Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon

As another reviewer stated, “the turn limit is there because the AI sucks” and so far, I could not agree more with that statement, the turn limit is tiny and is only there so that you don’t take your time killing every single enemy on the map and stay on point with your immediate objective. This feature really sucks because it takes control of your play style in ways that many players myself included would not want. Most of the time you end up having to rush your strategies just so that can stay under the turn limit which is small, normally around 13 maybe 20 turns per scenario. Somebody needs to make a mod to get rid of this feature.

I admit that I have some difficulties with giving this game final note. On the one hand, it's one of the most satisfying turn-based strategies in WH40k universe. Diversity of units is very impressive (especially due to the fact that it wasn't achieved by adding Imperial Guard regiments from various planets, like it was solved in Final Liberation - this is war for Armageddon and we'll fight (mostly) with help of Steel Legion). I also like this unique WH40k feeling - you feel that you're participating in dirty and brutal war (maps looking really nice and they're quite detailed, for this type of game), but without feeling of being tired with the same colors/assets. Despite the fact, that most missions are focused on obtaining "victory points", they're still entertaining and have some diversity. Campaigns are quite entertaining and giving well spirit of fights during second war for Armageddon. Plus we've got map editor - nice addition. So far, everything looks very nice. Unfortunately, in those good games lacks are more noticeable. And it hurts more. Good example is AI of enemy - it's dealing relatively good in missions where it's attacking, but when we're going to obtain some victory point, orc units are surprisingly passive, and became "active" only if we'll obtain some "critical point" on the map or if we'll move close enough to them. Game definitelly could use some animations - there is completely no animation of moving, and in case of attacking there are only very humble animation of lasers/bullets, but again, units are motionless. And unfortunate multiplayer... Only possible option to play is Slitherine's PBEM service, where you need to log every time. EVEN for hot-seat. Yup, instead of separate hot-seat mode, we still need to log into mentioned service and... join to game we've created. This is really wrong and irritating solution. So, to sum up - mentioned lacks (multiplayer, AI, lack of animations) are irritating, but it's still great game.

Needs more game options for single player. No Hot Seat, No Random Map Generator. Turns Limit should have been optional. I am glad it contains a game editor. Without it I would have given it one star.

Enemy AI is weak, unit balance non-existent (infantry rifles damaging tank is normal here for some reason). There is very little need for a strategy beyond most basic: attack them at a range where they can't shoot back - and yes, enemy units will just sit there for several turns getting themselves massacred. The turn limit so far seems very generous since most missions give you plenty of time, and no incentive to take any risks. Panzer General this is not, as there are no rewards for completing maps quickly. Graphics are serviceable but nothing to write home about. Given the time that passed between release of Rites of War or Final Liberation and this game, I think it's justified to at least expect some animations on units' movement and combat, beyond muzzle flashes and an occasional explosion. In conclusion: I have set my expectations for this game at a level of a twenty years old game, and I'm still disappointed.