Epic Manager: Create Your Own Adventuring Agency

Epic Manager: Create Your Own Adventuring Agency is a 2D strategy RPG set in a fantasy world where players build and manage their own adventuring agency. As the manager, you recruit adventurers, send them on quests, and strategically navigate encounters while balancing resources and progression. The game blends puzzle-like party management, turn-based combat, and emergent storytelling, drawing inspiration from tactical RPGs and grand strategy games. With over a hundred locations, random events, and player-driven decisions, it offers a unique mix of strategic depth and frantic, time-based gameplay.

Epic Manager: Create Your Own Adventuring Agency – A Genre-Defying Masterpiece

Introduction: The Birth of a Hybrid Legend

In the crowded landscape of fantasy RPGs and management simulators, Epic Manager: Create Your Own Adventuring Agency (2016) emerges as a bold, genre-blending experiment that defies easy categorization. Developed by the Montreal-based indie studio ManaVoid Entertainment, this game dares to fuse the strategic depth of Football Manager with the tactical combat of Final Fantasy Tactics, all wrapped in the whimsical, emergent storytelling of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. The result is a game that feels both familiar and revolutionary—a love letter to tabletop RPGs, sports management sims, and grand strategy games, all rolled into one.

At its core, Epic Manager is a tycoon RPG where players assume the role of a CEO running an adventuring agency in the fantastical realm of Astraeus. Your mission? Recruit mercenaries, negotiate contracts, send them on perilous quests, and outmaneuver rival agencies to climb the ranks of the League Ladder. But beneath this premise lies a game of remarkable complexity, where every decision—from hiring a lowly scout to choosing how to handle a random encounter—ripples outward, shaping not just your agency’s fate but the very world around you.

This review will dissect Epic Manager in exhaustive detail, exploring its development history, narrative depth, gameplay systems, and lasting impact on the gaming landscape. By the end, you’ll understand why this underappreciated gem remains one of the most ambitious indie projects of the 2010s—a game that, despite its flaws, redefines what a “management RPG” can be.

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Development History & Context: A Labor of Love from Montreal’s Indie Scene

The Studio Behind the Vision

ManaVoid Entertainment, the four-person team behind Epic Manager, is a testament to the power of passion in game development. Based in Montreal—a city renowned for its thriving indie scene—the studio was founded by Christopher Chancey, Louis Gendron, Simon Girard, and François Lalumière, all of whom brought diverse backgrounds in programming, design, and narrative storytelling. Their collective vision was clear: to create a game that merged the addictive “one more turn” appeal of management sims with the tactical depth of RPGs, all while infusing it with the charm of classic fantasy literature.

The team’s inspiration was eclectic. Chancey, the lead designer, cited Football Manager as a key influence for the game’s roster management and contract negotiation systems, while the combat and progression mechanics drew heavily from Final Fantasy Tactics and Fire Emblem. The narrative structure, meanwhile, was shaped by the branching paths of Choose Your Own Adventure books and the emergent storytelling of Dungeons & Dragons campaigns. Even the game’s tone—a blend of epic fantasy and lighthearted humor—was inspired by The Princess Bride, ensuring that the world of Astraeus never took itself too seriously.

Kickstarter & Early Access: A Community-Driven Journey

Epic Manager’s development was far from smooth. The project began as a modest Kickstarter campaign in 2014, where ManaVoid sought funding to bring their ambitious vision to life. The campaign, while successful, was not a runaway hit, reflecting the niche appeal of a game that defied conventional genres. Undeterred, the team pressed on, refining their prototype through a closed alpha phase before launching into Steam Early Access on July 25, 2016.

The Early Access period was crucial. ManaVoid used player feedback to tweak the game’s balance, expand its content, and polish its systems. This iterative approach allowed the studio to address some of the game’s most glaring issues, such as the occasionally opaque UI and the steep learning curve of its deeper mechanics. By the time Epic Manager officially launched on December 12, 2016, it had evolved into a far more polished experience, though some rough edges remained.

Technological Constraints & Design Philosophy

Built using the Unity engine, Epic Manager leveraged the flexibility of the platform to create a game that was both visually charming and mechanically complex. The 2D diagonal-down perspective, reminiscent of classic Heroes of Might and Magic titles, gave the game a retro yet timeless aesthetic. The UI, while functional, occasionally struggled to convey the depth of the game’s systems, a common pitfall for indie projects with limited resources.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Epic Manager’s development was its embrace of procedural generation. The game’s adventurers, quests, and even world events are randomly generated, ensuring that no two playthroughs are alike. This design choice was a direct response to the team’s desire to create a “living world” where player actions had meaningful consequences. The inclusion of guest characters like Shovel Knight and Rogue Legacy Knight further underscored ManaVoid’s commitment to creating a game that felt both personal and expansive.

The Gaming Landscape of 2016: A Niche Among Giants

Epic Manager entered a market dominated by AAA juggernauts like The Witcher 3 and Dark Souls III, as well as indie darlings such as Stardew Valley and Undertale. In this crowded field, a hybrid management-RPG was always going to be a hard sell. Yet, the game found its audience among players who craved something different—a game that rewarded strategic thinking, long-term planning, and narrative experimentation.

Critically, Epic Manager received a Metascore of 69 on Metacritic, with reviews praising its ambition but noting its occasional lack of polish. Twinfinite called it “a great fusion of two genres,” while Hooked Gamers lauded its “clever mash of genres.” However, some critics, like GameSpew, found the combat “simplistic” and the learning curve “steep.” Despite these mixed reviews, the game cultivated a dedicated fanbase that appreciated its depth and replayability.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive: A World Shaped by Your Choices

The Realm of Astraeus: A Fantasy Sandbox

Epic Manager unfolds in the sprawling realm of Astraeus, a land teeming with danger, opportunity, and political intrigue. Unlike traditional RPGs with linear narratives, Astraeus is a dynamic world where your agency’s actions directly influence the balance of power. The realm is divided into regions controlled by 12 factions, each with its own agenda, reputation system, and questlines. Your relationships with these factions—whether through diplomacy, espionage, or outright conflict—shape the opportunities available to your agency.

The game’s narrative is emergent, meaning that the story is not pre-scripted but rather emerges from the player’s decisions. This is achieved through a robust system of Random Encounters, which populate the world map with unpredictable scenarios. These encounters range from humorous (e.g., a drunk dwarf challenging your party to a drinking contest) to deadly (e.g., an ambush by bandits). Each encounter presents multiple choices, and your decisions can have far-reaching consequences, such as altering your reputation with factions or unlocking new quests.

Characters & Dialogue: A Cast of Misfits and Legends

One of Epic Manager’s greatest strengths is its characterization. The adventurers you recruit are not mere statistics but fully realized personalities with unique traits, backstories, and quirks. A rogue might be a charming scoundrel with a knack for lockpicking, while a paladin could be a zealous crusader with a rigid moral code. These traits influence not only their combat performance but also how they interact with the world.

The game’s dialogue is witty, often self-aware, and infused with the same lighthearted humor that defines The Princess Bride. For example, negotiating a contract with a mercenary might involve haggling over gold, but it could also devolve into a battle of wits where your choice of words determines whether you secure a loyal ally or a disgruntled hireling. The writing never takes itself too seriously, which makes the world of Astraeus feel inviting rather than oppressive.

Themes: Power, Risk, and the Cost of Ambition

At its heart, Epic Manager is a game about risk and reward. Every decision—whether to send a party into a high-risk dungeon, to invest in upgrading your agency’s HQ, or to sabotage a rival—carries weight. The game’s central theme is the cost of ambition: as your agency grows, so too do the stakes. Adventurers die, reputations shift, and the political landscape of Astraeus evolves in response to your actions.

The game also explores the ethics of management. Are you a benevolent leader who prioritizes the safety of your adventurers, or a ruthless tycoon who sees them as expendable assets? The choice is yours, and the game does not judge—it merely presents the consequences. This moral ambiguity is reflected in the game’s Prestige Classes, elite roles that adventurers can unlock through specific actions. For example, a paladin who consistently makes selfless choices might become a Legacy Knight, while a rogue who embraces deception could evolve into a Arcane Trickster.

The League Ladder: A Meta-Narrative of Competition

The ultimate goal in Epic Manager is to climb the League Ladder, a ranking system that measures your agency’s fame and success against rival agencies. This meta-narrative adds a layer of tension to the game, as you must balance short-term gains (e.g., completing lucrative but dangerous quests) with long-term strategy (e.g., investing in research and infrastructure).

The League Ladder is more than just a scoreboard—it’s a reflection of your agency’s legacy. As you rise through the ranks, you’ll unlock new opportunities, such as the ability to trade adventurers with other agencies or access exclusive quests. However, the higher you climb, the more scrutiny you face from rivals, who may attempt to sabotage your operations or poach your best recruits.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems: A Masterclass in Hybrid Design

The Core Gameplay Loop: Recruit, Manage, Quest, Repeat

Epic Manager’s gameplay can be divided into three distinct phases, each with its own set of mechanics and challenges:

1. Recruitment & Roster Management

   • Scouting: Send scouts across Astraeus to discover new adventurers. Each scout has a chance to uncover recruits with unique traits and abilities.
   • Contract Negotiation: Haggle with potential hires over salary, contract length, and bonuses. Your negotiation skills (and charm) determine whether you secure a bargain or overpay for mediocrity.
   • Training & Progression: Adventurers level up through quests, gaining new skills and abilities. The Multi-Class System allows for deep customization, enabling you to create hybrid roles like a Bardbarian (a bard who fights like a barbarian) or a Spirit Guide (a druid with shamanic powers).

2. Questing & Exploration

   • Quest Selection: Choose from a variety of quests, each with its own risk-reward profile. A simple “escort mission” might be low-risk but low-reward, while a “dragon slaying” quest could net you fame and fortune—or wipe out your entire party.
   • Random Encounters: As your parties traverse the world map, they’ll trigger random events that can range from beneficial (e.g., finding hidden treasure) to catastrophic (e.g., a surprise attack by goblins).
   • Reputation & Faction Relations: Your actions during quests influence your standing with Astraeus’ factions. Helping a village fend off bandits might earn you the favor of the local lord, while looting a temple could make you persona non grata with the clergy.

3. Combat & Tactics

   • Turn-Based Battles: Combat is turn-based, with a focus on positioning, ability timing, and class synergies. The system is reminiscent of Final Fantasy Tactics, though simplified for accessibility.
   • Scouting & Preparation: Before entering battle, you can scout enemy forces to gather intel on their weaknesses. This allows you to tailor your party’s loadout and strategy accordingly.
   • Permadeath & Consequences: If an adventurer dies in combat, they’re gone forever. This adds a layer of tension to every battle, as losing a high-level recruit can set your agency back significantly.

Innovative Systems: What Sets Epic Manager Apart

1. The Multi-Class System

   • Adventurers can unlock Prestige Classes by meeting specific criteria (e.g., completing certain quests or reaching a high reputation with a faction). These classes offer powerful abilities and unique playstyles.
   • Example: A Warlock who specializes in dark magic might unlock the Blood Mage prestige class, gaining the ability to sacrifice health for devastating spells.

2. Procedural Generation & Replayability

   • Nearly every aspect of the game—from adventurer traits to quest rewards—is procedurally generated. This ensures that no two playthroughs are identical.
   • World Events (e.g., a sudden war between factions or a plague sweeping the land) add another layer of unpredictability, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly.

3. The Tech Tree & Agency Upgrades

   • As your agency grows, you can invest in research points to unlock new abilities, such as advanced scouting techniques or enhanced negotiation tactics.
   • Upgrading your agency’s HQ provides passive bonuses, such as increased fame gain or reduced contract costs.

4. Rival Agencies & Espionage

   • Competing agencies are not just abstract entities—they actively interfere with your operations. You can sabotage their quests, poach their adventurers, or even spread rumors to damage their reputation.
   • This system adds a layer of political intrigue, making the world of Astraeus feel alive and reactive.

Flaws & Missed Opportunities

While Epic Manager is a triumph of ambition, it is not without its flaws:

1. Steep Learning Curve

   • The game’s depth can be overwhelming for newcomers. The UI, while functional, does not always do a great job of explaining complex mechanics like reputation management or prestige class unlocks.

2. Combat Simplicity

   • Some critics argue that the turn-based combat, while serviceable, lacks the depth of dedicated tactical RPGs. The absence of terrain effects or more nuanced positioning mechanics makes battles feel somewhat shallow.

3. Pacing Issues

   • The early game can be slow, as players struggle to build up their roster and reputation. Conversely, the late game can become chaotic, with too many quests and events vying for attention.

4. Limited Visual Polish

   • While the 2D art style is charming, the game’s animations and effects are somewhat basic. This is a minor gripe but one that may deter players accustomed to more visually rich experiences.

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World-Building, Art & Sound: Crafting a Living Fantasy Realm

The Aesthetic of Astraeus: A Blend of Whimsy and Danger

Epic Manager’s visual design is a love letter to classic fantasy RPGs. The diagonal-down 2D perspective evokes the golden age of Heroes of Might and Magic, while the character sprites and environmental art are vibrant and expressive. The world of Astraeus is divided into distinct regions, each with its own aesthetic:

• Forests: Lush and verdant, home to druids and rangers.
• Mountains: Treacherous and snow-capped, where dwarves and giants dwell.
• Deserts: Harsh and unforgiving, populated by nomads and bandits.
• Cities: Bustling hubs of commerce and intrigue, where factions vie for power.

The art direction strikes a balance between epic fantasy and lighthearted humor. A quest to slay a dragon might be followed by a random encounter where your party stumbles upon a group of bickering gnomes—this tonal whiplash keeps the world feeling dynamic and unpredictable.

Sound Design & Music: An Underrated Gem

The audio design in Epic Manager is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in immersing players in Astraeus. The game’s soundtrack, composed by Jeremi Menard and Medhat Hanbali, blends orchestral fantasy themes with folk-inspired melodies. The result is a score that feels both grand and intimate, perfectly complementing the game’s tone.

• Combat Music: Fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping, with dynamic shifts that reflect the ebb and flow of battle.
• Exploration Music: Light and whimsical, evoking the wonder of discovery.
• Ambient Sounds: From the rustling of leaves in a forest to the clinking of gold in a tavern, the game’s sound effects add depth to its world.

The voice acting, while limited (primarily to the intro narrator), is well-delivered, with Jessy Nolet’s performance adding gravitas to the game’s opening moments.

Atmosphere & Immersion: A World That Reacts to You

What truly sets Epic Manager apart is its reactive world. Astraeus is not a static backdrop but a living, breathing entity that evolves in response to your actions. This is achieved through:

• Dynamic Faction Relations: Your reputation with factions influences everything from quest availability to merchant prices.
• World Events: Randomly triggered events (e.g., a drought, a war, a festival) can drastically alter the game’s landscape.
• Rival Agencies: Competing agencies are not just passive entities—they actively respond to your success, making the world feel competitive and alive.

The game’s humor also plays a key role in immersion. The writing is packed with puns, fourth-wall breaks, and absurd scenarios (e.g., a quest to retrieve a stolen pie from a gang of thieves). This lightheartedness ensures that the game never feels too grim, even when your entire party is wiped out by a dragon.

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Reception & Legacy: A Cult Classic in the Making

Critical Reception: Mixed but Respectful

Epic Manager’s reception was polarizing. On Metacritic, the game holds a 69/100, with critics praising its ambition but noting its rough edges. Positive reviews highlighted:

• Twinfinite (80/100): “A great fusion of two genres… plenty of replay value.”
• Hooked Gamers (80/100): “A clever mash of genres… they melt together fantastically.”

However, some critics were less kind:

• GameSpew (60/100): “Core gameplay elements like turn-based combat are so simplistic that the game quickly becomes tedious.”
• DarkStation (60/100): “I wish its core RPG elements were a bit more appealing.”

Player reception on Steam was similarly mixed, with 62% positive reviews out of 183. Many players praised the game’s depth and replayability, while others criticized its steep learning curve and occasional lack of polish.

Commercial Performance: A Niche Success

Epic Manager was never destined to be a blockbuster. As a hybrid genre game from a small indie studio, it catered to a specific audience—players who enjoyed both management sims and RPGs. While exact sales figures are unavailable, the game’s longevity on Steam (with frequent discounts and a dedicated fanbase) suggests that it found its audience.

The game’s Deluxe Edition, which includes the original soundtrack, has also been a steady seller, indicating that players appreciated the game’s audio design.

Influence & Legacy: Paving the Way for Hybrid Games

Despite its mixed reception, Epic Manager has had a lasting impact on the indie scene. Its success proved that there was an audience for hybrid management-RPGs, paving the way for games like:

• Wildfrost (2023): A deck-building RPG with management elements.
• Dungeon Draft (2022): A tactical RPG with roster management mechanics.
• Gordian Quest (2021): A deck-building dungeon crawler with party management.

Epic Manager also demonstrated the viability of procedural storytelling in management games, a concept that has since been explored in titles like Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld.

The Modding Community: Extending the Game’s Lifespan

One of Epic Manager’s most enduring legacies is its modding community. The game’s Steam Workshop supports user-created content, including:

• New Adventurers: Custom recruits with unique abilities.
• New Quests & Encounters: Player-designed scenarios that expand the game’s narrative.
• New Items & Equipment: Community-crafted gear to enhance gameplay.

This modding support has kept the game alive years after its release, with players continually adding fresh content to Astraeus.

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Conclusion: A Flawed but Brilliant Experiment

Epic Manager: Create Your Own Adventuring Agency is a game of bold ambition and occasional imperfection. It dares to blend genres in a way that few games have attempted, creating an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. While its combat may lack the depth of a Disgaea and its management systems may not rival Football Manager, the game’s emergent storytelling, reactive world, and sheer replayability make it a standout title in the indie landscape.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A Must-Play for Strategy & RPG Fans

Pros:
✅ Innovative hybrid gameplay that successfully merges management and RPG mechanics.
✅ Deep, emergent narrative with meaningful player choices.
✅ High replayability thanks to procedural generation and multiple prestige classes.
✅ Charming, humorous world that balances epic fantasy with lighthearted fun.
✅ Strong modding support that extends the game’s lifespan.

Cons:
❌ Steep learning curve that may overwhelm newcomers.
❌ Combat lacks depth compared to dedicated tactical RPGs.
❌ Occasional pacing issues, with a slow early game and chaotic late game.
❌ UI could be more intuitive, especially for complex systems like reputation management.

Who Should Play Epic Manager?

• Fans of management sims who want a fantasy twist.
• RPG enthusiasts who enjoy tactical combat and character progression.
• Strategy gamers who appreciate emergent storytelling and reactive worlds.
• Indie supporters who want to experience one of the most ambitious hybrid games of the 2010s.

Final Thoughts

Epic Manager is not a perfect game, but it is a remarkable one. It is a testament to the power of indie development, where a small team with a bold vision can create something truly unique. In a gaming landscape dominated by sequels and safe bets, Epic Manager stands as a reminder of what happens when developers take risks—and that, in itself, is epic.

For those willing to embrace its complexity, Epic Manager offers an experience unlike any other—a chance to build, battle, and blunder your way to legendary status in a world that feels alive, unpredictable, and endlessly rewarding.