It’s typically robust to construct on a method 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 to be like an improve to its turned-based predecessor in the entire proper methods, with some good 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 warfare between the Adeptus Mechanicus, a machine-worshipping cult, and the Necrons, a race of robotic skeletons that primarily awakened after tens of millions of years and selected violence. Not like the primary Mechanicus, gamers can select which faction they wish to management and might swap 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 staff is protecting the narrative beneath wraps, however does affirm that there’s a canonical ending to the primary sport, which is the Videx ending, for individuals who’ve seen it.
The demo showcased a important narrative siege seen from the angle 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 large harm on their very own, or residence in on extra support-based actions that may buff your staff as an entire, which seems to be nice for supporting completely 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 can even see different factions make an look in battle for the primary time; our demo exhibits off some fiendishly highly effective Area Marine allies, and we came upon earlier this yr {that a} comparatively new Warhammer 40,000 faction – The Leagues of Votann – can even seem through the campaigns in some unspecified time in the future. These teams aren’t playable, however they may carry out good, automated 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 enjoying on the Necron facet), are primarily a forex collected by your chosen faction that can be utilized to improve or unlock weapon actions or abilities fireplace 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 aims or taking sure actions. This variation is small, however it permits for a lot much less rigidity in the way you strategy a skirmish, and the items you utilize.
Every thing seems to be a lot nicer, too – unit fashions and their environments are crisp and vibrant, the maps are dynamic and might change all through the course of the battle. There’s additionally a brand new cowl system, which permits the Mechanicus items to guard themselves from oncoming fireplace, however these parts are destructible, which implies their use is proscribed. It’s a pleasant contact that makes you contemplate your positioning in another way to achieve an edge, however it gained’t final endlessly.
Mechanicus II seems to be like a promising iteration on the primary title – bringing again its signature advanced technique gameplay, with considerate modifications and additions that actually really feel just like the collection is evolving with participant alternative on the forefront of its design. For brand spanking new gamers, there’s a way more affordable barrier to entry, and much more flexibility in the way you select to do battle. It’s a powerful course, and one which Mechanicus followers – and Warhammer 40k fanatics generally – can stay up for.
