Total War: Attila - Longbeards Culture Pack Review ([IKG] Vellerofontis ⚓)
The "Longbeards" Culture pack was the second DLC released for Attila: TW, after the "Viking Forefathers". It adds three new, fully playable factions in the base game: the Alamans, the Burgundians and the Langobards. Here is what you are bying:
Unit Rosters
To begin with, all 3 factions share a basic germanic roster (consisting of spearmen, axemen, archers, horsemen etc), similar to that of the vanilla Franks, Alans, Goths and Vandals. On top of that however, the DLC offers a nice variety of unique units.
The Alamans get 2 unique general bodyguard units, 3 new spear units, 2 new heavy infantry units and a powerful heavy javelin cavalry unit. Their roster is mostly suited to a defensive playstyle.
The Burgundians get 2 unique general bodyguard units, a unique 2 handed axe unit, 2 unique slinger units, 2 new javelin units, 1 heavy melee cavalry unit and 2 unique shock cavalry units. They have a formidable roster, not as tanky as that of the Alamans, but with immense killing power. Formidable skirmishers, deadly shock infantry and shock cavalry really make them a force to be reckoned with. A very interesting faction, particularly useful if you play multiplayer games.
Finally, the Langobards also get 2 unique general bodyguards, 1 light infantry unit, 2 heavy infantry units, 2 anti-cavalry specialist units and 2 deadly berserker units. They are also very fun to play. Watching a few of those Godan's men and Godan's Chosen wreck havock in enemy ranks and hearing the advisor say " some of the men have gone berserk! " or " the men are going berserk! " is just priceless!
Buildings
All 3 factions have the typical barbarian buildings of the vanilla game, but they also get some new, unique buildings. The Alamans have a new, level 5 unique cultural building and unique gem artisans. The Burgundians have additional buildings in the farm chain, and the Langobards have a new, level 5 religious building, as well as a couple of extra buildings in the "communal ground" category.
Other features
Each faction has unique, bonus campaign objectives, and different sets of conditions for their standard, military, cultural, divine victories. I liked the little history notes attached to the objectives of each factions, they add to immersion.
There is also a mini-story line, asking you to make choices, that will give unique traits to one of your generals ("Ybor").
Gameplay
The single player campaign is quite challenging, as all 3 factions start in landlocked territories and will have to face the Hunnic onslaught sooner or later. Of course, you can either stand your ground or choose to migrate to a safer area, like Italy for example (what the Langobards did in actual history). The battles are diverse and fun, especially with the Burgundians and the Langobards, less so with the Alamans (a little too defensive and boring for my taste).
Conclusion
The dlc offers good value for money, and the chance to try new, fun battle tactics. I do recommend it, especially if you pick it up during a steam sale.