0 
0 Developed by Black Lab Games and Published by Slitherine Ltd. We have Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector. It is said that Black Lab Games and Slitherine Ltd, are trying to bring the new era of 40K to gaming. But just how well can this be done? Especially with so many Warhammer titles available.
Is this just another Warhammer title to add to the collection?
This is my first time playing a Warhammer title on the PC. I have heard so many mixed reviews about them. I am curious as to how I will find it, Considering I am totally outside of the Warhammer 40K world now and have been for over 20 years.
Gameplay
So let’s start with the campaign storyline, for me, it wasn’t the most gripping. However, having said that I don’t feel like I need the storyline to be absolutely epic in turn-based strategy titles. So the game is set in the Warhammer 40K universe, the army you control is the Blood Angel Space Marines. As with the tabletop game, you not only have ground troops but also have everything from dreadnaughts, high ranking commandos to air vehicles. The enemy in Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector is the infamous Tyranid army. The storyline takes you around the planet defending and attacking against them. You have to stop the Tyranid army from taking over and reigning supreme.
Each campaign has varied missions. From movement around the map collecting battle remains and clearing the map of any enemies to defeat huge Tyrannofex armies. This may sound easy, however for the newcomer to turn-based games like this, even playing Battlesector on the easiest setting was still a task at times. Each turn within a match requires thought as you need to think about your attacks ahead as well. The one thing I can advise on and is a top tip is to use the terrain around you to get the best vantage points on your enemies.
In terms of gameplay, you have a number of points available each turn and each squad on your army has an attack that will lower these points when used. There is also a limitation on the movement. Certain troops allow more movement than others as well so you need to take this into account when planning out your moves. As with the tabletop game your army also has a value with stronger troops costing more. Each mission has a value you need to stick within, however, both of your commanders are 0 points which really helps.
There is also a Skirmish mode in the game, this allows you to create your own games. You can customise all of the settings on the match as well as play as the Tyranid army. This can help understand the enemy when you play the campaign. There is also a multiplayer mode available, so you can play online against other people or friends. This is where I could see myself spending the most amount of time on this title.
The only thing that didn’t really work for me within the game is the tutorial. Not down to any fault of the developers, but my own. I was rushing ahead and ran out of points to attack which then left me stuck. The AI was waiting for me to use a certain attack to enable me to continue. I ended up quitting out of the game and reloading. Although the tutorial covers a lot, I learned more advanced movements and tricks by playing the campaign.
Graphics & Audio
I wasn’t expecting much from the graphics. I have seen some of the other Warhammer titles and this looked like one area that could have been improved. However, this game pleasantly surprised me. Although they aren’t what I would class as ultrarealistic, the troops look great. I personally think the Tyranids look a bit better. In my opinion, the Blood Angels are lost on some of the more sandy desolate levels.
Sometimes with movement on games like this, graphics can become glitchy. However, everything ran really smooth and the movements captured every step of the way including on attacking looked great.
In terms of sound, the soundtrack of the game is quite dark and in places slightly gothic. With elements of eerie industrial sound effects, the environments where the wars take place really do come to life. The game gives off a desolate futuristic feeling, whereby it creates a tenseness whilst playing.
Longevity
With around 20 missions in campaign mode alone, you can sink a lot of time into Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector on your first run. Unless you are ridiculously good at the game then you will be seeing the death screen quite a bit. I found myself replaying missions over and over again.
Not only is there the above, but you also have Skirmish and Multiplayer. As Battlsector is a strategy game you can sink a lifetime into it. Whether that be trying different armies out in skirmish, or even taking the Tyranids side. Through to mega battles online. For myself, the campaign would be a once-through and done. Having said that, for those who like a challenge there are multiple difficulties to play through with. The hardest setting is for seasoned players, However, I could see myself playing online and putting more time in there.
Final Thoughts
To be completely honest, when I first dived into the game I thought I was going to be in for a rough time. However, once I got used to the mechanics and how to best play I found myself enjoying my time spent in-game and started understanding the game more and more. This is obviously going to happen when you spend more time playing but something just clicked and I started to have fun.
I have heard that Warhammer games when compared to similar titles, can be quite confusing. I admit there is a lot to the game, remembering all of the attacks. Working out which troop does what and can be quite frustrating. However, if you stick with the game and slowly pick it up through playing you will come out of the other end enjoying it. I can see myself diving in and out of Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector when I am gaming solo and look forward to picking up where I left off. I, therefore, award Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector a Thumb Culture Silver Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Discord | Podcast
About Author
