Info about ENDLESS™ Legend - Shadows:

Official game description:
EXCLUSIVE REWARDS
=================
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About the Game
==============
This major addition to the game content includes the long-awaited **espionage** system (spying, infiltration and pillaging). It also includes an entire Major Faction, **the Forgotten**, whose gameplay is based on espionage.
Trust no one
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A nightmare out of history, the Forgotten are a faction that all others thought to be lost or dead. Against their will they were forged into a tight society of violent and distrustful survivors, having spent the final years of the cataclysm alone on the surface of Auriga.  
Now, as rifts in their society have led a splinter faction to declare its independence, the Forgotten are risking everything in the hopes that the other factions will accept them - or kneel before them. Masters of deception, infiltration, and sabotage, the arrival of the Forgotten among the factions of Auriga will change everything.  
The Forgotten units
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Embrace the shadows
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*   Take advantage of the new “Camouflage” and “Stealth” capacities and play with invisible units on the adventure map.
*   Send your Heroes to infiltrate other empires unlocking access to detailed information about their activities. New army actions allow you to steal, capture, sabotage and even poison Governors!
*   Defend your cities and Empire against potential infiltrations by using the new “Round up” capacity and other counterespionage skills.
*   Equip your Heroes and units with a set of new items, including the new “Scope” accessories, to give them espionage and counterespionage abilities.
*   Slow your enemy’s progression by performing a new army action on the adventure map: pillage converted villages, extractors and watchtowers.
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Release date: Sep 2, 2015

Categories: 4X, Espionage, Turn-based Strategy, Faction Management, Stealth Gameplay, Resource Management, Diplomacy

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 10; verdict: Fair; summary: The reviews focus on the DLC's price relative to its content, with many players feeling it is overpriced. However, there is no evidence of microtransactions, pay-to-win mechanics, loot boxes, or any real-money in-game purchases. The DLC is a traditional expansion, and the complaints are about value, not predatory monetization.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: The community reviews indicate that the DLC is considered fairly priced around $8.99, with many recommending to purchase it only on sale. The consensus suggests that the full price is too high, and a fair price range is between $5 and $10, with $8.99 being a commonly accepted price point.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The reviews focus on DLC content, pricing, and mechanics but do not provide any explicit playtime hours, session lengths, or completion times. No player reports a specific number of hours played, so all playtime metrics remain unsupported.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The DLC's spying and Forgotten faction are lategame-focused, so the game becomes more fun after early game investment and reaching lategame, where their strengths emerge.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Lategame
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: early game disadvantage for the Forgotten; below average unit strength; time investment for spying options (5-15 turns)
  - Unlock drivers: lategame scaling of spying; stealth unit economy kickstart; access to empire-wide spying options
  - Conditions: if playing as the Forgotten; if reaching lategame; if using spying mechanics; if having a nearby enemy to conquer; if surviving to lategame
- Player Archetypes:
  - Loyal Enthusiast (buy)
    - Motivation: Pure enjoyment and unconditional love for the game
    - Playstyle: Not specified, but they enjoy the game as a whole and likely play a variety of styles.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Strategic Mechanic (buy)
    - Motivation: Mastering game mechanics and exploring different strategies
    - Playstyle: Adaptive; they switch between science/diplomacy and warlike approaches depending on the situation.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Cautious Critic (sale)
    - Motivation: Value for money and balanced gameplay
    - Playstyle: They play but are critical of balance issues, especially spy mechanics.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Espionage system highly praised (weight 0.97): The espionage system is lauded as a significant and well-implemented addition, adding depth and strategic options. It is considered better than similar systems in other games like Civ 5, with specific actions like sabotage and tech stealing.
- DLC praised as excellent addition (weight 0.94): Reviewers consistently praise the DLC as an excellent addition that brings much-needed improvements and new content. It adds a new faction and mechanics, bringing players back to the game.
- New Forgotten faction well received (weight 0.94): The new Forgotten faction is widely liked for its unique stealth and espionage focus, offering a fresh and challenging playstyle. Its theme and mechanics are considered cool and innovative, fitting well with existing factions.
- Stealth mechanics add new layer (weight 0.51): Stealth and invisibility mechanics are highlighted as a new and interesting layer, allowing for unique strategies like luring enemies into traps and invisible armies. They are seen as a positive addition that diversifies gameplay.
- Pillaging mechanic is effective (weight 0.51): Pillaging is praised as a powerful and versatile mechanic, providing resources and harassing enemies without full war. It is especially effective with the Forgotten faction, who gain double dust and can steal tech.
- Forgotten faction unique mechanics (weight 0.37): The Forgotten faction stands out with its unique research system, requiring stealing or buying tech instead of researching. This offers a different and interesting playstyle, with units that are powerful and versatile.
- DLC offers good value (weight 0.13): The DLC includes three main gameplay elements for a good deal, providing substantial content for the price. It is considered a worthy addition that does not make the experience worse.
- AI improvements noticed (weight 0.08): Some reviewers noted that the AI seems to have gotten smarter with the expansion, enhancing the overall experience. This is seen as a positive change.

Common complaints:
- Forgotten faction is weak (weight 0.51): The Forgotten faction's units have below average stats, die quickly, and are weak in combat. The faction is difficult to play and requires a lot of skill and luck to be effective.
- Espionage has limited impact (weight 0.43): Espionage actions have little effect on the game unless actively pursued, and are basically useless for other factions. The value of using spies is questionable given the high cost of hiring heroes and using influence.
- DLC lacks content (weight 0.33): The expansion is seen as clumsy, adding complications without adding joy, and has no real content aside from minor tweaks. It is marketed as an expansion pack despite having nowhere near the content of others.
- Espionage has negative consequences (weight 0.25): Detection of a spy causes permanent hatred from the affected faction, and there are no repercussions for espionage actions except going to war. Going to war with a nation at peace costs the player all their allies.
- Forgotten faction has science issues (weight 0.25): The Forgotten faction has no science production, making early turns score-tight and causing them to fall behind in science. The inability to generate science is more irritating than immersive.
- Espionage requires too much micromanagement (weight 0.24): Espionage mechanics are weak and require excessive micromanagement, and micro-intensive city management is tedious. The reviewer was generally annoyed by the amount of espionage required.
- AI is poor and annoying (weight 0.24): The AI is not too strong when playing this faction and is poor at tactical and diplomatic levels. The AI's pillaging of mines and extractors feels annoying rather than fun.
- DLC has accessibility issues (weight 0.23): The product is not available in the reviewer's region, the game is not translated into Russian, and the DLC requires buying an old game for the DLC to work. The new faction is locked.
- Espionage is luck-dependent (weight 0.19): The system feels more dependent on luck than planning, and it is very hard to catch spies. Spies often avoid being caught even when the 'Round Up' option is used.
- Faction quest is disappointing (weight 0.19): The faction quest is weak, the ending is disappointing, and it does not expand the lore. Reviewers did not particularly enjoy the Forgotten's quests.
- Espionage actions are too strong (weight 0.19): The effects that spies can have seem to be much too strong, including kidnapping governors or reducing science and industry production. Neighbors can use espionage tactics that damage cities even when at peace.
- Espionage is only useful during war (weight 0.18): Espionage is only useful during war, and many of the features are less efficient than just conquering the other empire. Stealing resources is less efficient than buying them on the market.
- DLC fragments the game (weight 0.14): The DLC policy fragments the game and sells essential content as optional. The espionage mechanic is needed for a complete experience but is sold as a DLC.
- Stealing technology is pointless (weight 0.13): Stealing technology is usually pointless and can cause more important research to jump in price. Buying technology with dust is too expensive and slows progress.
- Game has faction imbalance (weight 0.13): There is a large faction imbalance: Broken Lords dominate late game, Vaulters dominate early game. The new mechanics do not match the traits of other factions.

Gameplay feedback:
- Espionage mechanic enables covert actions (weight 0.67): Espionage allows infiltrating enemy cities, stealing, sabotaging, and reducing population. It also enables sending heroes as spies to perform covert actions.
- Forgotten faction lacks science production (weight 0.54): The Forgotten faction cannot generate science and must buy research with dust or steal technologies. This requires significant resource investment.
- DLC adds espionage mechanics (weight 0.51): The DLC introduces espionage, infiltration, and sabotage mechanics for all factions. It also adds a new spying system and stealth elements.
- Forgotten specialize in espionage (weight 0.29): The Forgotten faction is heavily focused on espionage, subterfuge, and stealing technologies. Their units are stealth-based and weaker in direct combat.
- Forgotten units have innate stealth (weight 0.29): All Forgotten units are stealthed, making them invisible unless approached closely or within two tiles of a hero or city. This allows them to move through enemy lines of sight.
- Expansion adds new faction (weight 0.17): The expansion introduces a new faction, which focuses on late-game play. This adds variety to the game.
- Spy mechanic causes rebellions (weight 0.13): The game includes a spy mechanic that can cause rebellions and assassinations, adding strategic depth.
- Forgotten faction is defensive (weight 0.12): The Forgotten faction is described as defensive in playstyle, complementing their stealth and espionage strengths.

Performance notes:
No performancepoints

Recommendations:
- Wait for sale (weight 0.47): Several reviewers advise waiting for a sale before purchasing the DLC, suggesting it is not worth full price. They recommend buying it when discounted, with one suggesting a price under ten dollars.
- DLC worth buying (weight 0.31): Multiple reviewers strongly recommend the DLC, stating it is worth its money even without a discount and heartily recommend it. This positive sentiment is backed by specific praise for its content and value.
- Recommended for fans (weight 0.2): The DLC is recommended for fans of the base game, Endless Legend, and 4X strategy games, as well as those who enjoy multiplayer or want to support the developer. It adds new factions and content that appeal to existing players.
- Spy mechanics highlight (weight 0.2): The DLC dramatically changes the game by adding spy abilities, which is a key feature. Reviewers recommend it for players who enjoy toying with enemies or outwitting opponents, and for those wanting to make a spy kingdom.
- Avoid or save money (weight 0.16): Some reviewers advise against buying the DLC, recommending to save money for something else or not to buy the game at all due to DLC policy. This negative feedback is less common but present.
- Not for beginners (weight 0.14): The DLC is not recommended for beginners due to shaky troop balance and the added complexity of defending towns with another resource. It is better suited for experienced players who want a challenge.
- Challenge-oriented content (weight 0.13): The new faction is designed for players who like a challenge, and the DLC is worth it for those seeking more difficulty. It adds content that increases the game's complexity and replayability.

Other player notes:
- Pricing criticized as high (weight 0.37): The DLC is priced at 8.99 euros or 13 dollars, which reviewers find expensive compared to full games or other DLCs. They note it often goes on sale and is sometimes bundled.
- Espionage system compared to Civ (weight 0.2): Reviewers compare the espionage system to Civilization V, finding it more convenient and fun. Some also compare it to other 4X games like 7 Kingdoms II and Endless Space 2, where they find those implementations more interesting.
- DLC size considered decent (weight 0.19): The DLC is described as a decent-sized addon that works well in single player and should be even better in multiplayer. It is seen as a good 4X strategy addition.
- Compared to other expansions (weight 0.18): The expansion is compared unfavorably to other expansion packs like Yuri's Revenge and Call of Duty map packs, suggesting it offers less value. It is also compared to Civ V Brave New World, described as darker, faster, and more cunning.
- New faction compared to other media (weight 0.12): The new faction is compared to the Scorpion clan from Legend of the Five Rings and the Necromongers from the Riddick series. These comparisons highlight thematic elements.
- Product unavailable in region (weight 0.08): The DLC is not available in the reviewer's region, which is a significant accessibility issue for some players.
- Requires another game to function (weight 0.08): The DLC requires purchasing another game to function, which may be a barrier for some players.
- Does not fix core problems (weight 0.08): One reviewer notes that the game does not fix core problems from Endless Legend, indicating persistent issues.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.2): Players are frustrated by the espionage system's excessive micromanagement, high resource costs, and the difficulty of catching spies, which can have overly strong effects. The DLC policy is also criticized for fragmenting the game and selling essential content separately, with some players unable to access the product in their region or language.
- Disappointment (weight 0.15): Players are disappointed by the underdeveloped espionage system, which has little effect unless actively pursued and is useless for other factions. The expansion is seen as lacking content for its price, with only a few unit reskins and a clumsy addition that doesn't appeal to players who prefer science and negotiations.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.11): Players are satisfied with the ability to weaken enemies through espionage actions and the well-thought-out spying mechanic that provides many options. The new faction and mechanics are interesting, add challenge, and allow for playstyles that were previously impossible, bringing players back to the game.
- Approval (weight 0.1): Players approve of the espionage mechanic and the Forgotten faction, which provide a good defensive alternative and a different playstyle. The DLC is seen as an excellent addition that adds significant espionage and sabotage mechanics, improving the game with new depth and features.
- Excitement (weight 0.08): Players are excited about the new faction and spying mechanics, with the Forgotten race being a favorite due to its awesome theme. The new mechanics add depth and strategic options, and spying on other factions is useful for adapting, while invisible armies add fun gameplay elements.
- Annoyance (weight 0.06): Players are annoyed by espionage actions that are mostly unreliable and the amount of espionage required when playing the Forgotten. The AI's raids on mines and extractors, which shut down extractors, also contribute to the annoyance.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players enjoy playing the Forgotten faction a lot, finding it fun to play stealthily. Everything else about the DLC is also enjoyable, with the new faction being a highlight.
- Anger (weight 0.04): Players are angry that the bundle does not work, seeing the company as cheating, and being forced to buy an old game for the DLC to work with the faction locked. The AI crippling the player's population three times and losing all allies when going to war also fuels anger.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): Players admire the unique units with excellent animations and consider the espionage system the best implementation in any turn-based game. The Shadow story is also engaging.
- Love (weight 0.03): Players love the espionage system and stealth mechanics, which add more interesting mechanics to the game.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Players feel sadness because disabling the DLC removes the new faction.
- Appreciation (weight 0.01): Players appreciate having another faction to convert to The Endless, which is always great.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Players are curious about what an impactful espionage mechanic would look like.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Players hope to see an impactful and worthwhile espionage mechanic in the future.
- Skepticism (weight 0.01): Players are skeptical about the value of using spies, given the costs involved.
- Ambivalence (weight 0.01): Players feel ambivalent because the DLC is good, but the price is relatively high for what it brings.
- Impressed (weight 0.01): Players are impressed by both the new faction and the espionage system, which are very good.
- Irritation (weight 0.01): Players are irritated by the inability to generate science, which is more irritating than immersive.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.01): Players are enthusiastic because the new mechanics significantly improve the strategic depth of the game.
- Anticipation (weight 0.01): Players are anticipating future expansions.}