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The Warhammer 40,000 universe is vast and rich, and while many gamers associate it with the acclaimed Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War series by THQ, other titles have sought to capture its grim and exciting essence. Following THQ’s closure in 2013, the Warhammer 40,000 video game landscape shifted, with fewer titles achieving widespread success. Full Control’s 2013 Space Hulk attempted to revive the franchise, but despite engaging gameplay and impressive graphics, it didn’t quite capture the attention it deserved. Now, with the release of Space Hulk: Ascension, Full Control is making another attempt. Does Space Hulk: Ascension succeed as a compelling turn-based strategy game with engaging new features, or is it simply a repackaged version of its predecessor?

Space Marine Terminators in Space Hulk: Ascension

Refined Tactical Gameplay

Space Hulk: Ascension is a turn-based strategy game that puts players in command of Terminator squads navigating the derelict spacecraft known as Space Hulks. These massive, drifting vessels are filled with danger, and players must guide their Space Marines through claustrophobic corridors, completing missions and facing the ever-present threat of Genestealers. These cunning and deadly alien creatures lurk in the shadows, ready to ambush and overwhelm the Space Marines.

Action Points (AP) are a crucial element of Space Hulk: Ascension’s turn-based gameplay. Every action, from movement and turning to attacking and reloading, consumes AP. This requires careful planning and resource management to ensure survival. The game also features a wider variety of weapons and attack types than its predecessor, each with its own AP cost, offering players greater tactical flexibility.

Every action in the game, from moving and turning to attacking and reloading, consumes a specific amount of AP, requiring players to carefully consider each move.

The previous Space Hulk title relied on dice rolls to determine the outcome of actions, mirroring the tabletop game’s mechanics. However, this introduced an element of randomness that some players found detrimental to strategic planning. Space Hulk: Ascension removes the dice rolls entirely, allowing players to execute their strategies with greater confidence.

Space Marine firing a heavy weapon

Engaging RPG Elements

Space Hulk: Ascension isn’t just a turn-based strategy game; it also incorporates RPG elements. Space Marines earn experience points based on their performance in missions. As they level up, they unlock new skills and gain access to more powerful weapons and equipment. Players can customize their squads with different unit types, from close-combat specialists to ranged attackers, and equip them with various weapons to suit their preferred playstyle. Hidden units can also be unlocked by completing specific missions.

Space Marines exploring the Space Hulk

Players can customize and choose different unit types, from close combat to ranged attack, along with specific weapons depending on the strategy for each level.

When a Space Marine falls in battle, they are replaced by a new unit at the end of the mission. The difficulty level affects the experience level of the replacement. On Normal difficulty, a fallen Marine is replaced with a soldier of the same level, while on Hard difficulty, a rookie joins the squad, adding to the challenge.

New Chapters and Customization

In addition to the Blood Angels chapter from the previous game, Space Hulk: Ascension introduces two new playable Space Marine chapters: the Ultramarines and the Space Wolves. Each chapter has unique strengths and weaknesses, further diversifying the tactical options available to players. The Ultramarines excel at ranged combat, while the Space Wolves favor close-quarters engagements.

Genestealer attacking a Space Marine

The inclusion of two new chapters expands the campaign in Space Hulk: Ascension, making it incredibly rich with over 100 missions.

With the addition of these new chapters, the campaign in Space Hulk: Ascension is significantly expanded, offering over 100 missions for players to tackle. Furthermore, the game allows players to name individual Space Marines and customize their appearance and equipment, adding a personal touch to each unit.

Space Marines battling Genestealers

A Challenging Experience

Space Hulk: Ascension is a demanding game where even a single misstep can have dire consequences. Despite their powerful Terminator armor and advanced weaponry, Space Marines can be easily overwhelmed by the sheer number of Genestealers. The dark and claustrophobic environments of the Space Hulks, while atmospheric and faithful to the source material, contribute to the game’s difficulty. It can be challenging to identify potential ambush points and blind spots, making players vulnerable to surprise attacks.

Space Marine Terminators in a dark corridor

Space Hulk: Ascension is a highly challenging game where every wrong decision can lead to the demise of your entire squad.

Space Hulk: Ascension doesn’t allow for mistakes. A single wrong move can force players to restart a mission, even after hours of progress. Newcomers to the Warhammer 40,000 universe may also find the game’s lack of in-game explanations for key concepts and terminology somewhat daunting.

Conclusion

Space Hulk: Ascension builds upon its predecessor with refined gameplay, expanded content, and engaging RPG elements. While it remains a challenging experience, the removal of dice rolls and the addition of new chapters and customization options make it a more rewarding and strategic title. While the difficulty and lack of in-game explanations may pose a barrier to entry for some, dedicated strategy fans and Warhammer 40,000 enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this grim and immersive tactical experience.