Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II – A Sequel That Builds in All of the Proper Methods

It’s usually robust to construct on a system that largely works as-is, however a brief hands-off preview of Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II final week confirmed us that even small tweaks can really feel monumental. Mechanicus II seems to be like an improve to its turned-based predecessor in the entire proper methods, with some sensible new additions that make its fight loop really feel much more approachable to all types of gamers.

The sport revolves round a single planetary battle, a warfare between the Adeptus Mechanicus, a machine-worshipping cult, and the Necrons, a race of robotic skeletons that primarily wakened after tens of millions of years and selected violence. Not like the primary Mechanicus, gamers can select which faction they need to management and might change at will between the 2 campaigns. The campaigns have the identical core story arc, however the developer tells me there’ll be gameplay and narrative variations for every faction.

The sequel builds on Mechanicus, a meaty turn-based tactical affair the place you play solely because the titular Adeptus Mechanicus faction. Right here, you’ll be able to take management of quite a few factions, customise and improve their skills, and make distinctive selections that influence the end result of the story. In Mechanicus II, the story’s conclusion additionally is dependent upon participant selection – the staff is maintaining the narrative beneath wraps, however does affirm that there’s a canonical ending to the primary sport, which is the Videx ending, for individuals who’ve seen it.

The demo showcased a important narrative siege seen from the attitude of each the Necrons and the Adeptus Mechanicus. Every faction has a roster of leaders, with the Mechanicus coming back from the primary sport – however, this time round, they’re all playable characters with their very own distinctive skillsets. Their skills could be tweaked to swimsuit a specific playstyle – you’ll be able to spec them out to deal huge harm on their very own, or dwelling in on extra support-based actions that may buff your staff as a complete, which seems to be nice for supporting totally different approaches you could need to take.

There’s a faction spoiler developing, so if need to go into Mechanicus II with as little info as attainable, look away now!

Mechanicus II may even see different factions make an look in battle for the primary time; our demo exhibits off some fiendishly highly effective Area Marine allies, and we came upon earlier this 12 months {that a} comparatively new Warhammer 40,000 faction – The Leagues of Votann – may even seem throughout the campaigns sooner or later. These teams are usually not playable, however they’ll carry out sensible, computerized actions in fight, both alongside you or towards you.

One main change that Mechanicus II makes is inside its Cognition system. Cognition factors (or Dominion factors, when you’re taking part in on the Necron aspect), are primarily a forex collected by your chosen faction that can be utilized to improve or unlock weapon actions or expertise hearth one-off assaults, or carry out different helpful actions in battle. Mechanicus II seems to supply far more flexibility in the way you acquire Cognition factors – each particular person unit can acquire them by finishing smaller goals or taking sure actions. This variation is small, but it surely permits for a lot much less rigidity in the way you method a skirmish, and the models you utilize.

Every part seems to be a lot nicer, too – unit fashions and their environments are crisp and vibrant, the maps are dynamic and might change all through the course of the battle. There’s additionally a brand new cowl system, which permits the Mechanicus models to guard themselves from oncoming hearth, however these components are destructible, which implies their use is restricted. It’s a pleasant contact that makes you think about your positioning in a different way to realize an edge, but it surely received’t final without end.

Mechanicus II seems to be like a promising iteration on the primary title – bringing again its signature advanced technique gameplay, with considerate modifications and additions that actually really feel just like the sequence is evolving with participant selection on the forefront of its design. For brand new gamers, there’s a way more cheap barrier to entry, and much more flexibility in the way you select to do battle. It’s a formidable path, and one which Mechanicus followers – and Warhammer 40k fans generally – can sit up for.