Endless Relaxation

According to my Steam account, I've only played Endless Legend for 4.6 hours – a 4X turn-based strategy game with loads of content that can likely entertain for a much longer period. If Past-Mattis was to read these words, he would be turning in his grave (ignoring the resulting paradox). Ignoring a paid full-price game? Blasphemy!

What's my excuse? Well, I don't really have one. It's probably a bit like with Age of Wonders III: It just didn't catch me – even though I played it with a friend in multiplayer. It's a shame really, because the accompanying soundtrack, which I'm going to talk about now, promises entertainment.

The score

FlybyNo, also known as Arnaud Roy, is well acquainted with the theme of endlessness as the in-house composer for Amplitude Studios. He composed soundtracks for all of the developer's games: Endless Space (2012), Dungeon of the Endless (2014), Endless Space 2 (2017), Endless Dungeon (2023), and of course, Endless Legend (2014). And let's not forget Humankind (2021).

As a trained harpist, the Frenchman's expertise lies in orchestral music, and the OST reflects that, being classically designed. The sometimes more, sometimes less grandiose pieces range from soothingly unremarkable to motivating, reminiscent of the best CIV-traditions. The focus on string instruments and percussion gives tracks like GeologyFlybyNo, Arnaud Roy4 and In Undertones (Broken Lords Theme) an aristocratic touch, while in Terra AmataFlybyNo, Arnaud Roy3 they evoke a Mediterranean flair. SkylarkFlybyNo, Arnaud Roy4 with its choir and percussion, sounds a bit like Game of Thrones – not the worst inspiration!

Overall, it becomes clear that the score seeks more kinship with the 'real' Middle Ages, like in Crusader Kings 3 , rather than the high-fantasy imaginings of Age of Wonders. Fantastic elements, as seen in games like Heroes of Might and Magic or Total War: Warhammer , are noticeably absent in Endless Legend. Instead, pieces like Wisdom of Dark Ages (Drakkens) with their flutes and vocals almost resemble typical Tibetan monk meditations, while the glockenspiel in From Dawn to DuskFlybyNo, Arnaud Roy, Gary Lawrence Soubrier3 reminds me of the series Avatar: The Last Airbender .

While the individual pieces of this album may not win any creativity awards, the variety offers an entertaining backdrop that seems tailor-made for relaxed campaign map exploration. And even beyond that, the Endless Legend-OST can have an almost calming effect over long stretches. However, for those seeking hardcore battle music, The BattleField IIFlybyNo, Arnaud Roy4 should be checked out – it doesn't get much more intense than that.