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The Unexpected Quest is a strange blend of strategy, auto-battling, and resource management. What’s more, it is a bit of a time sink and I think this lets it down. Yet, if you can suck up the time-consuming aspects and lose yourself in the fantasy gameplay, this could be a fun breakaway from harder and more fast-paced gaming.
This fantasy strategy title was developed by Reonix and published by OverGamez. Furthermore, it is a single-player isometric game. The action revolves around problem-solving and resource management. What’s more, there is some fighting and troop/people management as you progress. The core gameplay rarely changes, so if you want a complex and challenging affair, this may not be the title for you.
The Unexpected Quest tells a quirky story.
The action is split into 2 distinct modes. First, you have the core story, and second, you have an arena-based survival endeavour. I’d advise cutting your teeth on the story mode as this explains the basic mechanics and you encounter every horrific monster. Alternatively, the arena mode tests your ability to manage multiple issues in quick succession.
The story option has a gentle learning curve. You must understand how different resources impact the course of the game. Whether it is your warriors, wizards, or archers, or the use of your workers and clerics, it is important to balance your approach. As the story unfolds, you witness cruel monsters and you help an array of helpless victims. The plot isn’t as captivating as it could be, but it works well with the theme.
It is all about the resources.
The Unexpected Quest focuses on its resource management layer. If you have no resources, you can not build houses or open new pathways. Moreover, you cannot buy new troops or hire new workers. Accordingly, you must keep the food, gold, and wood trickling in. This is easier said than done and selling some of your goods is essential if you wish to speed things up.
Alongside resource management, you must make potions and upgrade your troops and equipment. Additionally, there are special items to find that improve your chances. These trinkets improve each attacking character and make it easier to kill every foe. Apart from this, the game lacks depth. This was a shame as there was never a sense of urgency.
The Unexpected Quest is a little rough.
The developer has focused on an earthy and rustic approach. Though I liked the grim appeal, it is somewhat rough around the edges. This doesn’t impact the gameplay and I experienced no bugs, but it could have been better. Unfortunately, The Unexpected Quest isn’t memorable and will certainly be forgotten shortly.
The audio is lacking as well. Though the soundtrack works, it didn’t amaze me. The chirpy tunes work with the theme, but nothing stands out. Thankfully, the sound effects were more impressive. I liked the screams of my workers and the noise of each weapon. Had there been more core content, the developer could have made this much more aesthetically interesting.
Slow controls.
Moving between buildings was a slow affair. You can move the cursor or the screen. If you do the latter, it moves quickly but lacks accuracy. Moving the cursor creates accuracy, but it is slow as hell. Either way, you will become frustrated. Other than this, the controls were simple to understand and the UI is intuitive.
If you can look past the issues, there are plenty of minor things to tackle. Each arena battle has a scoring system, which demands you return for more. Additionally, perfection is required during the story mode if you want to score the maximum points. Consequently, there is replay value and longevity.
The Unexpected Quest should have been better.
The Unexpected Quest didn’t blow me away. It doesn’t make the most of its opportunities, impacting the end product. Sadly, it is a time-sink and not exciting enough. Additionally, there is not enough depth. However, if you like this genre, you will forgive the shortcomings. Accordingly, I recommend buying it here! Can you manage your resources and complete each mission? Scan your surroundings, plan ahead, and maximise your score.
