There are games that literally jump out at you and Lords and Legions is just such a title for me. From the very first trailer, it was clear that this wasn't just another medieval fantasy game coming to the market, but a project that dares to think big. I love games that make me vacillate between epic battles, clever army building and intense heroic moments - and here I immediately sensed that my inner general was being challenged. The fact that it's not just about fighting, but about telling my own story, makes it a game I can hardly ignore.
A 22-year-old, a dream and a studio
What also fascinates me: Behind Lords and Legions is not a huge development team, but a single person - just as it is with Manor Lords was the case. Sean Persson, just 22 years old, taught himself everything - from programming and modeling to animation. Warborne Studios may sound like a team of dozens of people, but it's actually a one-man project with a lot of passion.
This story gives the game a very special touch for me. We're not talking about a big AAA production here, but a heart project that has grown piece by piece. And when you see what Sean has achieved in such a short space of time, it's clear that passion can sometimes achieve more than entire departments in huge studios.
Campaign mode: risk, reward and hardcore sweat
In campaign mode, I start as a lone hero - without an army, just a small bag of gold. Every battle is a risk, but also a chance to become stronger. Victories bring resources that I can use to expand my troops and recruit new units. But the bigger my army grows, the more dangerous my opponents become.
The special thing for me is the hardcore mode. There are no second chances here. Every decision, whether risky or cautious, can make the difference between victory and downfall. This Roguelike element ensures that I play every battle with bated breath - and that's exactly what I love about strategy games.
Lords and Legions Sandbox as a stage for my imagination
Away from the campaign, the game reveals its creative side. In sandbox mode, I build my own battlefields. I form hills, plant forests or completely erase the terrain. I decide whether the sun sets peacefully or whether a storm rages across the land. Then I deploy armies - empire vs. Undead, Rebels against Warborn or everyone against everyone chaos.
What appeals to me is that I'm not just playing here, I'm directing. It almost feels like I'm the director of a gigantic medieval fantasy battle. Sometimes I create a cinematic finale, sometimes a merciless bloodbath - and both are equally satisfying. That's how Peter Jackson must feel about The Lord of the Rings have felt...
Heroes, skills and the personal battle
The unique selling point of Lords and Legions is not just about the armies. I slip directly into the role of a hero and fight in a third-person perspective in the midst of the turmoil of battle. With every battle I win, I expand my repertoire of skills and have the opportunity to actively turn the tide of battle. A well-timed strike or a powerful ability can determine the outcome of an entire battle. This combination of direct control and strategic overview makes the game special for me.
Early Access and the community
Official start Lords and Legions on September 23, 2025 in Early Access. Sean himself emphasizes how important the community is to him. He wants that Lords and Legions not only remains his project, but grows into a game that lives from the ideas and feedback of the players. For me, that's one of the best aspects: Giving feedback, engaging in discourse with the community and actively helping to shape the game. That's why a Discord Server on which everything mentioned is possible. (Link is below the article in the link box)
A resounding yes to Lords and Legions
Lords and Legions is for me a prime example of how much a single developer can create with passion. It combines epic battles, the thrill of roguelikes and the freedom of a sandbox to create a game that is, or becomes, more than the sum of its parts. I've rarely felt so much respect for a project where I also feel like every decision I make carries weight. And the mere fact that I can get a taste of the demo for free makes it a must-play for me.
