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#4329661 - 01/19/17 03:39 PM Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review  
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Here is my quick and dirty review of the new Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach tactical strategy game by Slitherine/Matrix Games.


Inline advert (2nd and 3rd post)

#4330026 - 01/20/17 08:33 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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Lifer
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Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Thanks for the video.

Thinking of buying it, although at 29EUR it does seem a bit steep.

I was really hoping that Spacehulk Deathwing turns out to be a good WH40K game, but it didn't. This one seems like a proper recreation of tabletop (which I never played but find quite interesting) on a PC and comes DRM-free. I guess if they add DLC later on, more units and classes, it could be quite the definite digital version.

#4330080 - 01/20/17 10:57 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
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I played through SH:Deathwing and enjoyed it despite its rough edges. I think after a patch or two it will be much better along with some DLC. SR is a fun game and i am having a good time with it. for obvious reasons its not a 1:1 recreation of the tabletop game but it is still a good tactical WH40K strategy game. I actually like it more than the WH:Armageddon strategy games. While it is lean on features I can see myself playing for a considerable amount of time.

#4330453 - 01/22/17 06:05 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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Vienna, 2nd rock left.
What I can't figure out from the Play videos (most of which deal with the first battle...)

Is Sanctus Reach actually really tactical? I don't get the impression of the rock/paper/scissor approach that most other tactical games have. I.e. units good versus tanks are bad versus infantry and so on.

I like the visual apperance (though it could be a bit more modern), I could never play the tabletop because I need animations, audio... so this is as close as I can get. But is it a good tactical game, or just a good WH40K playground with a very generic approach to combat?

#4330615 - 01/23/17 01:27 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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Great question! It's not totally "rock/paper/scissors", there are certainly units that do better in a certain type of engagement (ie close combat) but depending on what you are fighting you may still get wiped out. From what I have played (20+ hours) you really need to coordinate your attacks with all of your various units. I have found that the game really works well if you apply some basic combined arms tactics. Soften up the enemy with ranged fire and then finish them in melee. The biggest hurdle in the game (Campaign wise) is the fact that the AI (Orks) have lots and lots of troops, much more than the player will have.

#4330621 - 01/23/17 01:52 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Thanks. Started reading the Slitherine forums too... I think the game gives a bit of impression (and that could be a wrong impression) of being a RTS turned turn-based. I.e. health bars and simple damage stats, not much tactical versatility or detailed damage model (armor protection etc.)

Still, until I get a new CPU that runs Spacehulk properly this is likely the best current WH40K game on the market... and I love the fact they are offering it DRM free.

#4330637 - 01/23/17 03:05 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
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Originally Posted By: RSColonel_131st
Thanks. Started reading the Slitherine forums too... I think the game gives a bit of impression (and that could be a wrong impression) of being a RTS turned turn-based. I.e. health bars and simple damage stats, not much tactical versatility or detailed damage model (armor protection etc.


Agree with this. The game is not on the level of others like Combat Mission or Graviteam Tactics but if you go into it without some tactical/strategic thought you will lose. I think it is closer to the Battle Academy games than anything else. Easy to pick up and play!

#4330640 - 01/23/17 03:16 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Hmm.

On one hand I'd love to have a virtual Warhammer "Tabletop Experience". Even at half or a quarter of the "realism" that's in Combat Mission.

On the other, what I liked about CMBB was the fact how often a battle would hang on one or two instances of getting the right unit to do the right thing in the right place at the right time. I.e. a tank that wipes out an entire infantry platoon. Or an arty strike that takes out two enemy tanks with a bit of luck. And not sure if I'll find this here.

I also liked the WEGO model that gave a cinematic angle to the experience, I think Sanctus Reach would be brilliant if it had "kill cams".

If it was 20EUR it would be a much easier decision. By comparison "Ashes of the Singularity", a very pretty large-scale modern RTS, is currently 14 bucks at GOG. 30 for a "plain" turn based game with minimal animations and GFX and scenarios is... well, a bit pricey. But it's Warhammer.

Now, if they keep updating the mechanics and adding different units to make it the definite WH40K turn-based title that would be much more enticing.

#4330681 - 01/23/17 04:49 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: RSColonel_131st]  
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For a true 1:1 experience you should try out Tabletop Simulator on Steam. There are several very well made WH40K mods in the Steam Workshop. All you need is the rule books to play! smile


Last edited by xIGuNDoCIx; 01/23/17 04:52 PM.
#4330687 - 01/23/17 05:00 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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Vienna, 2nd rock left.
Yuck. Thanks but no thanks - that's exactly my problem, I just don't have the imagination to make do with inanimated objects...

Reading up a bit on the lore now, I really have to admit WH40K is damn cool in it's details.

#4330691 - 01/23/17 05:07 PM Re: Warhammer 40K: Sanctus Reach Review [Re: xIGuNDoCIx]  
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There is always the Dawn of War series. Not a 1:1 re-creation of the table experience but very good games nonetheless. More akin to the Company of Hereos RTS games.

Last edited by xIGuNDoCIx; 01/23/17 05:07 PM.

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