A Legionary's Life

86%
Game Brain Score Based on 2,028 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • replayability
A Legionary's Life Game Cover
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"A Legionary's Life" is a realistic, challenging simulation of a Roman legionary's life. Players experience rigorous training, brutal battles, and historical events while navigating the political landscape of the Roman Empire. With a focus on authenticity, the game offers a unique and immersive look into the life of a soldier in ancient Rome.

  • PC
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

86%
Audience ScoreBased on 2,028 reviews
story135 positive mentions
grinding59 negative mentions
  • Engaging and immersive storytelling that captures the life of a Roman legionary during the Punic Wars.
  • High replayability due to the character progression system that allows players to enhance their next character based on previous runs.
  • Unique combat mechanics that require strategic thinking and management of stance and stamina.
  • Heavy reliance on RNG can lead to frustrating experiences, with players often missing high-percentage attacks.
  • Repetitive gameplay as the same campaigns are played multiple times, which can diminish the overall experience.
  • Combat can feel tedious and drawn out, especially in battles where both the player and enemies miss attacks repeatedly.
  • story360 mentions

    The game's story is highly praised for its engaging and well-written narrative, set against the backdrop of historical events during the Roman Empire, particularly the Punic Wars. Players appreciate the depth of storytelling, character development, and the immersive experience of living as a legionary, although many note that the linearity and repetitive nature of the story can detract from the overall experience. While the story offers some branching paths and choices, the reliance on RNG in combat and events can lead to frustration, making it a game best suited for those who enjoy text-based RPGs and historical narratives.

    • “The story is exceedingly well written, and I found myself reading parts of the story that I had played through dozens of times just for fun.”
    • “The game has a great story, visuals, and characters; it's a shame that it will take you maybe 50-100 hours to actually see it all.”
    • “The story is both engaging and well presented, with a good balance between character development, action, and exposition.”
    • “The game play experience just ruins the story and I refunded after losing 4 characters in an hour.”
    • “The game makes you die a lot by design on top of the bad RNG, and every time it restarts you at the beginning of the story, replaying the same events over and over (with minor combat variation) instead of starting you off at the front with randomized minor and major events.”
    • “The story is very linear, and while there are some alternative paths and random events, once you have played through a few times you probably have seen everything.”
  • gameplay307 mentions

    The gameplay of "A Legionary's Life" is characterized by its unique blend of text-based narrative and turn-based combat, heavily influenced by RNG mechanics. While many players appreciate the depth and historical accuracy of the mechanics, they also note a steep learning curve and frustrations with the combat system, particularly regarding the stance and turn mechanics. Overall, the game offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in mastering its systems, despite some repetitive elements and reliance on luck.

    • “The game in mechanical terms is simple, but very well designed and executed.”
    • “The mechanics are difficult but once you’re over the learning curve it becomes ridiculously fun.”
    • “The gameplay loop is quite simple yet effective; you have two phases that I like to call 'break mode' and 'story mode'.”
    • “The gameplay is, at least for me, very gripping and in proportion to its simplicity the result is also astounding.”
    • “But the absolutely atrocious RNG-based combat system, and forced roguelike mechanics for a linear campaign, really just make this game an exercise in frustration gameplay-wise.”
    • “The amount of times I've had my character die to some bogus RNG mechanic is enough to send me over the edge.”
  • replayability166 mentions

    Overall, the game is praised for its high replayability, with many players enjoying the variety of choices, achievements, and random events that encourage multiple playthroughs. While some reviews note that the linear story and repetitive elements can limit replay value, the game's roguelike mechanics and character progression systems provide enough incentive for players to return. Many find it addictive and rewarding, making it a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate historical themes and strategic gameplay.

    • “Surprisingly fun, informative about the historical events it depicts, and has some replayability.”
    • “The game has a great amount of replayability.”
    • “Great game with a great replay value!”
    • “The replayability is somewhat hampered by the linear story.”
    • “There isn't a ton of replayability after your first few playthroughs, but for less than $10 that's plenty.”
    • “The game is obviously still in early access so content-wise it is a bit short, but I've found it has quite a lot of replayability in trying to get achievements and putting yourself in more difficult situations in subsequent playthroughs.”
  • graphics96 mentions

    The game's graphics are generally described as minimalistic and retro, reminiscent of early '90s and '80s titles, which may appeal to fans of that aesthetic but could deter those seeking modern visuals. While the visuals are basic and often lack detail, many players appreciate that the game prioritizes storytelling and gameplay over graphical fidelity, finding the simplistic art style charming and fitting for its text-based nature. Overall, the graphics serve their purpose without overshadowing the immersive experience and engaging mechanics.

    • “The graphics definitely feel less like they're dated and more like they're for a modern recreation of an old-school game.”
    • “The interesting story and unique art style really make this game stand out.”
    • “The graphics, as you may have guessed already, are minimalistic and just show you strictly what you need to know, relying entirely on the UI and text for conveying information which works quite well.”
    • “The lack of any graphics also doesn't do much to alleviate the feeling of angry boredom I felt while playing the game.”
    • “The graphics are crap and could be nicer but are not essential for a game of this type.”
    • “There's very little in the way of graphics, all the encounters are described textually.”
  • grinding60 mentions

    The reviews highlight that grinding is a significant aspect of the game, often described as tedious and repetitive, particularly in combat and character progression. Many players express frustration with the RNG-based mechanics that can make grinding feel unfair and time-consuming, while some appreciate the challenge it presents. Overall, while the grind can be rewarding for some, it detracts from the enjoyment for others, leading to mixed feelings about the game's pacing and design.

    • “But there's no grinding for a specific outcome because, either way, you reach the enemy camp and can go from there.”
    • “The only thing I really dislike is the phalanx combat; maybe I'm doing something wrong, but it just feels incredibly tedious and time-consuming.”
    • “This is extremely boring and tedious. I fought a battle of 72 turns where most of the fight was using feint and recover until the battle was over. I can't accurately explain how boring combat is; it feels like a chore.”
    • “I wanted to like this game, but it's so repetitive, so grindy, so luck-based, and so infuriating, I can't.”
  • music38 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising its dramatic and atmospheric qualities that enhance the storytelling and gameplay experience. However, many players criticize the limited variety and repetitiveness of the soundtrack, noting that it consists mainly of a few royalty-free tracks that can become monotonous over extended play sessions. Overall, while the music fits the game's tone well, a broader selection would improve the experience significantly.

    • “A well thought out RPG with comfy music, high quality writing, and a perfect difficulty curve.”
    • “The music and stellar writing, despite its simplicity, give quite the iconic experience. I often come back from nostalgia to do another playthrough, following Scipio up the walls of Novo Carthago and Flaminius against the dreaded Macedonian phalanx again.”
    • “While there was a lack of diversity in the soundtrack, it is perfectly fitting and sets the mood and tone of the game very well, once more adding to the atmosphere.”
    • “Although some constructive feedback - why in the world are there like 3 songs for the entire game and why are they like 1 minute long each?”
    • “Update - I played it 10 hours straight before I stopped, but I had to mute the music because the 1-minute combat loop was killing me.”
    • “The game's soundtrack is made up of three royalty-free tracks, and although they aren't bad, they get pretty annoying after a dozen or so hours of play.”
  • optimization13 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally well-received, with players praising its performance and visuals, noting no significant issues on high-end systems. However, there are calls for better optimization for platforms like the Steam Deck and improvements in gameplay mechanics, particularly for roguelike elements. As the game is still in early access, players are hopeful for future patches to enhance performance and address these concerns.

    • “I like how the failure of your earlier characters allows you to develop better ones later on by generating bonus character generation points dependent upon your Hall of Fame performance.”
    • “Death isn't always horrible - while you won't get your character back, you'll get points based on your performance that you can then use to improve your next character.”
    • “Overall, I just absolutely love the training, and it feels like your performance in battle actually has an effect.”
    • “Game is not optimized enough for playing as a roguelike.”
    • “The game is in early access, so I understand that it needs some optimization and patches.”
    • “If the creator were to make a sequel with some optimization, different wars in antiquity, expanded story (or multiple campaigns), and actually not letting the AI cheat, it would be an absolute must-have.”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its historical accuracy, immersive setting, and strong writing, effectively conveying the feeling of insignificance within a vast war machine. While some reviewers noted a lack of diversity in the soundtrack and visuals, they felt that the overall mood and tone were well-executed, enhancing the player's experience. Despite some criticisms regarding RNG elements, the game's atmosphere remains a standout feature that captivates players.

    • “Well researched, riveting, and atmospheric.”
    • “Historically accurate and great atmosphere in the game.”
    • “Beyond that, I also love the atmosphere, the setting, and the writing.”
    • “This atmosphere of being just a small number in some document makes you feel insignificant in a giant war machine that was the Roman Legion.”
    • “While there was a lack of diversity in the soundtrack, it is perfectly fitting and sets the mood and tone of the game very well. This can also be said for the sparse diversity of screens you will be seeing; however, with the combination of decent storytelling, a well-picked OST, and atmospheric and historically accurate portrayals, the game, despite lacking diversity, doesn't lack in atmosphere.”
    • “I picked it up on a whim due to the cheap price and a personal interest in ancient/classical history, which I'll start by saying the game delivers on very well along with the general atmosphere.”
  • emotional8 mentions

    Players report that the game evokes a wide range of intense emotions, from the thrill of success to the pain of failure, largely due to its mechanics like permadeath and character attachment. The emotional investment in characters and their stories, such as heartfelt conversations and personal losses, creates a deeply immersive experience that resonates with players, reminiscent of childhood fantasy adventures. Overall, the game's ability to elicit strong emotional responses is highlighted as one of its standout features.

    • “There is no other game that made me feel this intense over failure and success alike.”
    • “I got so emotionally invested in my centurion.”
    • “The perma-death reality really makes you think about your choices, and you get emotionally attached to characters who have gone on great runs or gotten lucky in tough fights.”
  • character development6 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its solid integration with storytelling and combat mechanics, allowing players to evolve from an unknown soldier to a figure of renown. While the character development features are engaging and offer meaningful interactions, some players feel that the impact of decisions could be deeper, with more branching paths to enhance the overall experience. The balance between character growth and narrative progression is generally well-received, though some desire greater complexity in the decision-making process.

    • “Great mix of solid storytelling, combat mechanics, and RPG character development.”
    • “A simple yet interesting game, featuring character development, turn-based combat, and a storyline with plenty of decisions that affect your character as well as small-scale events in the war.”
    • “The story is both engaging and well presented, with a good balance between character development, action, and exposition.”
    • “Both a plus and a minus, a lot of the content is centered around being driven through a storyline with relatively minimally impactful decisions (which was sort of the point, tell a legendary tale, not some hero's), but it seems to me that the appeal of the game is to develop from a relatively unknown soldier into one of great renown; this would be more attainable or perhaps more rewarding if there were even more branches and decisions which had an effect on the story, or at least more branches in character development dialogue.”
    • “Also more in-depth character development, like being able to make a friend throughout the story of the game, and also being able to restart your history.”
    • “It is deceptively simple, with strong character development abilities.”
  • humor5 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its clever and absurd soldier names, which contribute to a lighthearted experience alongside engaging gameplay. Players appreciate the blend of poetic and comedic elements, making the game both entertaining and relatable. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, enhancing the enjoyment of the historically accurate campaigns and combat.

    • “Best part of this game is the hilariously stupid names you can give your soldier.”
    • “Second best part is watching the growing number of hilarious names in your hall of fame.”
    • “This game, historically accurate, with a good set of ancient campaigns (and more to come!), has a very funny set of activities and a good combat/battle system, making it a real gem.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Overall, users rate the stability of the game positively, giving it an 8/10 for its impressive and bug-free gameplay, especially for an early access title, while acknowledging there is still room for improvement.

    • “I would rate it, based on my opinions, a solid 8/10, due to its ample room to improve, but its already amazing and bug-free gameplay for an early access game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

10hMedian play time
21hAverage play time
7-30hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 14 analyzed playthroughs

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