The first time I loaded up PG-Treasures of Aztec, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. I'd heard whispers about its unique approach to historical strategy, but nothing prepared me for the depth of its Memento system. It’s one of those mechanics that doesn't just add flavor—it fundamentally changes how you connect with the game. As someone who tends to bounce between different playstyles, I was intrigued by the idea of "maining" a character, a concept more familiar to competitive multiplayer games. Here, however, it’s woven into the fabric of narrative progression. My initial choice fell on Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero, almost on a whim. I figured his generalist abilities would give me room to experiment, and boy, was I right. That decision alone shaped my entire first 15 hours with the game, opening up avenues I hadn't anticipated.
What makes the Memento system so compelling is how it rewards dedication. By sticking with Rizal across several matches, I began unlocking narrative events that felt genuinely personal. His unique trait, which grants a 25% better reward yield from narrative events, isn't just a statistical bump. It's a gateway. Each event chain felt like unearthing a hidden chapter of his life, pulling me deeper into the roleplaying aspect. I found myself not just optimizing for resources or territory, but making choices based on what I thought Rizal would do. Would he prioritize scientific inquiry over military expansion? Would he seek alliances or forge a path alone? This wasn't abstract strategy anymore; it was character-driven storytelling. I remember one particular quest chain involving the propagation of Enlightenment ideals across Southeast Asia. It unfolded over three matches, each decision layering on the next, and the final reward wasn't just a pile of gold or science points—it was a unique civic policy modifier that remained active for all subsequent games with Rizal. That’s permanent progression, and it feels meaningful.
The beauty of a generalist like Rizal is the sheer freedom it affords. In one session, I focused entirely on scientific breakthroughs, pushing for the Astronomy tech about 40% faster than I normally would. In another, I went full warmonger, conquering three neighboring city-states before the mid-game even kicked in. The game doesn't punish you for pivoting. Instead, the Memento system adapts, offering new missions that align with your current trajectory. I must have tackled at least 12 distinct mission types while leveling him up, from archaeological digs that uncovered lost Aztec artifacts to diplomatic missions that required careful resource management. The progression isn't linear, and that’s its strength. My Rizal, now at level 7, feels distinctly mine—a testament to the choices I made, not a pre-scripted path.
Let's talk about those hidden riches, because the title isn't just for show. The "Treasures of Aztec" aren't only the gold and relics you dig up on the map. The real treasure is in the system's depth. I've calculated that, thanks to Rizal's trait, I was earning roughly 320 additional culture points per major narrative event compared to a default leader. That’s a massive swing, and it allowed me to unlock key policy cards much earlier than my rivals. But beyond the numbers, it's the sense of discovery that keeps you hooked. I stumbled upon a hidden quest simply by having Rizal stationed in a city with a University for five consecutive turns. It triggered a special event about translating pre-colonial texts, which then branched into two separate narrative paths. I chose the one that investigated maritime trade routes, and it eventually netted me a permanent +2 trade route capacity. These aren't just bonuses; they're stories. They're memories you build.
I do have my criticisms, of course. The Memento system, while brilliant, can feel a bit opaque at first. I spent my first two matches barely scratching its surface, and I worry that more casual players might miss its potential entirely. The game could do a better job signposting these opportunities. Furthermore, while I adore Rizal, I suspect that more specialized leaders might offer a more explosive, if narrower, power fantasy. But for me, the joy is in the journey, not the destination. The organic way the system unfurls, rewarding curiosity and persistence, is what sets PG-Treasures of Aztec apart. It’s not a game you simply play to win; it’s a game you inhabit. After 30 hours with it, I'm still finding new wrinkles, new interactions. Just last night, I discovered that completing a specific set of narrative events with Rizal unlocks a unique governor title that reduces building construction time by 15% in cities with a Wonder. It’s these kinds of layered, hidden rewards that make you feel like a true archaeologist of game mechanics, constantly brushing away dust to reveal something brilliant underneath. If you're willing to invest the time and emotionally invest in a leader, the returns are immense. This isn't just another strategy game; it's a platform for historical what-ifs and personal legacy. And I, for one, am completely captivated.