There’s a franchise that has been hugely popular for a few decades now, and one that I’ve had a passing interest in, but never really made the time to get involved with. The name of the franchise is Warhammer 40k. From what little I do know, it all started life as a table top game with Games Workshop. I do need to indulge myself into the books at some point, as I’m sure I’d enjoy them. But I digress. The jump to video games format has since seen Space Marine and Kill Team on Xbox 360 which I bought many years ago, and now we have since had Vermintide and Deathwing. Today, I’ll be talking about Warhammer 40k: Gladius. An upcoming turn-based strategy game from Slitherine. This is a genre which is their bread and butter and one they’re highly familiar with.
When I was offered the chance to try out the pre-build version of the game, I jumped at the chance. It’s been a long time since I gave turn based strategy games any time. Building your city from scratch, you’re tasked with researching new technology, training up new Space Marines and equipping then with new gear to face off against weird and wonderful creatures that won’t stop until one of you is dead, and exploring the landscape. New builds can generate resources vital to your progress and survival, but as with any game that involves city building, you’re going to have to manage your reserves which you need to expand and conquer the lands.
Despite the fact that Gladius is a pre-build game and therefore not complete in any way, it runs smoothly and doesn’t give off much in the way of hints that it’s not yet a finished product. There is a deep and rich lore in the Warhammer universe from which Proxy Studio and Slitherine can extract from to create a deep and engaging game here, and there’s much to read up about.
The full release will have online multiplayer and co-operative play which will allow friends and total strangers to put their wits against each other, although this function is currently unavailable, but one game mode I would love to dive into at some point. For now, it’s the single player mode and being honest, I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
There’s going to be 4 different factions to choose from in the final build, whereby you will pick one and engage in brutal war for dominance over resources and the land, in a Civilisation vein but with the Warhammer universe in place. An easy link to make, and there is another area that’s familiar to the iconic series I’ll touch on shortly. Proxy Studio have taken from the lore and created a brutal and unforgiving world for your Space Marines to explore and conquer on your behalf, as you seek to expand your grasp on valuable resources to generate more requisitions, energy and new loot.
The tech research tree will remind you about Sid Meiers series, but less complex. To begin with, you have a choice of 6 techs to research, and once you have successfully completed two, you’re then allowed to begin researching from the next block of 6. Depending on how you’re progressing in the world, all depends on what you should focus on next.
When it comes to creating new troops, or expanding your city, if you’re impatient you can queue them up and focus on where your Marines are heading or engaging in combat while the queue shrinks until you’ve got what you need. A handy feature that makes the game flow smoothly and allows the game to move on at a respectable pace without forcing you to drag your heels through countless choices.
Verdict
Warhammer 40k: Gladius - Relic is a turn based strategy game that once it becomes a fully completed title will certainly offer fans of the genre a fantastic choice for the Warhammer series. Easy to use interface and enough of a tutorial to help you get to grips with how it all works, and understand it quickly enough that it won’t put you off.
Developer: Proxy Studio
Publisher: Slitherine
Pre-build copy provided for preview purpose.
Available on Steam soon.
Warhammer 40k: Gladius-Relic Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyvxGl_hKf0
There is no final rating for the game as yet, due to the game being an early build, and therefore not inndicative of a final product.