With thanks to the folks at Bulwark Studios and Kasedo Games, over the past couple of weeks I’ve been spending some in depth time with the latest turn-based strategy from Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000 Mechanicus.
They’ve been kind enough to send the game through for review on both Xbox One and Nintendo Switch, and I’ve been pleased to find a pretty consistent experience on both, including docked and handheld modes on Switch. As ever find the full review here and read on for the extended review below
The Basics
I’ve been a big fan of the Warhammer franchise since the mid 90s, after discovering it through 40,000 and tabletop battles with my brother. After enjoying a number of the franchise’s titles over the years, I’ve been quite excited for Mechanicus for some time. While it released back in 2018 on PC, as a console gamer having it come to Xbox One, PS4 and even Nintendo Switch has been great to see.
You’ll play as the tech-priests and various minions of the Adeptus Mechanicus, spreading the faith through 50 levels in turn-based necron-bashing strategy. Much like the familiar Xcom franchise, loss within Mechanicus doesn’t necessarily mean the end. You’re able to lose battle scenarios and still continue within the story, which fills me with equal amounts of joy and anxiety.
While it doesn’t include a cover system as other strategy titles do, and even considering the slightly funky controls and blurring when zoomed in, it’s one which I have had a lot of fun with. Controlling the tech-priests of the imperium as well as a number of different minions (you’ll begin with lowly servitors) you’ll explore the newly rediscovered planet of Silva Tenebris, documenting destroying or otherwise heresying xeno artifacts and generally slaying your way along the path of righteousness.
It brings different elements to the party such as cognition points earned through various methods which supplement attack and movement capabilities.
Parent’s Eye View
Warhammer 40,000 Mechanicus is rated by PEGI at 12 and above, and by the ESRB at T for Teen. There is of course violence included within the battles, but surprisingly little blood or gore effects through combat. Generally, when either your troops or enemies die on the battlefield, it’s quite a bloodless and digital affair and not something really worrying for me.
However there are elements within the title and themes in the story which I would say aren’t entirely suitable for the younger generation of gamers. I would agree with a suitable age of around 13 but for me, it’s not one to pass down to younger gamers.
The Run Down
Visuals – fair: There are some really nice visual elements here, especially through the cut scenes. There’s also a good range of motion on the camera controller, however this can be fiddly, and the focus effects often seem to blue out things which you are trying to focus on.
Audio – Good: To back up the story it would have been great here to get some voice acting, and while the tech-priest like sounds are fitting they don’t quite fill the gap. Sound effects and music in the title are well worked and I don’t have too much to grumble about.
Narrative – great: backed by the supreme lore of the warhammer franchise this was always going to be a strong element. There’s a good story to be found here, which will of course be better appreciated by fans of the franchise.
Replay – Good: It’s a single player title, but with randomised dungeon elements and a good selection of different missions there’s a lot here to get your teeth stuck into
The Verdict
Overall the Pixel Bandits Heresy Level for Warhammer 40k Mechanicus is that you’ll likely find it Enjoyable. This is a title which does have its flaws. The control system feels a little off using a controller, and I’ve found myself missing my initial targets when selecting movement squares more often than not. While I can recognise it wouldn’t fit with the franchise, I’d also have liked more to pull this into line with other titles by adding cover elements and similar
Overall though, as tactical strategy goes this one is pretty good. The lack of cover mechanics means a lot of strategic thought is required, including outside battle when it comes to the customising and upgrades to your tech-priests. There’s enough about Mechanicus to make it different from others in the genre and while I can’t say it’s a perfect title, it’s definitely one which fans of the franchise should enjoy
Pick It Up
If This one has tickled your gaming tastebuds, you can grab it on;
