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The strategy gaming community celebrated in 2015 when SEGA officially announced Total War: Warhammer after much anticipation. This marked a significant departure for the Total War series, immersing players in the magical and fantastical world of Warhammer Fantasy for the first time. SEGA promised colossal monsters, airborne units, and legendary heroes, all breathing new life into the traditionally historical battlefields of the Total War franchise. Does the combination of the acclaimed strategy gameplay of Total War with the popular tabletop game Warhammer Fantasy create a worthwhile experience? Let’s dive into a comprehensive review.

Inheriting and Innovating

As the tenth installment in the storied Total War franchise, Total War: Warhammer inherits the strengths of its predecessors while adding its own unique flavor. The core gameplay remains familiar, retaining the signature Total War blend of turn-based grand strategy and real-time battles. Players choose a race and embark on a campaign of conquest, managing their settlements and armies in a 4X style. Simultaneously, they command troops on the battlefield in real-time, employing various tactical maneuvers.

alt: A screenshot from Total War: Warhammer showing a battle between the Empire and Greenskins.

However, Total War: Warhammer introduces significant innovations. Gone are the conflicts of historical nations, replaced by clashes between warriors, heroes, and monsters of the Warhammer Fantasy world. Most notably, the game integrates magic as a core gameplay mechanic for the first time. Players can cast spells during real-time battles, dealing damage, debuffing enemies, or bolstering their own forces. The “Winds of Magic,” a constantly fluctuating magical energy flow, influences the amount of magic available in each battle, adding a dynamic element to spellcasting.

Further enhancements include equippable items that boost character stats and unlock new spells, acquired through victorious battles. “Corruption” adds another layer of complexity, representing the insidious influence of Vampire Counts and Chaos. Corrupted settlements suffer public order penalties and become vulnerable to attacks from these factions. Players can mitigate corruption through equipment and hero abilities. These new features, along with a reworked progression system and the inclusion of flying units, contribute to a significantly evolved Total War experience.

A Diverse Roster of Races

Total War: Warhammer offers a high degree of replayability thanks to its diverse and distinctive races drawn from the Warhammer Fantasy universe. Each race boasts unique gameplay mechanics, ensuring a fresh experience with each playthrough. For a more traditional Total War experience, players can choose The Empire, whose balanced armies offer a mix of infantry, archers, cavalry, and artillery.

alt: A screenshot from Total War: Warhammer showing a battle between the Dwarfs and Greenskins.

However, other factions provide drastically different gameplay. The Greenskins, led by Grimgor Ironhide, are a horde faction that thrives on constant warfare. Maintaining a high “Waaagh!” level through fighting and raiding is crucial to their strength, as inactivity leads to infighting and attrition. Conversely, a maxed-out “Waaagh!” can grant players an entirely new army.

The Vampire Counts, under Mannfred von Carstein, lack a morale system, making their undead legions relentless in battle. Their heroes can raise the dead to replenish their ranks, and they possess flying units, but lack ranged attackers. The Dwarfs, lacking cavalry, excel in technology and machinery. Their sturdy defenses and powerful ranged units make them ideal for a defensive playstyle.

Impressive Visuals

Built on an improved version of the Warscape Engine, Total War: Warhammer delivers impressive visuals. Unit models are detailed and reflect the unique characteristics of each faction. The Empire’s troops are clad in gleaming armor, projecting an image of imperial might, while the Greenskins exude savage power with their massive, brutal hordes.

alt: A screenshot from Total War: Warhammer showcasing the detailed character models of the Dwarf faction.

The game’s color palette is equally striking, with each region possessing its own distinct aesthetic. Dwarven lands feature the silver and white tones of the mountains, while the Vampire Counts inhabit gloomy, death-ridden swamps. The improved engine significantly reduces performance issues compared to previous titles like Total War: Rome II, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.

Lingering Issues

Despite the vastness of the Old World and its numerous races, the base game only offers four playable factions, with a fifth (Warriors of Chaos) available as DLC. This decision drew criticism, particularly as Chaos is a pivotal faction in the Warhammer Fantasy lore. Bretonnia, while present, is a non-playable faction. Players hoping to command Elves or Skaven will need to wait for future DLC or sequels.

alt: A screenshot from Total War: Warhammer showcasing the diverse environments of the game.

Siege battles are overly simplified, often resembling open field battles. The A.I. also suffers from familiar shortcomings, occasionally falling prey to simple tactics and failing to capitalize on opportunities.

Conclusion

Total War: Warhammer successfully blends the strategic depth of Total War with the rich lore and fantastical units of Warhammer Fantasy. The innovations in gameplay, coupled with the diverse factions and impressive visuals, make it a compelling strategy experience. While the limited faction roster and persistent A.I. issues detract slightly, Total War: Warhammer is a must-play for strategy fans and Warhammer enthusiasts alike.