PGC NEWS

The turn-based strategy game Space Hulk Ascension, developed by Full Control Studios, offers a challenging and engaging experience based on the original Space Hulk board game. Following the successful release of the Imperial Fists DLC, Full Control has launched a second expansion, Space Hulk Ascension: Salamanders, aiming to further enhance the gameplay. This review will explore the new features and assess whether the Salamanders DLC truly ignites the Space Hulk Ascension experience.

Wielding the Flame: The Salamanders Chapter

As the title suggests, the Salamanders DLC introduces the fiery Salamanders Chapter to the perilous cleansing of the Genestealer-infested Space Hulk. Known as masters of fire, the Salamanders bring their signature Heavy Flamers to the fray, wielded by their Terminator units. These devastating weapons offer a wide area of effect and a 100% kill rate against the alien hordes.

alt: A Salamanders Terminator wielding a Heavy Flamer in Space Hulk Ascension

While other chapters like the Ultramarines and Imperial Fists typically deploy only one Heavy Flamer-equipped Terminator per squad, the Salamanders boast two, significantly increasing their firepower. Additionally, Salamanders possess a high resistance to fire, allowing them to traverse flames unharmed. This unique ability offers tactical advantages, allowing for aggressive pushes through burning corridors. However, the Heavy Flamer’s limited ammunition and the complete Action Point (AP) cost for reloading require careful resource management.

Players will need to adapt their tactics to maximize the effectiveness of the Salamanders’ fiery arsenal. Deploying Heavy Flamer Terminators behind front-line troops provides both protection and area-of-effect damage. However, the lack of Overwatch capability for these units makes them vulnerable to flanking maneuvers by the cunning Genestealers. Careful positioning and squad synergy are crucial for survival.

Forging a New Path: The Forge of Heroes Campaign

Space Hulk Ascension: Salamanders introduces a new campaign called “Forge of Heroes,” featuring 20 main missions and 20 side missions, adding significant playtime to the base game. This campaign departs from the standard “find the exit” formula and presents players with puzzle-like challenges. These new missions require strategic coordination and careful planning to overcome.

alt: Gameplay screenshot of Space Hulk Ascension showing the Salamanders navigating a corridor

Players will encounter scenarios requiring precise unit movement to activate switches, control bridges, and create pathways to designated objectives. These environmental puzzles add a new layer of complexity to the tactical gameplay. Although designed for the Salamanders, “Forge of Heroes” is accessible to other chapters as well. However, with only one Heavy Flamer per squad, other chapters face a steeper challenge, demanding even more strategic finesse.

alt: A view of the Space Hulk environment in Space Hulk Ascension

alt: A close-up of a Genestealer in Space Hulk Ascension

Room for Improvement: A Smoldering Disappointment?

While “Forge of Heroes” offers a refreshing change of pace, the innovations introduced in Space Hulk Ascension: Salamanders fall short of being truly groundbreaking. The core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged, with missions still revolving around maneuvering units across the map. The increased difficulty stemming from the environmental puzzles may necessitate multiple attempts to understand the mechanics of each level, which can become repetitive.

alt: A Salamanders Terminator engaging Genestealers in Space Hulk Ascension

Conclusion

Space Hulk Ascension: Salamanders provides additional content and a new chapter with a distinct playstyle. The “Forge of Heroes” campaign introduces intriguing puzzle elements. However, the lack of significant gameplay changes may leave some players wanting more. While the Salamanders bring the heat with their Heavy Flamers, the DLC itself fails to fully ignite the Space Hulk Ascension experience to a new level of excitement. It offers a solid, but not revolutionary, addition for dedicated fans of the game seeking more missions and a new chapter to master.