Total War: Warhammer III – Shadows of Change, the latest DLC offering from Creative Assembly and SEGA, brings three new Legendary Lords into the fray: The Changeling of Tzeentch, Yuan Bo of Grand Cathay, and Mother Ostankya of Kislev. This expansion, introduces a host of new content, shaking up the game’s dynamics and providing fresh ways to conquer the Old World. We took a closer look.
The premise of Shadows of Change is intriguing, with each Legendary Lord offering a unique campaign experience. Mother Ostankya, the enigmatic witch of Kislev, stands out as a particularly engaging character. Her campaign mechanics, rooted in the lore of the region, force players to adapt to her unconventional playstyle. Initially lacking access to conventional Kislev units, you must forge alliances or invade your fellow Kislevite leaders to unlock the full faction roster over time. This constraint turns a supposed weakness into a compelling campaign element, reminiscent of epic fantasy tales in how it unfolds and shapes your narrative through gameplay mechanics.
However, while Mother Ostankya’s campaign shines, The Changeling of Tzeentch and Yuan Bo of Grand Cathay, while interesting, may feel somewhat familiar in their mechanics. The Changeling’s ability to transform into any Legendary Lord adds an element of unpredictability to battles, but lacks the depth of some other Lords’ campaigns. Yuan Bo’s diplomatic and spymaster skills, though potent, may not feel as fresh to players already familiar with similar mechanics from other Lords in the game.
The addition of new units to each faction’s roster is a welcome change. Mother Ostankya’s army, with its woodland-themed units like the Things in the Woods and Akshina Rangers, offers a refreshing take on Kislev’s traditional playstyle. On the other hand, while Tzeentch’s new units provide a much-needed boost to their roster, Cathay’s new additions mainly benefit the early game and start to lose impact later on.
In terms of performance, Shadows of Change runs smoothly on the PC, and looks gorgeous on high end PCs. Both the visuals and audio are top-notch, immersing players in the richly detailed Warhammer world.
Despite these positives, Shadows of Change falls slightly short of the expectations set by previous DLCs. While Mother Ostankya’s gameplay adds a unique twist, the other two Lords could have benefited from more distinct mechanics. Moreover, the DLC’s storylines, while serviceable, may not be as memorable as those of previous expansions.
In conclusion, Total War: Warhammer III – Shadows of Change offers a solid addition to the game. Mother Ostankya’s campaign stands out as a highlight, but The Changeling’s gameplay also adds a unique element to the game. However, the familiarity of some mechanics and the relatively weak storyline for two of the Lords prevent it from reaching its full potential. If you’re deeply invested in Total War: Warhammer III or the featured factions, it’s worth considering this DLC. Otherwise, it might be wise to wait for a more groundbreaking expansion or a sale.
Score: 7.0/10
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