Warhammeris not an unfamiliar setting in video games, with many titles spread out across as many genres. Ranging from grand strategy titles like theupcomingTotal War Warhammer 3to the first person survival ofVermintide 2, there’s a lot to take in.
These games also range across the different settings that exist withinWarhammeritself as a brand. However, the most recent setting, Age of Sigmar, is only now getting its first adaptation into video game form. That adaptation isWarhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground, and while it is a strategy game, it also covers new territory in terms of genre forWarhammergames.
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Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Groundis a mouthful of a title, and it covers a mouthful of gameplay elements. At its heart,Storm Groundplays somewhat likeAge of Wonders, with turn based battles on a hex-grid. Units can move and use special abilities that consume resources on their turns, and players can summon more units in. There are single-player campaigns for each of the three factions in the game, as well as multiplayer battles. It is the first foray into the Age of Sigmar setting, butwithSoul Arenaon the way, it will not be the last.
TheAge of Wondersstyle gameplay comparison does not end with the hex tile based gameplay. Hero units and regular units can also be equipped with different pieces of equipment in multiplayer and the campaign. This equipment changes how certain abilities work or what the unit’s stats are. They are also where the roguelite elements of the game come from, since players will receive different pieces of gear each time they play through the campaign. Whether this will open the door forVermintide 2style modswith custom equipment remains to be seen, but there’s definitely room for customization.
That customization extends beyond stats and equipment too, as units can be customized with different colors and equipment designs. This allows players to dress up Sigmar’s Stormcast in different sets of armor, presumably corresponding to different orders within the organization. None of them are quite elaborate as somefan design skins from independent artists, but no doubt more designs will emerge over time.
So far the game has received mixed reviews on Steam, with players pointing to the grind of the campaign as a reason for low scores. Whether or not it will go on to have its ownevolution in the style of, say,Vermintide 2, remains to be seen. There is room for something very good here, but just as much room for failure and obscurity.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Groundis out now for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
