Suzerain places the player in the role of Anton Rayne, the newly-elected president of the fictitious Republic of Sordland, which has emerged from a civil war and twenty years of authoritarianism under the regime of former President Tarquin Soll, as well as a severe economic recession under Rayne's predecessor, Ewald Alphonso. As president, the player must decide how to lead the country in his first term and work to fix the various structural problems and crises that have affected the country for years, and navigate an increasingly tense geopolitical world to win a second term. The player must make various policy decisions and prevent the nation from collapsing or being threatened by powerful foreign nations on the continent of Merkopa and beyond. These include the superpowers of the Republic of Arcasia and the Federal Socialist Republic of United Contana, and major regional powers such as the Kingdom of Rumburg, Republic of Lespia and Democratic Republic of Valgsland.[4][5]
Gameplay
In-game screenshot
The player guides the country through an economic crisis and may choose to resolve the crisis by either continuing Soll's autarkiceconomic nationalist policy, pursuing a socialist planned economy that nationalizes large sections of Sordish industry, a mixed economy, or continuing former President Alphonso's attempted transition to laissez-faire capitalism. In addition, mass protests and demands for change sweep the country. This can be resolved by reforming the country's constitution to either limit or increase the powers of the president, or halt reforms altogether and declare a state of emergency backed by the Sollist deep state, the "Old Guard." At the same time, the player will have to make choices in his work life balance, trying to keep the home front satisfied or risk relational problems.
Other interactions include reforming and investing in national education, healthcare, and other social welfare services, removing political corruption and inefficiency from Sordland's governing institutions and law enforcement, and preparing the military for a possible conflict with Rumburg, an expansionist and militaristic monarchist empire and Sordland's longtime nemesis. As a consequence of the player's decisions, the country can achieve a remarkable economic recovery, become a full-fledged democracy, or accomplish a military victory over Rumburg. Alternatively, the country may suffer nationwide protests, economic depression, a military coup d'état, conquest by a major foreign power, or an outright world war. The player must also deal with internal factionalism within the ruling United Sordland Party, which affects the player's ability to amend the Constitution, pass laws, enact policies, or can even result in the player's impeachment.
In the Kingdom of Rizia DLC expansion, the player takes on the role of King Romus Toras, the newly ascended monarch. Rizia is a country rich in natural resources such as gold, after which its national anthem, "On Shores of Gold," is named. However, Romus' predecessor and father, King Valero Toras, has left the kingdom in a precarious state due to his ineffectual leadership and the loss of two important territories - the city of Zille and the Grand Duchy of Pales. The gameplay of the DLC thus focuses on the player attempting to correct "Valero the Frail's" mistakes. This can involve taking back their lost territory, either with diplomacy or military force, further entrenching the monarchy in an era of republics, empowering the largely symbolic parliament, modernizing the nation's industry and military, and reinforcing ties with Rizia's neighbours.
Unlike the base game, managing the economy centers around balancing three stats: authority, budget, and energy; which tick up or down every turn depending on the player's political and administrative decisions. For example, building a hydro-electric dam will increase the amount of energy generated per turn, while passing welfare laws may decrease the budget generated per turn. On top of this, the player must manage foreign relations with major regional powers, as well as the internal politics of rival noble houses: House Azaro, which rules the province of Cardesse-Montaklar and controls much of the country's military; House Sazon, which rules the province of Brenas and, despite a loss in status due to their role in a failed revolution to topple the monarchy, still maintains a large role in the reformist Rizian People's Party; and Romus's own House Toras, which rules the province of Valenqiris, a major wine-producing region that is somewhat sympathetic to the Rizian nationalist group Su Omina ("above all").
The DLC also focuses on the protagonist's personal life more than the base game. Romus Toras is a widower and the player may choose to pursue a new relationship. Romus' heir apparent is his and his late wife's daughter Vina who at game start has just recently come of age. The player can decide how much to involve her in court politics, as well as whether or not to put her in an arranged marriage like Romus had, which depending on player choices he either did or did not find love in.
Updates and downloadable content
A major update, titled "Amendment", was released 31 July 2023. It added content and lore in the form of a number of scenes, several bills, and several hundred news events. The update was accompanied by information surrounding an upcoming DLC for the in-game country of Rizia.[6] "Kingdom of Rizia" was released as Suzerain's first downloadable content on 25 March 2024.[7] With the “Kingdom of Rizia” DLC being added to mobile, in addition to the 2.0 update on the 11th of December, 2024.
Suzerain was awarded the Deutscher ComputerspielpreisBestes Expertenspiel (Best Expert Game),[9] as well as the 2021 Games for Change People's Choice Award and was recognized as a Most Innovative Nominee.[10][11] Unfold Games Awards also awarded the game with an honorable mention.[4]
Suzerain received "generally favorable" reviews, according to review aggregatorMetacritic.[5]Rock Paper Shotgun noted the game world as impressively detailed and overall it was called a superb game.[12]PC Gamer noted it as a fascinating and unique game.[13]Vice.com said the game has "sharp historical insight and commentary on the politics of today."[14]Oyungezer gave the game a positive review and praised the world building, character designs, and the high replayability. They thought the tutorial and user interface could be better, and called the music repetitive.[8]The Escapist said the game "[...] makes for an interesting and emotionally taxing experience".[15] In 2024, PCGamesN listed Suzerain as one of the best political games on the PC.[16]
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