This is a good blend of RTS with 4X games ala Civilisation. Like most hybrids, the game does not excel in either categories but still provides fun gameplay. Probably the best hybrid since Star Wars: Empire At War --which is still, in my opinion, a superior game. You can play this a bit like Grand Strategy games from Paradox, pausing and resuming as needed.

Combat is rather simplistic, following a simple 'rock-paper-scissors' approach. You can micromanage your units to ensure that they attack what they counter, but there is not much else to it. The different functions offer some asymmetry but they are all too similar.

There is not much diplomacy; you can essentially get a 'Truce,' 'Trade' (even when at war), and do Research/ Economic/Intel Exchange programmes. There is no option to team up against another function. Then again, Skirmish is limited to 4 functions only.

The Landsraad (the Council of all Functions + some wildcard) and CHOM shares are both thematically accurate and good mechanisms. The Intelligence/ Spying mechanism is deeper than I expected. I wish that instead of outright loosing, if your function leader gets assassinated then your next-of-kin or counsellor would take over.

Playing against AI is a bit of a hit and miss, especially towards late game once you get air units.

Overall, if you are coming from RTS and want to try 4X or looking for a more casual/ fast 4X than Civilisation, this is a good game to play.

An instant classic; JRPG combat with a Souls-like twist, great story, and one of the best soundtracks of the past decade or more.

έτοιμος!