Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader review

In Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, developed by Owlcat Games, players are thrust into the role of a Rogue Trader, a ‘semi-divine authority bestowed with the right to conquer star systems, amass wealth, and govern in the name of the Emperor’. And yes, that means that the narrative unfolds in the usual grimdark far future that is the Warhammer 40K universe, which gamers should be quite familiar with at this point. Quite unique, however, is the roleplaying approach that Rogue Trader takes towards the IP, inviting players to make decisions according to their chosen philosophy, which adds additional depth to the storytelling.

Visually, Rogue Trader successfully brings the iconic 40K aesthetic to a typical RPG look and feel, bringing the gothic and violent space opera to life in a new way. The graphics showcase both expansive environments that give you a sense of scale, as well as detailed weaponry when you go up close. If you’re played Owlcat’s Pathfinder you might feel like it looks a tad too familiar at times, but that’s easy enough to forgive.

As a classic isometric CRPG, Rogue Trader maintains genre conventions, providing a deep and content-rich experience. However, newcomers should brace themselves for a steeper learning curve, especially if they’re tackling the more challenging difficulty levels. Experienced players will find a gameplay experience that demands focus and commitment – as does the Tabletop Warhammer 40K experience.

The gameplay mechanics allow players to choose from four base classes that you can progress to more advanced ones, shaping their character’s skills for exploration, dialogue, trade, and combat. Managing the gear and progression of the squad of five companions becomes crucial for overcoming various challenges, from mechanical faults to hostile Xenos you’ll encounter. The philosophical choices players make along the way, whether adhering to the hardline Imperialis or the seemingly kinder Benevolentia, reward them with perks and unique gameplay options, aligning with the unforgiving nature of the Warhammer universe while also giving the game some more replay value.

The core of Rogue Trader’s experience lies in its competent and deep turn-based tactical combat, offering a variety of abilities and classes for players to explore. Combat feels impactful, with attention to detail that can for example be seen in how the game deals with how bullets penetrate. The game features exciting set pieces and boss encounters as well, contributing to the immersive nature of the Warhammer 40K combat with a few standout scenarios that you’ll come across during a lengthy campaign.

In terms of the writing, the game delivers a compelling narrative that sees the player character go through impressive growth, uncovering a sprawling mystery while navigating extreme opposition. The inclusion of voiced dialogue from companion characters enhances the immersive storytelling experience as well, and with a playthrough length of over 40 this one offers plenty of story depth – as well as a richness in terms of lore for those invested in all things Warhammer.

However, the game does not come without its flaws. Performance issues on PS5, including dropped frames in populated areas and significant combat encounters, detract from the overall experience. Bugs, including ones that affect your progress in quests, are also present, indicating that this one needs some post-launch love and attention. Luckily, Owlcat has a strong track record in this regard.

In conclusion, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a more than worthy addition to the CRPG genre, offering fans an engaging tactical turn-based combat experience within the immersive Warhammer 40K universe. Despite a little lack of polish, the game’s deep class customization and the option to explore a vast world and deep narrative set inside a familiar grimdark setting make this a compelling choice for Warhammer enthusiasts – and one that will likely get better as time goes on.

Score: 7.7/10