Warhammer 40,000: Regicide

Release Date: September 8, 2015

Strategy, science fiction, turn-based, chess, Warhammer 40,000, tactics, indie games, multiplayer, singleplayer, internet

7.2

OpenCritic

67%

Steam

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Set in the popular science-fiction universe, a turn-based strategy game employing chess mechanics. The title is one of the first independent productions licensed by Games Workshop. The game is developed by Hammerfall Publishing from Australia. The name refers to the board game described in the Warhammer novels. Gameplay features a modified version of classic chess and offers two game modes.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Set in the popular science fiction universe, Warhammer 40,000: Regicide published on PC and iOS is a combination of a turn-based strategy with chess. After the collapse of THQ, which held exclusive rights to the Warhammer franchise for many years, Games Workshop’s license could finally be used also by independent developers - in this case this is the Australian Hammerfall Publishing, for which this is the first major title.

Plot

The name Regicide is certainly familiar for the Warhammer universe fans. This was the name of the original – even though stemming from classic chess - board game described in novels by Dan Abnett, in which Emperor’s subordinates played it in order to sharpen their tactic skills. The story co-written by Games Workshop and Ross Watson revolves around marines from the Blood Angels Legion.

Mechanics

Gameplay features a strongly modified chess version and offers two different modes. The first one, called Classic, quite faithfully follows classic chess rules. Once you choose one of a few available races that use special powers, you fight battles and with the progress unlock new characters and abilities. The second mode is called Regicide, in which chess rules serve merely as the basis for much more complex gameplay. In this mode, battles are turn-based and divided into two separate phases – during each one you can change positions, open fire, destroy environment elements, and make use of a whole set of psionic powers.

Game modes

Apart from the single player campaign, Warhammer 40,000: Regicide for PC and iOS also offers fully-fledged multiplayer including both abovementioned game modes. It is noteworthy that different platform users can engage in battles on the same servers, which enables them to enjoy the game together, regardless of the platform. The title features a wide range of fractions, clans, and races very well-known for the franchise fans.

Technical aspects

Even though we are dealing with a seemingly static strategy, the authors went to great lengths to make the game look and sound amazing. Due to that, chess matches are enriched by a number of 3D motion-capture animations. Of course, the game features impressive finishers that give the game a large dose of brutality, which is characteristic for the Warhammer universe.

Last updated on May 19, 2016

Videos and Screens

[0:31] Warhammer 40,000: Regicide iOS wersion trailer

[1:18] Warhammer 40,000: Regicide launch trailer

7.2

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 51% of Critics. There are 13 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Paste Magazine: 6 / 10 by Ian Williams

The animations and "feel" of the game is right. The actual mechanics seem a little swingy to me and the AI, while it certainly doesn't cheat, is a little too unforgiving. Can that be tweaked? Absolutely, and I hope it is. While I find the game fairly average, the attempt is novel and worthy of praise, something that I hope Hammerfall can capitalize on.

Full Review

Gaming Nexus: 7 / 10 by Travis Huinker

Regicide's attempt to combine the Warhammer 40,000 setting and chess produces mixed results with a forgettable narrative and lackluster gameplay experience. While the Regicide mode that combines chess with tactical movement and combat is an interesting concept to play with, it often is brought down by odd design quirks and a gameplay experience that lacks any sort of visual flair. Warhammer 40,000: Regicide is best recommended to only the truly dedicated fans of the Games Workshop created universe.

Full Review

TotalBiscuit, The Cynical Brit: by John Bain

Full Review

67%