Overview- Critic & User
Reviews - Videos &
Screenshots
News- Codes
& FAQs - Gameplay
Controls - Similar
Games
Answers
Bundles
Critic & User Reviews
Portable Turn-Based Goodness for the Emperor!
posted by lazygamer (Northridge, CA) Jan 8, 2008
Member since Jan 2003
5 out of 5 gamers (100%) found this review helpful
For the uninitiated, the Warhammer 40K universe is a gothic blend of medieval religious zeal and science fiction. The game revolves around the good Space Marines vs. their traitorous brothers, the Chaos Space Marines (boils down to Blue vs. Red).
Before each mission, you choose your equipment, ranging from close-quarter awesome chainswords, long range sniper rifles or exotic plasma rifles. You unlock more equipment as you progress further.
The strategy is turn-based, with each of the squad assigned action points to spend (depending on the type of soldier and equipment) on running and attacking. Saving some points can result in "overwatch", which allow immediate counter attack during the enemy's turn. Line of sight counts and friendly fire deaths can occur if you're not careful.
The graphics aren't bad (at least better than the DS version). What should have been allowed is a 3D rotatable field as some enemies can hide behind the isometric buildings pretty easily (the map can help, but seems counterproductive).
To be honest, you have to be a fan of Warhammer 40K to really appreciate the nuances, like why soliders would wear really bright blue and red armor rather than camouflage. You also have to be a fan of turn-based combat (glorified chess really). For a portable unit, this is a pretty good interpretation. The missions are somewhat short and compartmentalized. For a deeper experience, you may want to check out the PC-only turn-based Chaos Gate from 7-8 years ago (marines who die, stay dead!). Also, the ever-expanding Dawn of War series is a great real-time take for the PC too!
Before each mission, you choose your equipment, ranging from close-quarter awesome chainswords, long range sniper rifles or exotic plasma rifles. You unlock more equipment as you progress further.
The strategy is turn-based, with each of the squad assigned action points to spend (depending on the type of soldier and equipment) on running and attacking. Saving some points can result in "overwatch", which allow immediate counter attack during the enemy's turn. Line of sight counts and friendly fire deaths can occur if you're not careful.
The graphics aren't bad (at least better than the DS version). What should have been allowed is a 3D rotatable field as some enemies can hide behind the isometric buildings pretty easily (the map can help, but seems counterproductive).
To be honest, you have to be a fan of Warhammer 40K to really appreciate the nuances, like why soliders would wear really bright blue and red armor rather than camouflage. You also have to be a fan of turn-based combat (glorified chess really). For a portable unit, this is a pretty good interpretation. The missions are somewhat short and compartmentalized. For a deeper experience, you may want to check out the PC-only turn-based Chaos Gate from 7-8 years ago (marines who die, stay dead!). Also, the ever-expanding Dawn of War series is a great real-time take for the PC too!