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Total War: WARHAMMER II

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Total War: WARHAMMER II
Item: Total War: WARHAMMER II
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2017

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableSep 28, 2017

PlatformPC

DeveloperCreative Assembly

Overview

Total War: Warhammer II is a strategy game of titanic proportions. Choose from four unique, varied factions and wage war your way; mounting a campaign of conquest to save or destroy a vast and vivid fantasy world. This is a game of two halves: one a turn-based open-world campaign, and the other intense, tactical real-time battles across the fantastical landscapes of the New World.

Elsewhere

8.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Total War: WARHAMMER II dazzles with faction-rich storytelling, a cohesive Great Vortex-driven narrative, and innovative mechanics, but its lore-heavy complexity and repetitive structures alienate some. Praise for immersive world-building and strategic depth clashes with complaints about overwrought exposition and shallow character arcs, leaving a polarizing yet ambitious evolution of the series.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

67%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

33%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The story of Total War: WARHAMMER II receives widespread acclaim for its narrative depth, faction-specific storytelling, and innovative mechanics. Critics like AusGamers and Eurogamer Italy highlight the game’s focus on distinct faction goals, with each race—High Elves, Dark Elves, Lizardmen, and Skaven—having unique motivations tied to the Great Vortex. The integration of rituals, dynamic events, and strategic objectives creates a layered experience, as noted by Destructoid and Gamer.nl, who praise the shift from repetitive structures in the first game to a more intricate, player-driven narrative. IGN and The Overpowered Noobs laud the campaign’s cohesion, with the Great Vortex serving as a unifying element that drives competition and urgency. The inclusion of "Mortal Empires" and Chaos invasions adds replayability, while GRYOnline.pl emphasizes the game’s improved storytelling compared to its predecessor, citing compelling cutscenes and world-building. However, some critics point to flaws in the narrative execution. Hardcore Gamer criticizes the overwhelming lore and arcane references, arguing that excessive exposition drowns out engagement, even for veteran fans. PCWorld notes repetitive win conditions across factions despite differing lore, while Hooked Gamers and Riot Pixels suggest a lack of character development or deep storytelling, focusing more on mechanics than emotional investment. The complexity of the campaign map and ritual systems also pose challenges for newcomers, as highlighted by Gameplanet, which mentions that the "race to the vortex" mechanic may feel overwhelming. Additionally, JeuxActu and XGN acknowledge the story’s structure but note that its emphasis on competition sometimes overshadows narrative richness. Overall, critics agree that Total War: WARHAMMER II represents a significant evolution in storytelling for the series, balancing faction diversity with strategic depth. While some praise its cohesive narrative and innovative mechanics—such as IGN Spain’s "competitive race" structure and The SixthsAxis’ expansion of Warhammer lore—the game’s complexity and occasional reliance on mechanics over character-driven stories remain points of contention. The consensus leans toward a positive assessment, with many highlighting the Great Vortex as a compelling central theme that elevates the campaign beyond traditional Total War formulae, even if it occasionally struggles to balance ambition with accessibility.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Total War: Warhammer II is a masterclass in strategic depth, blending turn-based empire-building with real-time battles and faction-specific mechanics that redefine the series—yet its cluttered UI, late-game repetition, and underdeveloped systems linger as persistent flaws.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Total War: Warhammer II is widely celebrated for its strategic depth and innovation, with critics highlighting its refined mechanics and faction-specific diversity. AusGamers praised the game’s “strategic depth, including diplomacy, settlement management, and faction-specific mechanics,” while BaziCenter noted the structured campaign with “faction-specific goals” and resource-driven competition. Critical Hit emphasized new elements like the Vortex Campaign, rituals, and Rogue Armies, which added variety to strategic decision-making. Cubed3 and Destructoid lauded the unique race mechanics—such as Skaven’s corruption systems and Lizardmen’s dinosaurs—as well as the “merged map DLC” for replayability. IGN and IGN Spain highlighted the distinct factions, like High Elves’ court intrigue and Skaven’s “corruption mechanic,” which offered fresh playstyles. The game’s blend of turn-based empire-building and real-time battles was consistently praised for its complexity and engagement, with GameCritics noting the balance between manual and auto-resolved combat. Despite these strengths, several critics pointed to notable drawbacks. Gameplanet criticized the “cluttered and overwhelming” user interface, which blended elements from Civilization and traditional Total War mechanics. PCWorld and Game Informer mentioned late-game monotony, with repetitive resource management and underdeveloped naval combat. GamesBeat noted “repetitive battle environments” and unpredictable auto-resolved fights, while TheSixthAxis found diplomacy “opaque and difficult to manipulate.” Additionally, GRYOnline.pl and PC PowerPlay highlighted issues like excessive micromanagement and a lack of innovation in certain systems, such as the “minimal innovation compared to the original” in some aspects. While these critiques varied in severity, they collectively pointed to areas where the game’s complexity occasionally hindered accessibility or enjoyment. Overall, the consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority agreeing that Total War: Warhammer II delivered a richly strategic experience. The game’s faction-specific mechanics, dynamic campaigns, and expanded world-building were frequently cited as standout features, with outlets like IGN and Cubed3 emphasizing its “deep micromanagement” and “innovative” systems. While some reviewers, such as Gameplanet and PCWorld, noted flaws in UI design or repetitive elements, these issues did not overshadow the game’s strengths. The combination of traditional Total War formula with fantasy-driven innovations—such as the Vortex Campaign and unique race abilities—solidified its reputation as a standout entry in the series. As Destructoid observed, the game “retains the classic Total War structure while introducing new elements,” reflecting a near-unanimous appreciation for its strategic ambition and variety.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Total War: WARHAMMER II dazzles with jaw-dropping visuals, immersive world-building, and wild unit designs—think volcanic landscapes, dinosaur-riding Lizardmen, and grotesque Skaven—but stumbles on outdated tech, repetitive terrain, and framerate hiccups that slightly dull its brilliance.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

84%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

16%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics praised Total War: WARHAMMER II’s graphics and visual design as a significant leap forward, emphasizing its immersive world-building and artistic creativity. AusGamers highlighted the game’s detailed environments, such as volcanic backdrops, elven cities, and unique unit designs like Lizardmen riding dinosaurs, while Eurogamer Italy lauded the "spectacular battle effects" and "menacing" aesthetic of Warhammer’s bizarre units. IGN called the campaign map the "best-looking one Creative Assembly has ever created," noting its sprawling world and immersive detail. Game Informer and PC PowerPlay praised the vibrant fantasy aesthetic, with dynamic battle scenes and distinct visual identities for each race—High Elves’ grandeur, Lizardmen’s primal design, and Skaven’s grotesque charm. The game’s ability to blend lush jungles, deserts, and magical landscapes into a cohesive yet varied world was frequently celebrated, with GameStar noting the "bigger, more magnificent" New World and Hobby Consolas applauding the attention to regional detail in Ulthuan, Lustria, and Naggaroth. While the visual design was widely praised, some critics pointed to technical limitations and repetitive elements. Hardcore Gamer criticized the game’s "outdated technology," arguing that its visuals lacked standout innovation despite being "acceptable." JeuxActu described the graphics as "unremarkable" compared to previous years, while GameWatcher noted issues with lower settings causing terrain visibility problems. XGN mentioned framerate drops and uneven execution in certain aspects, such as quest battles lacking the visual impact of trailers. Additionally, GamesBeat pointed out repetitive battlefield terrain, with woods and hills appearing too similarly across maps. These critiques suggest that while the art direction was strong, technical optimization and variety in environmental design were occasionally overlooked. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with most acknowledging Total War: WARHAMMER II as a visual triumph. The game’s ability to translate the Warhammer universe into a vivid, immersive experience—whether through the "spectacular" battle animations of PLAY! Zine or the "immersive environments" highlighted by Gamer.nl and Ragequit.gr—solidified its reputation as one of the series’ most visually ambitious entries. While some reviewers noted room for improvement in technical execution or originality, the majority agreed that the game’s artistic vision, detailed unit designs, and expansive world-building far outweighed its flaws. As IGN concluded, the campaign map’s "sharp" visuals and "spectacular battle sequences" exemplify why WARHAMMER II remains a standout title in the Total War franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics raved over Total War: WARHAMMER II’s orchestral grandeur, cinematic tension, and immersive soundscapes, with praise for strings, atmospheric depth, and Lord of the Rings-like fantasy flair—though some reviews were notably brief or partial.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of Total War: WARHAMMER II received widespread acclaim from critics, with many praising their immersive and evocative qualities. BaziCenter highlighted the “beautiful music,” while Eurogamer Italy noted the orchestral and cinematic soundtrack that complements both strategic and tactical gameplay, enhancing immersion through distinct audio effects. New Game Network specifically commended the original score for its use of stringed instruments to build tension during campaigns, creating a gripping atmosphere. PC PowerPlay drew comparisons to The Lord of the Rings, emphasizing the fantasy-inspired atmosphere, while Ragequit.gr praised the atmospheric music for amplifying the sense of scale and danger. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s ability to elevate the game’s narrative and gameplay experience through its rich, layered compositions and attention to detail in soundscapes. While the majority of critiques were overwhelmingly positive, some reviewers offered more restrained or less detailed assessments. GRYOnline.pl noted that their opinion was “not explicitly detailed,” suggesting a lack of depth in their analysis, while GamesBeat’s truncated comment left little room for critique. Additionally, Ragequit.gr acknowledged the music’s atmospheric strengths but omitted specific commentary on voice acting or sound effects, which could imply a focus solely on musical elements. These minor gaps in critique do not detract from the overall praise but highlight that some reviews were less expansive in their evaluation of the audio aspects compared to others. The consensus among critics is unequivocally positive, with nearly all recognizing the soundtrack and sound design as standout features. The orchestral grandeur, cinematic pacing, and thematic depth—particularly the use of strings and atmospheric textures—were frequently cited as strengths. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and New Game Network emphasized how the music dynamically supports the game’s epic scale and strategic intensity, while PC PowerPlay’s comparison to The Lord of the Rings underscores its fantasy authenticity. Despite some reviews lacking specific details, the overwhelming sentiment reflects a shared appreciation for the audio design’s role in enhancing immersion and emotional engagement, solidifying Total War: WARHAMMER II as a benchmark for sound in strategy games.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Total War: WARHAMMER II delivers stable, optimized gameplay on high-end systems but is crippled by soul-crushing load times, flawed AI, and unresponsive UI, turning its ambitious scale into a frustrating technical mess.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

95%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Total War: WARHAMMER II on PC is generally acknowledged for its stability and optimization despite notable challenges. Critics like Hobby Consolas praised smooth gameplay with no significant frame drops, while The Games Machine highlighted improved optimization and strategic AI. IGN noted the game’s demand for a “beefy PC” but emphasized no major stability issues, and Destructoid acknowledged UI improvements as developer efforts to address earlier flaws. Many reviewers, including GameWatcher and GRYOnline.pl, observed that the game runs smoothly overall, with minor graphical glitches or frame drops being manageable. These positives suggest that while the title is technically demanding, it maintains a functional and immersive experience for players meeting its hardware requirements. However, several critical technical issues undermine the experience. Long load times are a recurring complaint, with Critical Hit describing them as “extremely painful” without an SSD and GamesBeat noting struggles on older hardware. GameCritics and Hardcore Gamer highlighted excessive processing delays during battles and later-game stages, while JeuxActu pointed to choppy menus and cinematic fluidity issues. AI behavior also drew criticism: Destructoid and GamingTrend cited wonky diplomacy mechanics and flawed auto-resolve systems, respectively. Additionally, BaziCenter and Riot Pixels noted UI unresponsiveness and incomplete features like naval battles, which detract from gameplay flow. These issues collectively suggest that the game’s technical execution, while stable in some areas, remains inconsistent and frustrating for many players. The overall consensus among critics is mixed but leans toward acknowledging the game’s ambition despite its flaws. While IGN and Hobby Consolas praised its performance on capable hardware, most reviewers emphasized persistent optimization problems, particularly with load times, AI, and UI responsiveness. Critical Hit, GameCritics, and XGN highlighted how these technical shortcomings test patience, yet many also recognized Creative Assembly’s efforts to refine the series. The lack of major crashes or bugs (noted by GRYOnline.pl and PC PowerPlay) balances some criticisms, but the game’s complexity and hardware demands remain a barrier for less powerful systems. Ultimately, Total War: WARHAMMER II is seen as a technically impressive but uneven experience, with its strengths in scale and strategy overshadowed by optimization and AI issues that require further refinement.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics praise Total War: WARHAMMER II for its unparalleled replay value through faction variety, deep strategies, and modular expansions, but repetition, complexity, and uneven mechanics slightly dull its shine.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics overwhelmingly praise Total War: WARHAMMER II for its exceptional replay value, emphasizing its rich variety of factions, unique mechanics, and dynamic campaign structures. AusGamers highlights the game’s “four distinct factions with unique playstyles,” while BaziCenter and Critical Hit note that each faction’s approach to diplomacy, warfare, and settlement creates significantly different experiences. Cubed3 and Destructoid commend the “vortex victory mechanic” and the “Mortal Empires” expansion, which add layers of strategy and content. Eurogamer Italy and Game Informer further stress the game’s depth, with Eurogamer Italy citing eight unique campaigns and over 100 hours of gameplay, while Game Informer points to preloaded quest battles that cater to diverse playstyles. The inclusion of modular content like DLCs, varied victory conditions (e.g., ignoring the vortex), and future expansions ensures players can explore multiple paths, making the game a long-term investment for fans of the series. However, some critics point to limitations that could dampen replayability. PCWorld and PlayGround.ru argue that while factions offer unique mechanics, the repetitive campaign structure and identical win conditions across all four factions reduce novelty, with PCWorld describing it as “the same game in a different setting.” XGN notes that certain factions, like High and Dark Elves, feel less compelling, potentially diminishing long-term engagement for some players. Gameplanet criticizes the complex UI and administrative burden, which may alienate newcomers or casual players. Additionally, Wccftech mentions balance issues that could affect enjoyment over time, while PlayGround.ru highlights a lack of new mechanics despite varied strategies. These critiques suggest that while the game’s core design is robust, its accessibility and innovation in certain areas fall short for some. Despite these drawbacks, the overall consensus among critics is that Total War: WARHAMMER II delivers outstanding replay value. Over 90% of reviews highlight its depth, with GameWatcher, GRYOnline.pl, and TheSixthAxis all emphasizing “masses of replay value” through faction diversity, strategic challenges, and expansions like Mortal Empires. While some critics acknowledge minor flaws—such as PCWorld’s critique of repetitive structures or XGN’s reservations about certain factions—the majority agree that the game’s extensive content, modular design, and commitment to variety make it a standout title for strategy enthusiasts. The combination of unique faction mechanics, dynamic campaigns, and ongoing updates ensures that players can return to the game repeatedly, even if not every playthrough feels entirely novel. This balance of strengths and minor shortcomings underscores why the game remains highly regarded for its replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

94%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overwhelming consensus among critics highlights Total War: WARHAMMER II as a significant leap forward for the series, with praise for its narrative depth, strategic complexity, and immersive world-building. AusGamers called it a “milestone” surpassing its predecessor in storytelling and campaign design, while Cubed3 celebrated its “thrilling inclusion of dinosaurs” and innovative features like the vortex victory mechanic. IGN lauded it as the “most fleshed-out and engrossing campaign” in the series to date, praising its factions, mechanics, and narrative. Critics like Eurogamer Italy and Game Informer emphasized its faithful adaptation of the Warhammer universe, calling it a “must-play for strategy fans” and a “solid entry” that expands the franchise’s appeal. The game’s diverse factions, improved visuals, and refined gameplay mechanics were frequently cited as standout strengths, with IGN Spain noting its “promising roadmap for future content.” Despite these accolades, several critics pointed to notable flaws that tempered their enthusiasm. PCWorld criticized repetitive campaigns and underdeveloped mechanics, while GameStar argued the game failed to deliver on its “biggest innovation,” citing a lack of originality in its formula. Technical issues were a recurring concern, with BaziCenter and GameCritics noting “technical shortcomings” and “erratic diplomacy,” respectively. Riot Pixels took issue with the game’s reliance on DLC and incomplete features, while Gamer.nl and GamingTrend mentioned minor flaws like an “easy final battle” or “underwhelming treasure hunts.” Additionally, some critics, such as PCPowerPlay and TheSixthAxis, acknowledged that while the game improved upon its predecessor, it leaned heavily on established mechanics without revolutionary changes. These critiques, though varied, collectively underscored the game’s uneven execution despite its ambitious scope. The overall verdict among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with the majority recognizing Total War: WARHAMMER II as a strong, if imperfect, sequel. While technical issues and repetitive elements were acknowledged, the game’s depth, faction diversity, and immersive fantasy setting earned it high praise across the board. Critics like Cubed3, IGN, and The Overpowered Noobs highlighted its “epic” scale and transformative impact on the RTS genre, while others, such as GameCritics and Hardcore Gamer, conceded that flaws were forgivable given the game’s strengths. Even PCWorld, which called it a “weaker sequel,” acknowledged its unique factions and expanded lore. The consensus ultimately positioned Total War: WARHAMMER II as a defining entry in the series, balancing innovation with familiar mechanics to deliver a compelling experience for strategy enthusiasts. Its mixed reception reflected a game that, while not flawless, solidified its place as a standout title in the Total War franchise.

TL;DR

Total War: WARHAMMER II is a bold, immersive leap for the series—praised for its rich narrative, faction diversity, and inventive mechanics like dinosaurs and vortex victories—but plagued by repetitive campaigns, technical glitches, and undercooked ideas. While critics acknowledge its flaws, the game’s epic scale, strategic depth, and faithful Warhammer adaptation cement it as a must-play for strategy fans, even if it falls short of revolutionary change.

MONSTER

Reviews

93 reviews found

Hobby Consolas

Sep 25, 2017