Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II – A Sequel That Builds in All the Right Ways - Xbox Wire

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It’s usually robust to construct on a formulation that largely works as-is, however a brief hands-off preview of Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II final week confirmed us that even small tweaks can really feel monumental. Mechanicus II seems like an improve to its turned-based predecessor in the entire proper methods, with some sensible new additions that make its fight loop really feel much more approachable to all types of gamers.

The sport revolves round a single planetary battle, a struggle between the Adeptus Mechanicus, a machine-worshipping cult, and the Necrons, a race of robotic skeletons that basically wakened after hundreds of thousands of years and selected violence. Not like the primary Mechanicus, gamers can select which faction they wish to management and may change at will between the 2 campaigns. The campaigns have the identical core story arc, however the developer tells me there’ll be gameplay and narrative variations for every faction.

The sequel builds on Mechanicus, a meaty turn-based tactical affair the place you play solely because the titular Adeptus Mechanicus faction. Right here, you'll be able to take management of quite a few factions, customise and improve their skills, and make distinctive choices that impression the result of the story. In Mechanicus II, the story’s conclusion additionally depends upon participant alternative – the crew is protecting the narrative underneath wraps, however does verify that there's a canonical ending to the primary sport, which is the Videx ending, for many who’ve seen it.

The demo showcased a crucial narrative siege seen from the attitude of each the Necrons and the Adeptus Mechanicus. Every faction has a roster of leaders, with the Mechanicus coming back from the primary sport – however, this time round, they're all playable characters with their very own distinctive skillsets. Their skills will be tweaked to swimsuit a specific playstyle – you'll be able to spec them out to deal huge harm on their very own, or residence in on extra support-based actions that may buff your crew as an entire, which seems nice for supporting totally different approaches you could wish to take.

There’s a faction spoiler arising, so if wish to go into Mechanicus II with as little info as attainable, look away now!

Mechanicus II may even see different factions make an look in battle for the primary time; our demo reveals off some fiendishly highly effective House Marine allies, and we came upon earlier this 12 months {that a} comparatively new Warhammer 40,000 faction – The Leagues of Votann – may even seem throughout the campaigns in some unspecified time in the future. These teams aren't playable, however they are going to carry out sensible, computerized actions in fight, both alongside you or in opposition to you.

One main change that Mechanicus II makes is inside its Cognition system. Cognition factors (or Dominion factors, when you’re taking part in on the Necron facet), are basically a forex collected by your chosen faction that can be utilized to improve or unlock weapon actions or abilities hearth one-off assaults, or carry out different helpful actions in battle. Mechanicus II seems to supply way more flexibility in the way you gather Cognition factors – each particular person unit can gather them by finishing smaller goals or taking sure actions. This transformation is small, however it permits for a lot much less rigidity in the way you method a skirmish, and the models you employ.

Every part seems a lot nicer, too – unit fashions and their environments are crisp and vibrant, the maps are dynamic and may change all through the course of the battle. There’s additionally a brand new cowl system, which permits the Mechanicus models to guard themselves from oncoming hearth, however these parts are destructible, which suggests their use is restricted. It’s a pleasant contact that makes you take into account your positioning in another way to realize an edge, however it received’t final endlessly.

Mechanicus II seems like a promising iteration on the primary title – bringing again its signature complicated technique gameplay, with considerate adjustments and additions that really really feel just like the collection is evolving with participant alternative on the forefront of its design. For brand new gamers, there’s a way more cheap barrier to entry, and much more flexibility in the way you select to do battle. It’s a formidable path, and one which Mechanicus followers – and Warhammer 40k fans on the whole – can stay up for.