Well-received by gamers and critics alike, Legion Gold is the expanded and improved version of its predecessor, Legion, and includes not only the original Legion game but a hefty expansion pack too.
Players control vast armies and attempt to carve out an empire at the strategic level. The game emphasizes city planning and development, allowing players to allocate workers, construct new buildings, and train military units to support their expansion. The strategic layer also includes diplomacy, enabling players to forge alliances or wage war against rival factions.
The core combat system blends strategic and tactical elements. Players position their armies on the battlefield and select formations and orders, but the actual battles play out automatically. This "armchair general" approach gives a sense of realism, as the commander cannot directly control individual units in the heat of battle. Instead, players must carefully consider terrain, unit composition, and tactical positioning to achieve victory.
Each map can be replayed multiple times with different nations and settings, providing hours of gameplay. The inclusion of new campaigns, races, units, and structures in the expansion pack further extends the longevity of the experience.
The game's mechanics are easy to learn, with a relatively short tutorial, making it a welcoming entry point for newcomers to the strategy genre. However, the simplicity does not detract from the depth, as the game still provides a challenging and rewarding experience for seasoned strategy gamers.
A significant portion of the positive reviews come from players who have fond memories of the original Legion game or the broader Slitherine catalog of historical strategy titles. These players often appreciate the game's classic, "old-school" charm and are drawn to the opportunity to revisit the setting and mechanics they enjoyed in their youth.