Warhammer 40,000: Regicide

Warhammer 40,000: Regicide
Developer(s)	Hammerfall Publishing
Publisher(s)	Hammerfall Publishing
Writer(s)	Ross Watson
Platform(s)	Microsoft Windows, iOS, Android
Release date(s)	Microsoft Windows WW September 8, 2015 Android, iOS WW TBA
Genre(s)	Strategy
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Warhammer 40,000: Regicide is a turn-based strategy chess-like video game developed by Hammerfall Publishing for Microsoft Windows, iOS and Android,^[1][2] set in Games Workshop's Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game was released in an early-access form via Steam on May 5, 2015.^[3] The game was fully released on September 8, 2015.^[4]

Gameplay

Players will be able to log into a single game account and resume play, or use multiplayer services on different devices without the need for separate profiles. Gameplay will involve two Battle Modes - Regicide and Classic. So far two factions - The Space Marine Blood Angels Chapter and the Orks have been confirmed. A campaign mode featuring the Blood Angels chapter of Space Marines will be included. A White Scars Space Marine army content is also available for players who create their game account before the title is launched.^[5]

Battle Modes

The game will have two playable modes, Regicide and Classic - both available as single-player and multiplayer.

Regicide

The Regicide mode is described as "a new take on one of the most established strategy games of all time, evoking the grim setting of the iconic Warhammer 40,000 universe and hearkening to the roots of traditional gaming".^[2] Killing the 'King' will not always be the objective.^[6]

A breakdown of the Regicide Battle Mode's Initiative Phase.^[7]

Taking on chess's concept of the 8×8 board and pieces such as the King or Rook, Regicide mode will involve two factions fighting against each other and two phases of combat where each player will plan and execute his attack through a plethora of abilities and equipment that will differ with each unit.^[2] On default, the player is granted 3 initiative points each phase which they can spend, in that turn, on the abilities and equipment available to the specific friendly piece they are moving, as well as Player abilities.^[7] The amount of initiative points can be boosted with some abilities.

Classic

The Classic Battle Mode will be based on the traditional chess rules and will involve selecting a faction and battling it out online or offline against opponents the same way chess works.^[2]

Factions

Each player will assume a different faction and will fight against each other in one of two battle modes available both for single-player and multiplayer. The two currently announced factions will be the Blood Angels Chapter of the Space Marines and the Orks - each will have units, acting as specific chess pieces, that fit with the faction. While units have been generalized with specific piece names (for example Space Marine Terminator being a Rook), with the abilities and equipment it will receive in the Regicide battle mode, it will not necessarily have the same rules as a Rook.

Space Marines

The Space Marine faction will be represented by the red-armoured Blood Angels Chapter. The Space Marine Captain will assume the role of the 'King' in classic chess. The longer he stays alive the more hardened his remaining force becomes, and can call in bombardments.^[6] The Librarian will assume the role of the 'Queen' in classic chess. Being a Psyker, he can drain the life-force from foes, and shatter the minds of weakened enemies.^[8] The Terminator, will assume the role of the 'Rook' in classic chess.^[8] Assault Marine assumes the role of the 'Knight', and comes with a jet pack.^[7] The Devastator assumes the role of the 'Bishop', and being equipped with a heavy bolter.^[7] The Tactical Marines will function in the role of the 'Pawn'.^[9]

Orks

The Orks are the enemies in the single-player Blood Angels Campaign. The Ork Warboss will assume the role of the 'King' in classic chess. The Weirdboy will assume the role of the 'Queen'. A living conduit of psychic energy, the Weirdboy will be able to teleport across the field and blast the foe with bolts of emerald fury. Some might are able to transform an opponent into a 'squiggly beast'.^[8] The Meganobz assume the role of the 'Rook'.^[7] The Stormboyz assuming the role of the 'Knight'.^[7] The Ork Loota will serve the role of the 'Bishop'. Equipped with Deffguns, they will have superior Weapon Strength and a couple of unique abilities. They are very tough, like all Orks, so scoring critical hits against them is unlikely. Their abilities include 'Ready fer Stompin!' which can be used to cause them to become more dangerous and frenzied when they sustain injury, 'Pin 'em Down' that suppresses enemies and holds them in place, and 'Take Aim' that gives them increased firepower but at the cost of their mobility.^[10] Shoota Boyz assume the role of the 'Pawn'.^[7]

Release

Limited Edition pre-orders

In early February 2015, Hammerfall Publishing has started selling limited edition game bundles. There is a large range of bundles - from the budget 'Neophyte'/'Slugga' pack that offers in-development access to the game as well as a Space Marine/ Ork themed T-shirt depending on choice of faction,^[11] to the large 'Terminator'/'Warboss' bundle that on top of the game access and themed T-shirt, comes with a hooded jumper with artwork similar to the T-shirt two posters - one for the Space Marine Captain unit in the game, and the Weirdboy unit - special certificate, collector's edition forum access, content season pass, exclusive forum Honour and the buyer's name in the game credits.^[12]

Developer Diary

In may of 2015 fans got an early look into what the games all about from a developers perspective. In a first look developer diary video fans got to hear about game mechanics.^[13] More first look videos have been seen via the Hammer Publishing YouTube.

Reception

It has a score of 71% on Metacritic. ^[14]PC Gamer awarded it a score of 70%, saying that it was "A cute chess set for 40K fans and an unusual twist on the classic game, but skip the campaign."^[15]

References