Eumenides (Free SRPG) Introduction and Review

In this article, I'd like to introduce "Eumenides," a simulation RPG set in ancient Greece.
This game is characterized by its rich storyline based on historical context and its game design that cleverly captures the atmosphere of large-scale battles.
My playtime was just under 7 hours (on Normal mode) based on the save data from the final chapter.

Game Overview

stage

The story is set around 400 BC, during the reign of Cyrus the Great.
Cyrus II, the king's brother, who raised an army to usurp the throne, hired many mercenary groups in addition to his own army.
The protagonist is a man named Timacion, who leads one of these mercenary groups, and the game unfolds from his perspective.

A unit within a large army

What's unique about this is that the protagonist's unit is only a small part of Cyrus's vast army.
Unlike the protagonists of games like "Fire Emblem," this protagonist doesn't command and lead the entire army; instead, they're in a position more like middle management.
Moreover, they weren't soldiers serving a lord, but rather mercenaries hired for money.
Even Cyrus, their employer, hasn't fully explained the purpose or true intentions behind their actions.
I found the protagonist's position quite refreshing and interesting.
If we're talking about works featuring characters in a similar position, Prince Reese from the commercial game "Berwick Saga" might be a somewhat similar example.

Stage Features

Another unique aspect is the game's stages themselves.
There are a very large number of NPCs, and the player can only control a select few units to which they have command authority.
This effectively conveys the feeling that the protagonists are "just one unit within a large army."
Sometimes it's important to advance in step with the NPCs, sometimes to cooperate to form a siege, and to coordinate with other units.
NPCs are not just cannon fodder; many of them are reliable fighting forces.
I haven't played many simulation RPGs that make the player feel so strongly like they're part of a larger group, so in that sense, I thought this was a groundbreaking game.

The atmosphere of a team battle

Each unit is also represented as a collective entity.
Although the system is presented as if there is only one commander, the parameter names and tool names emphasize that it is a group.
The item used to heal allies is named "Deploy Reserve Forces," and HP is set up to represent the number of troops.
Furthermore, each unit has a reasonable amount of durability and won't be defeated in just one or two attacks.
If you get surrounded or isolated and subjected to a concentrated attack, you'll be easily defeated, but if you create a defensive line and avoid concentrated attacks, you can hold out for quite a while.
In this game, where there are many clear conditions for each stage, tactics such as buying time will also be necessary.

Difficulty

Perhaps because I was playing on normal difficulty, the difficulty level itself wasn't particularly high.
Even though there seemed to be a large number of enemies, the clear conditions were often things like defeating the enemy commander or waiting for turns to pass, so I never thought, "Wow, do I really have to defeat this many enemies?"
The time required to complete the map is just right, or perhaps a little too short.
However, those unfamiliar with simulation RPGs might find some parts a little difficult.
While there are strong units, single-handedly dominating battles is impossible; strategic planning that always considers group combat is required.

My thoughts (with some minor spoilers)

I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and the gameplay.
At first, it was difficult to understand the situation and other aspects of the game, but as I played, I became completely engrossed in it.
The glossary, character profiles, and even the map showing your current location are all meticulously crafted, reflecting the author's strong dedication and passion.

I was impressed to realize that there are so many interesting subjects for simulation RPGs in actual history, without having to create something from scratch.
There are no typical late-game developments in simulation RPGs, such as "going to defeat the evil god who is the mastermind," and the objective only changes once at the beginning.
From that point onward, they consistently marched toward a single objective, becoming the driving force behind the story.

With most games, if you want to savor the feeling after finishing them, you look for reviews and impressions from other people who have completed them.
However, since this game features many real-life characters and references, I enjoyed looking up terms and place names on Wikipedia and filling in the gaps in my mind.
Playing this game was such an inspiration that I ended up buying "Anabasis," a book written by one of the characters, Xenophon.

As for the characters, there were many appealing characters, both allies and enemies.
However, I felt that the horse-riding girl duo, Alquisthenea and Orlera, were more glamorous than the protagonist, Timasion.
Furthermore, I think he was able to survive his long journey because he had many capable allies, such as Tolmides and Sophaenetus.

Also, I really liked the older guys who fought alongside me because they were incredibly strong and reliable.
However, because of the harshness of war, when it was time to die, they died suddenly, and I felt a great sense of loss, realizing, "Ah, I can no longer fight alongside these people."
The sadness of having someone dismissed with just a single line of text saying "They apparently died in battle" is something you rarely experience in other games.

summary

This is a unique simulation RPG with a story based on historical events and a strong emphasis on group battles.
This game is highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
If you're interested, I think it's worth playing.