I've always been impressed by the Expeditions series, which is like a more serious, history-obsessed cousin of Larian's Divinity games. In 2022 we got Expeditions: Rome—which until right now I would have said was the perfect setting for the series' blend of epic storytelling and tactical combat. But since Campfire Cabal has just released the latest entry in the series—Expeditions: Samurai—into Steam early access, all I can say is I stand corrected.
As the title suggests, Expeditions: Samurai sees the series sail from ancient Rome to feudal Japan, presenting a slightly altered historical scenario where William Adams—the first European Samurai—never arrived in Japan. Instead, you, as a character of your own creation, land on the shores of Honshu aboard the Dutch frigate De Albatros, arriving just as Japan's Daimyos are squaring up for the final battles of the Sengoku era.
The broad pitch is exactly what you'd expect from the series. A sprawling world to explore, a campaign where you'll navigate the knotty politics and intrigue of the era making story-reshaping decisions all along the way, and turn-based tactical battles. But the developers have added several extra ingredients to the formula for your Japanese adventure.
First, Campfire Cabal has upped the number of companion characters from five to eight. Each of these has their own story to pursue, and their relationship with the player character can range from rivals to lovers.
Moreover, inspired by the setting, the combat system has a new emphasis on stealth. Players can sneak through battlefields and position their characters to set up ambushes in real time, using a variety of gadgets to help even the odds against superior forces. It sounds a little bit Shadow Tactics in its design, which naturally has me intrigued.
The other big change is that Expeditions: Samurai introduces cooperative play to the series. You can recruit a pal to assist you at any point during play, with the second player controlling a twin of your character. Not only does co-op let you work together on the tactical side of things, like coordinating simultaneous takedowns of enemies in stealth, but it also lets you jostle for control over decisions and even fight over the attention of NPC characters.
Expeditions: Samurai releases into Steam early access today, offering 5 main quests, 3 side quests and 14 locations in its base offering. But Campfire Cabal already has a clear plan for the game's future. Its initial alpha update will add new weapons, armour & character customisation, while the second will expand the story with seven main quests and three extra side quests to pursue.
Campfire Cabal even has a clear vision for the game's launch state, with over 35 side-quests, a player village, crafting and minigames planned for the final version. Expeditions Samurai is expected to round out development in early 2027, though you'll get it at a cheaper price if you pick it up now.
