Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Worlds of Legend: Son of the Empire builds on the core mechanics of its predecessor by retaining the same isometric 3D RPG structure, but it injects fresh life through its Eastern-inspired landscape. Players once again assume control of a party of four distinct classes—Barbarian, Runemaster, Assassin, and Troubadour—each with unique skills and combat roles. The Barbarian excels in brute force, the Runemaster commands elemental magic, the Assassin specializes in stealth and critical strikes, and the Troubadour supports the team with buffs and healing songs.

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Dungeon exploration remains at the heart of the experience, as you navigate intricate labyrinths filled with traps, puzzles, and hidden treasures. The puzzle design is clever without being overly obtuse, requiring a mix of logic, magic, and environmental manipulation to progress. Meanwhile, the open plains feature roaming armies and skirmish encounters that break up dungeon crawling with strategic, real-time clashes. You’ll need to adapt your tactics for massed foes, using area-of-effect spells from the Runemaster or the Assassin’s hit-and-run tactics to thin enemy ranks.

A standout addition is the ability to import characters from the original Legend, complete with their accumulated gold, weapons, and level advancements. This feature rewards longtime fans by granting immediate access to powerful gear and high-level abilities, though you can also opt to start fresh with new recruits. The flexibility encourages replayability—veterans can dive straight into endgame content, while newcomers can forge their own journey from the ground up.

Graphics

Visually, Son of the Empire scales the original engine’s strengths and polishes its weaknesses. The shift to an Eastern-themed environment introduces ornate pagodas, winding bamboo forests, and desert oases that contrast starkly with the medieval European ambiance of Legend. Textures are more detailed, and lighting effects—especially firelight and shadow interplay in dimly lit temples—add depth to each scene.

Character models have seen incremental improvements: armor plates show subtle wear, fabrics ripple with movement, and spell animations by the Runemaster now feature dynamic particle effects that trail off realistically. While not on par with modern triple-A graphics, the art direction feels cohesive and charming, and the top-down perspective helps mask occasional polygonal rough edges.

Performance remains smooth on most mid-range systems, with only rare frame dips when large armies clash or multiple particle effects converge on screen. The user interface is clean and intuitive, with hotkey assignments easily accessed and inventory management straightforward. Overall, the graphics serve the gameplay well, creating an immersive world without demanding excessive hardware.

Story

The narrative of Son of the Empire draws you into the political and mystical intrigues of an Eastern realm recovering from civil strife. As the four heroes, you are tasked with unraveling a conspiracy that threatens to plunge the empire into chaos. The plot unfolds through a combination of in-game dialogue, journal entries, and environmental storytelling—ancient murals, forgotten shrines, and encrypted runes scattered across dungeons.

Each character’s background weaves into the main storyline: the Barbarian seeks honor after exile, the Runemaster hunts forbidden arcane secrets, the Assassin wrestles with a dark past, and the Troubadour yearns to compose a ballad worthy of legend. Their personal quests often intersect, providing emotional stakes beyond the generic “save the kingdom” trope. Side stories and optional quests further enrich the narrative tapestry, offering moral choices that can alter alliances and unlock hidden areas.

Though the pacing occasionally slows in midgame as you traverse vast plains between strongholds, the climax delivers a satisfying payoff. Mystical elements—dragons awakened from slumber, spirit guardians of ancient temples, and the final confrontation with a deposed warlord—add dramatic flair. Overall, the story strikes a balance between epic fantasy and character-driven moments, keeping you invested throughout the campaign.

Overall Experience

Worlds of Legend: Son of the Empire successfully marries proven RPG mechanics with a fresh Eastern aesthetic. It never reinvents the wheel, but it refines and expands upon the foundation laid by Legend. Whether you’re deciphering an intricate puzzle in a hidden shrine or leading your party to victory in a sprawling field battle, there’s a steady sense of accomplishment and discovery.

Importing veteran characters is a thoughtful nod to longtime fans, providing a bridge between titles and rewarding prior investment. Newcomers won’t feel shortchanged either, thanks to balanced progression and adjustable difficulty settings. The result is a game that’s accessible to RPG novices while still delivering depth for genre aficionados.

If you appreciate isometric RPGs with solid combat, engaging puzzles, and a well-crafted story, Son of the Empire is a worthy purchase. Its blend of Eastern visuals, strategic encounters, and character-driven narrative ensures that your journey through dungeons and deserts remains captivating from start to finish. For players seeking both nostalgia and new adventures, this sequel stands tall as a memorable entry in the Worlds of Legend saga.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10