In the war-ridden landscapes of the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe, where the clash of factions reverberates, Frontier Developments introduces Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. This real-time strategy game, which was heavily inspired by classics of the genre, plunges players into the savage Realm of Ghur, offering both a rich narrative campaign and multiplayer modes. We tried out the PlayStation 5 version of the game.
The premise of Realms of Ruin’ narrative unfolds through a cinematic campaign, co-written by Black Library author Gav Thorpe. The narrative perspective shifts between righteous champions and villainous warlords, offering a diverse experience in both story and gameplay. The four major factions (the Stormcast Eternals, Orruk Kruleboyz, Nighthaunt and Disciples of Tzeentch) all vie for dominance, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of conflict that rages in Ghur. And while the linear nature of the campaign may disappoint some players looking for a dynamic overworld map with shifting tides of power, the production values shine through. Stellar cutscenes and voice acting capture the melodramatic essence of the Warhammer universe, and for those who (like us) enjoy a classic story-driven single player RTS experience will enjoy themselves.
The gameplay mechanics of Realms of Ruin deviate a bit from games that focus on massive armies, instead focusing on tactical real-time strategy where players command smaller units. The unique abilities of each unit encourage creative squad building where one unit supports another in combat or on guard duty, which is quite satisfying once you figure out the basics. The game’s emphasis on micro-managing units and the absence of sprawling battlefields contribute to intense, back-and-forth attrition battles where unexpected events can change the tide of each battle mid-scenario. While tactical purists may find the tactical demands modest, Realms of Ruins offer an accessible and engaging strategy experience.
Realms of Ruin impresses visually, faithfully translating the aesthetic and tone of Warhammer into an RTS format. The meticulous recreation of tabletop game units is a good sign of Frontier’s dedication here, both in-game and during cutscenes. The audio, encompassing music, battle effects, spell sounds, and voice acting, contributes further to the immersive experience. In addition, the game offers a plethora of customization options, from digitally painting and posing character models (for the digital Warhammer hobbyist in your) to constructing battle maps using a promising Map Editor that we’re hoping will be embraced by the community.
Also on the positive side, Realms of Ruin successfully captures the essence of Age of Sigmar, featuring engaging factions and accessible strategy. The game’s variety in units and its visually appealing design contribute to a satisfying experience. However, it falls short in some aspects. The campaign’s linear nature may deter replayability, and the limited number of playable factions might hurt the multiplayer appeal. This leaves room for future expansions (which is something we’ve come to expect from Frontier), but it may disappoint fans expecting more at launch.
In terms of multiplayer, Realms of Ruin introduces cross-platform matches, allowing 1v1 and 2v2 battles with a mix of human and AI participants. The competitive ladder adds depth to ranked play, but as mentioned the modest number of factions may limit long-term engagement. The Conquest mode, a single-player challenge with procedurally generated campaigns, offers unpredictability, but its depth and engagement level doesn’t match the excellent campaign experience.
Ultimately, Realms of Ruin stands out as a visually stunning and well-tuned RTS that caters to Games Workshop and classic RTS fans – and will be loved by those who fit into both categories. Its engaging combat, comprehensive map editor, and creative options make it a solid entry in the Warhammer digital gaming landscape. The balance of accessibility and strategic depth is a good one, but the game stops short of pushing the genre into new territory, with room for more in post-launch content.
Score: 7.6/10
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