charming!)
- The well-done integration of the three-layered structure
- And the fun resource management of the campaign!
I must admit, at the time of writing this, I have spent most of my time playing the campaign- which is still early in development. That being said, I have fought enough battles, traded, and administered my towns enough to comment on them.
This game is, even in its early state, quite engaging. Although the early sandbox campaign battles can be a bit of slog with only militia, especially when a nearby tribe sends a group of 4 horsemen and 4 irregulars of its own, it is still fun to eke out victories when I can manage them. Truth be told, once I learned the progression to proper military units, there was no point in the battles that it felt like a slog.
My biggest critics would be (in no particular order):
- The lack of a speed multiplier in battle (Times 2, 3, etc.)
- The sheer intensity of micro in navel battles
- The relatively small size of battles paired
- The ability of calvary (And other units, I suppose,) to walk through enemy units, thus ruining one of the strengths of a proper line.
- And, not least of all, wishing there was already a finished campaign!
I greatly enjoy this game. It has already been well worth the money spent, and when the campaign is more developed, then it will be an even better game. It has the foundations of a wonderful system, and sending trade ships around the Carribean to raise a proper army against the hostile natives reminded me of my days playing 'Sid Meier's Pirates!'
I find it odd that more people haven't written a review or know about this! Although, given that at the time of writing this game is still in development, it does make sense that many aren't willing to engage with it.
I hope that development goes well, and that many more people get to enjoy this hidden gem of a game. To all that read this have a wonderful day.