Despite boasting two of the richest licenses on the planet, the last Games Workshop inspired title we saw launch on console was the middling Gears of War wannabe, Space Marine. Thankfully, in the not too distant future, this is set to change with studios working on a wide range of ambitious titles such as the multiplayer focused Warhammer: Vermintide and upcoming sci-fi RPG, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor.
Although promising, both are quite a fair way from launch. In the meantime, we’ve had a spate of recent games hitting mobile and tablet, using these licenses as a backdrop for all sorts of touch screen antics. From goblin catapulting to faithful recreations of classic board games, we’ve seen a number of studios step up to the plate, yet none have quite matched Rodeo and in terms of both quality and originality.
Two years after the launch of Warhammer Quest, the developer is back with its newest title, Warhammer 40,000 Deathwatch: Tyranid Invasion. Although it may not roll off the tongue, it succinctly describes exactly what players can expect from this flashy new addition to the App Store catalogue.
Instead of swinging swords and casting spells, Deathwatch has players commanding an elite squad of space marines, hand-picked from the Emperor’s vast array of chapters. Working as one cohesive unit, they are dispatched to planets to exterminate the alien threat known as the Tyranids – a chittering horde of aliens that destroy all in their path.
Not wanting to back away from the strategy RPG genre just yet, Rodeo has infused Deathwatch with many of the mechanics and systems present in Warhammer Quest. Much like the excellent 2013 mobile hit, their newest game is turn-based and has players moving their marine around board-like settings, each one divided by square tiles.
Gameplay is simple but intuitive and works sublimely on touchscreen devices. After tapping one of your marines, you can move them while also activating special powers and assigning targets. What you can do in one turn is limited by the number of ability points that a marine has, this count replenishing after the enemy has finished their round.
Fairly similar at first, your troops will become more and more diverse as you make your way through the campaign. While tweaking their stats using gained experience points, you can also adjust their equipment and recruit new allies. Some of these (unlocked via purchasable card packs) will have unique traits, making them an invaluable addition to your squad.
The way you play will mostly depend on how missions are structured. Some will have you scouting open areas while others require that you defend or destroy specific targets. It’s worth mentioning that most of the map is shrouded in fog at the beginning of each skirmish. This restricts the game’s pace somewhat, encouraging players to either move tactically or hold a defensive position.
The latter is often a more effective approach. Consuming ability points through moving will severely limit you attacking potential if an enemy should enter your line of sight. By triggering the “Overwatch” command, however, you can simply assign your marines to cover spots on the map, waiting for the Tyranids to come to them instead.
Regardless of playstyle, there’s plenty of fun to be had. As mentioned before, gameplay is fluid and rewarding, yet it doesn’t reach the heights of the genre’s frontrunners, namely XCOM: Enemy Unknown. Still, for a smaller scale game available at just a fraction of the price, Deathwatch is great tactical game suited to those who don’t just play on the tablets in short, five-minute bursts.
Deathwatch – Tyranid Invasion is currently available only on iOS, but also has specific chipset requirements. For device compatibility please check the official store page.
