Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin Review: Marching into the Mortal Realms

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin steps into the vast Warhammer universe, offering an accessible entry point into the rich and often intricate world of real-time strategy games. Coming from a background where games like Age of Mythology and Impossible Creatures shaped my appreciation for strategy – blending creativity with tactical gameplay – I approached Sigmar with anticipation, curious about its blend of lore and strategy.

While it’s clear that the game aims to attract both RTS veterans and those less versed in the genre, I found that it didn’t quite capture the innovative spirit and unique charm I typically seek in strategy games. It’s a commendable effort in making the RTS genre more approachable, yet, for me, it lacked those distinctive, compelling features that elevate a game from merely playable to genuinely engaging and memorable. In this venture into the realms of Warhammer strategy, I was left appreciating its approachability but longing for a touch more creativity and strategic flair that would have truly made it stand out.

Realm of Visions

In Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, the graphics are not just a backdrop but a central character in the narrative. The game’s visuals are meticulously detailed, with each armor clink and spell effect rendered with care, echoing the rich lore of the Warhammer universe. While exploring this world, I found myself often zooming in to appreciate the intricacies of the character models and the dynamic environments. The battlefields, littered with the remnants of conflict, create a palpable sense of history and struggle. This visual fidelity, however, doesn’t quite push the envelope in terms of technical innovation, but rather offers a solid, familiar rendition of a beloved universe.

Whispers and Warcries

The sound design in Realms of Ruin is a harmonious blend of battlefield clamor and narrative depth. The clash of steel and the arcane echoes of magic not only add to the game’s immersion but also give a rhythmic backdrop to the gameplay. The voice acting deserves special mention for bringing characters to life with distinct personalities, enriching the storytelling. From the gruff tones of seasoned warriors to the ethereal whispers of spectral entities, the voice work adds layers of depth and emotion, making the narrative more than just text on a screen.

Legends and Lore

The narrative of Realms of Ruin intertwines with its gameplay, offering a story that progresses organically with each mission. The epic and theatrical tone of the story fits well within the Warhammer universe, making it a treat for fans and an intriguing journey for newcomers. However, the story, while engaging, often treads on familiar ground. As someone who appreciates a twist in the tale, I found the narrative engaging but somewhat predictable, leaving room for more creativity and unexpected turns.

Commanding with Clarity

The user interface struck me as a double-edged sword. Its simplicity and clean design make the game easily accessible, particularly for those new to the genre or coming from a console background. Icons are used effectively to convey information, but this comes at the cost of detailed stats, which could be a point of contention for RTS veterans. While this design choice aligns with the game’s approachable ethos, it occasionally left me wanting more control and in-depth information to strategize more effectively.

Tactical Marches and Magical Duels

The gameplay in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin takes a path less trodden in the RTS landscape. The focus here is less on the traditional RTS base-building and more on the orchestration of armies and tactical skirmishes. In my playthrough, I found this approach both refreshing and limiting. On one hand, it allows for quicker engagement in action, keeping the pace steady and exciting. However, as someone who enjoys the strategic depth that base-building brings, I sometimes missed the complexity and satisfaction it offers. This streamlined approach, while making the game more accessible, may leave RTS purists yearning for the traditional mechanics they’ve grown accustomed to.

A notable aspect of the gameplay is the proprietary DirectStep control system. This feature enables rapid cycling through units, facilitating quick commands and decisions on the battlefield. Initially, there’s a learning curve to this system, but once mastered, it becomes a powerful tool, allowing for efficient unit management. It adds a layer of strategy, especially in moments of high tension, where quick decisions can turn the tide of battle. However, for those who relish micromanaging every aspect of combat, this system might feel too streamlined.

The game’s strategic depth is evident in the rock-paper-scissors dynamics of the unit types. Each unit has its strengths and weaknesses, and much of the game’s challenge lies in correctly positioning your forces and utilizing their abilities. The importance of making strategic decisions based on unit matchups and battlefield conditions is paramount and offers a satisfying tactical experience. However, the reliance on this system sometimes makes battles feel predictable, with less room for unorthodox strategies or surprises.

Crafting and Recrafting the Battle

In my journey with Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, I found the game’s replayability to be a mixed bag. The multiplayer modes inject a dynamic element into the gameplay, offering thrilling clashes against real players. Each match felt like a new challenge, a fresh puzzle to solve with my army. The Conquest mode, with its procedurally generated maps, further spices things up, ensuring no two battles are quite the same. This unpredictability is a welcome respite from the game’s core, which, while solid, doesn’t always hit the mark in terms of depth and variety for seasoned strategy buffs.

Diving into the game’s creative suite was an experience unto itself. The Map Editor allowed me to design my own battlefields, an exercise that felt both empowering and daunting. It’s one thing to play on a pre-designed map, but creating your own adds a personal touch to the strategy. However, the learning curve here was steep, and at times, it felt more like a task than a playful adventure, especially when done solo.

The Army Livery feature offered a similar sense of ownership. Personalizing my forces with colors and designs made the armies feel more ‘mine’ than any default setting could. This feature adds a layer of personalization and could be particularly appealing to fans of the Warhammer universe who enjoy the hobby aspect of painting and customizing miniatures. Yet, this customization, like the map creation, is something I’d enjoy more with friends – a shared joy in creation and battle. Alone, it’s a feature I admired but didn’t find myself fully immersed in.

Reflections from the Realmgate

Wrapping up my time with Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, I’m left with mixed feelings. As someone who’s always looked for that spark of innovation in strategy games, I found this title walked a safe, familiar path. Yes, the visuals are a feast for the eyes, and the sound design did justice to the Warhammer universe, but I couldn’t help but wish for more. The streamlined gameplay and UI are great for newcomers, a welcoming hand into the world of RTS, but for me, it lacked the depth and complexity I crave. The narrative, while engaging, didn’t offer the twists and unexpected turns I love in a story. It’s a solid game, especially for those new to the genre or die-hard Warhammer fans, but for a strategy veteran seeking a fresh, complex challenge, it’s more of a gentle stroll through familiar grounds than an exhilarating leap into new territories. This game, with all its polish and fidelity to the Warhammer ethos, is like a well-crafted introduction to a much larger, more complex world I hope to see explored in future iterations.

Final Verdict: 3/5

Available on: PC (Reviewed), PlayStation 5,  Xbox Series X|S; Publisher: Frontier Developments; Developer: Frontier Developments; Players: 1-4; Released: November 16, 2023; MSRP: $59.99

Full disclosure: This review is based on a copy of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin provided by the publisher.