Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Legions expands the core Asheron’s Call 2 experience with an abundance of new content that feels both familiar and refreshingly ambitious. The addition of two new playable races not only adds fresh character options but also redefines how veteran players approach party dynamics. Each race brings unique racial traits that synergize with existing profession mechanics, prompting players to rethink optimized builds for group and solo play.

The new continent to the south of Dereth boosts the total adventuring area by approximately 30%, offering sprawling landscapes, dense forests, and hidden enclaves to explore. This terrain diversity isn’t mere window dressing—the varied ecosystems host brand-new monsters with distinct AI behaviors. An encounter that might have been routine in Fallen Kings can become unexpectedly challenging here, encouraging players to adapt tactics rather than rely on familiar strategies.

For high-level characters, the upgraded Hero system shines as the crown jewel of Legions. Players nearing the level cap find fresh progression paths via new Hero ranks and abilities, prolonging the endgame without trivializing the content. Hero quests integrate smoothly into the overall questflow, blending storytelling with tangible character power boosts that reward long-term investment.

Graphics

Visually, Legions demonstrates Turbine’s commitment to building upon the Fallen Kings engine. The new southern continent boasts lush jungles, rolling savannahs, and ancient ruins imbued with an otherworldly glow. Textures remain consistent with the base game, yet refined details—such as dynamic lighting effects in candlelit caverns—enhance immersion and give the expansion its own distinct aesthetic identity.

The design of the ancient Empyrean structures stands out as a graphical highlight. Massive stone edifices adorned with glowing glyphs and intricate reliefs convey a sense of storied history. Environmental storytelling is at its best here: weathered pillars, half-buried statues, and vine-covered archways all hint at the Empyreans’ advanced civilization, inviting players to piece together lore through exploration.

Character models benefit from updated armor and costume sets tied to the new races and Hero tiers. These visual upgrades don’t just look good in isolation—they signal progression milestones, making your avatar’s appearance a badge of honor. Particle effects for spells and special abilities have been polished as well, offering crisp animations that ensure each magical explosion or healing wave feels impactful.

Story

At its narrative core, Legions revolves around the rediscovery of the Empyreans, the ancient precursors of Dereth’s current inhabitants. This revelation drives the overarching questline, as players are drawn into a geopolitical struggle for control of Empyrean artifacts and knowledge. The story unfolds through a series of well-crafted missions that balance action, diplomacy, and environmental puzzles.

Quests in Legions deepen the lore of Asheron’s Call 2 without overshadowing the base game’s story. Side quests peppered across the new island offer glimpses into Empyrean culture, from journal entries scrawled in forgotten temples to NPCs who recount myths passed down through generations. These narrative vignettes enrich the main storyline, making each dungeon delve and artifact hunt feel purposeful.

Player choice plays a subtle but meaningful role in Legions’ storytelling. Several quest branches allow for diplomatic resolutions, optional boss fights, or stealth-based infiltrations. These divergent paths not only affect local outcomes—such as whether a village remains intact or a ruin is sealed off—but also influence how Empyrean secrets are revealed, adding replay value for lore enthusiasts.

Overall Experience

Asheron’s Call 2: Legions strikes a satisfying balance between expansion pack and comprehensive re-release. The inclusion of the full Fallen Kings game ensures newcomers can dive in without tracking down older discs, while veterans benefit from substantial new content that justifies revisiting Dereth. The progression system feels robust, offering enough depth to keep power-gamers engaged and enough accessibility for casual adventurers.

Group play is smoother than ever thanks to the expanded geography and monster variety. Whether you’re leading a raid into a fog-shrouded Empyrean fortress or tackling solo quests in sun-dappled groves, Legions maintains a sense of discovery. The upgraded Hero system extends endgame longevity, giving seasoned players new avenues for character development without sacrificing challenge.

Ultimately, Legions delivers on its promise to enrich the Asheron’s Call 2 universe. With polished graphics, an engaging narrative hook, and a wealth of gameplay enhancements, this expansion pack is a must-have for anyone invested in Fallen Kings. If you’re seeking a well-rounded MMORPG expansion that honors its roots while charting new territory, Asheron’s Call 2: Legions is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

6.3/10