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Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Item: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresRPG, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableDec 7, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PC

DeveloperOwlcat Games

Overview

You will take on the role of a Rogue Trader, a scion of an ancient dynasty of daring privateers, that reign over their own merchant empire and explore the fringes of Imperial space with the blessing of the Emperor Himself. Thanks to their Warrant of Trade - the Rogue Trader is endowed with privileges and power beyond imagination as well as the task of expanding the borders of the Imperium. At their disposal is a gargantuan voidship of immense power and innumerable servants and personnel ready to do the bidding of their lord. Their adventures begin in the vast Koronus Expanse - a treacherous region of unexplored space at the edge of Humanity’s domain.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics rave about Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader's engaging and immersive narrative, praising its compelling characters and rich storytelling. While some mention minor flaws like an unengaging overarching plot, most agree that the game's depth and moral ambiguity add complexity and intrigue. Overall, the majority of critics celebrate the game's ability to captivate players with its dark and intricate universe, making it a standout aspect of the game with broad player choice and replay value.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics praised the engaging and meaningful narrative, with COGconnected highlighting the game's engaging characters and story. GameSkinny described the game as a faithful love letter to the Warhammer 40K universe, with meaningful story choices and a highly interactable narrative. Dexerto and Eurogamer Germany both commended the game for offering a deep and intricate story set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, allowing players to explore the diverse Imperium of Man and its enemies. TheXboxHub also noted that the story is a strong point in the game, with a variety of options and a lot of content to explore. These positive opinions highlight the game's ability to captivate players with its immersive storytelling and engaging characters. However, there were a few critics who mentioned some negatives about the story. PCGamesN mentioned that the overarching narrative of an evil entity from another dimension was not engaging. While this may be a drawback for some players, it is important to note that the majority of critics found the story to be compelling and well-told. Additionally, But Why Tho? mentioned that the game's narrative element has a unique twist in the unforgiving and dangerous universe of Warhammer 40K, where players may not always get the answers they desire if they expect to play the "good guy." This moral ambiguity may not appeal to all players, but it adds depth and complexity to the narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is very good. Critics such as PlayStation Universe, Push Square, and SpazioGames praised the game for its dense character and narrative-driven story, compelling storytelling, and morally ambiguous journey through the grim and dark world of Warhammer 40,000. The game's ability to offer broad player choice and agency, shaping the overarching story and providing ample replay value, was also highlighted by PlayStation Universe. The positive opinions from multiple critics, along with the overwhelming majority of positive reviews, indicate that the story of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a standout aspect of the game and contributes significantly to its overall appeal.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader for its engaging tactical combat, deep class customization, and satisfying combat system. The game's character-building options and customization features are highly regarded. However, criticisms include clunky turn-based combat, technical bugs, and balancing issues. Overall, the game offers a rewarding gameplay experience with strategic elements and high replayability.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

48%

Mixed (50-79)

52%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader are generally positive. Many critics praise the tactical combat system, with COGconnected describing it as excellent and Push Square stating that it is engaging and offers deep class customization. Gamers Heroes and GamingBolt also highlight the satisfying combat system, with Gamers Heroes mentioning the variety of abilities and tools available to players. The turn-based combat is often commended for its strategic elements and robust cover mechanics, as mentioned by GamingBolt and Eurogamer Germany. The game's character-building options and customization features are also highly regarded, with GameSkinny mentioning the incredible amount of character-building options and KeenGamer noting the individual character abilities and customization options. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Dexerto mentions that the turn-based combat can feel clunky at times, but becomes fun and engaging once players get used to it. But Why Tho? points out that some abilities are complex and the combat is hindered by technical bugs. PCGamesN highlights issues with balancing and skill checks in the turn-based RPG combat system. Screen Rant mentions that ship-to-ship naval combat can be dry and sluggish. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader offers a rewarding and engaging gameplay experience. The game's tactical combat system, character customization options, and deep class progression are highly praised. The strategic elements and robust cover mechanics of the turn-based combat are also commended. However, there are some criticisms regarding clunky combat, technical bugs, and issues with balancing and skill checks. Despite these drawbacks, the overall sentiment is positive, with the gameplay being described as satisfying, challenging, and offering a high level of replayability.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the Graphics and Visual Design of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Some praise its faithful representation of the Warhammer 40K universe and captivating aesthetics, while others criticize issues like low-detail character models and technical glitches. Overall, the game captures the Warhammer vibe well but could use more polish according to some critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

41%

Mixed (50-79)

53%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader are quite varied. Many critics praised the game for its ability to capture the essence of the Warhammer 40K universe and deliver a satisfying aesthetic representation. COGconnected commends the game for its "Great Warhammer 40K vibe and setting," while GameSkinny describes it as "visually stunning and atmospheric." TheXboxHub also highlights the game's "very good" character and enemy design, drawing on the rich heritage of the Warhammer brand. KeenGamer appreciates the unique character design and great environmental sculpting, with well-polished weapons, armor, and characters that stay true to the fantasy design. NME praises the game for bringing the world of Warhammer 40,000 to life with its gothic aesthetics, effectively selling massive, lively firefights and a sense of scale. However, there are also critics who point out some negative aspects of the game's Graphics and Visual Design. PlayStation Universe highlights several issues, including low detail character models, awkward animations, low-resolution assets, and animation judder, suggesting that the game could benefit from more polish. Eurogamer Germany mentions technical issues like framerate drops and tearing, which can detract from the overall experience. Digital Trends criticizes the game for its outdated and blocky character models and animations. The Games Machine notes that the visuals are modest and struggle to maintain 60fps at maximum settings, with numerous graphical bugs and glitches present. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has its strengths and weaknesses in terms of Graphics and Visual Design. While the game successfully captures the atmosphere and aesthetics of the Warhammer 40K universe, as praised by COGconnected, GameSkinny, and NME, there are areas that could use improvement. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Eurogamer Germany point out technical issues and the need for more polish. However, the positive aspects, such as unique character design, great environmental sculpting, and a sense of scale, are acknowledged by KeenGamer and TheXboxHub. Despite some negative feedback, the overall sentiment suggests that the game's Graphics and Visual Design are generally acceptable and in line with other games in the genre, as mentioned by Multiplayer.it.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics overwhelmingly praise the sound design and music of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader for its immersive atmosphere and passionate voice acting. While some note minor issues like inconsistent voice acting and a desire for more narration, the overall consensus is highly positive. Top-notch soundtrack, metal-inspired audio during boss fights, and positive feedback from critics highlight the game's excellent sound design and music, enhancing the epic and dark nature of the gameplay.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

57%

Negative (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is largely positive among the critics. PlayStation Universe praises the passionate and believable voice acting that brings the characters to life, while also highlighting the appropriately dramatic soundtrack that enhances the epic atmosphere of the game. COGconnected also agrees that the voice acting is generally good, contributing to the overall positive score of the game. TheXboxHub commends the well-done audio, including battle sounds and voiced cutscenes. This positive feedback indicates that the sound design and voice acting successfully immerse players into the game world and enhance their gaming experience. While the majority of critics have positive opinions, there are a few minor criticisms. Checkpoint Gaming notes that voice acting is not always present, but when it is, it conveys emotional weight. This suggests that there may be instances where players may have preferred more consistent voice acting throughout the game. KeenGamer also mentions that more narration could enhance the storytelling experience, indicating that there may be room for improvement in terms of the overall narrative delivery. However, these criticisms are relatively minor and do not overshadow the overall positive reception of the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is excellent. GamingBolt specifically praises the top-notch soundtrack that captures the dark tones of the IP. TRG highlights the blood-pumping metal-inspired audio during boss fights, adding to the immersive experience. The positive feedback from multiple critics, such as PlayStation Universe, TheXboxHub, and COGconnected, further supports the overall positive consensus. The combination of immersive sound design, passionate voice acting, and appropriate music creates an atmosphere that enhances the epic and dark nature of the game. While there are some minor areas for improvement, the overall sentiment towards the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is highly positive.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics praise the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, saying it brings characters to life and enhances immersion. Most reviewers highlight the positive impact of the voice work, although Push Square notes missed opportunities for more extensive voice dialogue. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting adds depth to the game and contributes positively to the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

43%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The overall sentiment towards the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is largely positive among the critics. COGconnected, Push Square, GamingBolt, TheXboxHub, Checkpoint Gaming, and KeenGamer all express positive opinions about the voice acting in the game. They highlight that the voice work brings the characters to life in a believable and immersive fashion, adding depth and enhancing the overall experience. PlayStation Universe specifically praises the voice acting for being passionate, believable, and effectively selling the personalities of the characters. This positive sentiment indicates that the voice acting in Rogue Trader successfully contributes to the overall quality of the game. While the majority of critics have positive opinions about the voice acting, Push Square does mention a potential drawback. They note that while there is a surprising amount of voiced dialogue from companion characters, most interactions are delivered through text. This suggests that although the voice acting is generally good, there may be missed opportunities for more extensive use of voice work in the game. This could potentially limit the impact of the voice acting on the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a positive aspect of the game. The voice work is praised for bringing the characters to life, enhancing immersion, and adding depth to the overall narrative. Critics such as GamingBolt, TheXboxHub, and Checkpoint Gaming specifically commend the quality of the voice acting. While Push Square points out a potential limitation in the extent of voiced dialogue, the overall sentiment remains positive. The positive consensus suggests that the voice acting in Rogue Trader is a strong aspect of the game that contributes to its overall quality and enjoyment.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader received mixed reviews on technical performance. While some praised its optimization and smooth running on PS5 and PC, many critics highlighted major issues like crashes, frame drops, long loading times, and bugs on all platforms. The consensus is that the game lacked polish and needed more development time to address these significant technical issues, impacting gameplay immersion.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

33%

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

In terms of the technical performance of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, the opinions of the critics varied across different gaming platforms. Starting with the positives, some critics highlighted that the game was well-optimized and ran smoothly even on slightly outdated machines. GameSkinny specifically mentioned that the game ran well on the PS5. Additionally, COGconnected stated that there were only minor bugs present. These positive aspects indicate that the game had potential for a smooth and enjoyable experience on both the PS5 and PC platforms. However, the negatives outweighed the positives for the technical performance of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Multiple critics, such as Gamers Heroes, PlayStation Universe, and Push Square, pointed out various technical issues on the PS5 platform. These issues included crashes, frame drops, long loading times, low-resolution assets, animation judder, and bugs that prevented progression. Eurogamer Germany and TheXboxHub also highlighted technical issues on the Xbox Series X, such as framerate drops, tearing, and occasional bugs affecting gameplay. On the PC platform, critics like But Why Tho?, Digital Trends, GamesHub, MGG, Multiplayer.it, NME, PC Gamer, PCGamesN, Screen Rant, SpazioGames, TRG, and The Games Machine reported numerous bugs, glitches, and technical issues. These issues ranged from critical information not being displayed during attacks to quest-breaking bugs, AI problems, camera issues, animation glitches, and characters getting stuck. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader suffered from various technical issues across all gaming platforms. While some critics mentioned minor bugs or praised the game's optimization, the majority highlighted significant problems that affected the gameplay experience. The game lacked polish and required more development time to address the technical issues. Critics like Gamers Heroes, PlayStation Universe, and Digital Trends specifically mentioned the need for more polish and development time. The presence of bugs, glitches, crashes, and other technical issues hindered the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game, as reported by multiple critics.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics rave about the replay value of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, praising its extensive content, character-building options, and player agency. The game's multiple endings, deep class customization, and engaging combat add to its high replayability. While some mention issues like naval combat stalling momentum and technical flaws, overall, the consensus is that the game offers a highly replayable experience with endless possibilities for unique playthroughs.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader are overwhelmingly positive. Many critics highlight the game's extensive content and options, which contribute to its high replayability. Critics such as GameSkinny and TheXboxHub praise the game for its character-building options and deep class customization, providing players with the opportunity to create unique experiences with each playthrough. The game's broad player choice and agency, as mentioned by PlayStation Universe, allow players to shape the story and unlock unique pathways and outcomes, potentially offering hundreds of hours of extra replay value. The multiple endings and lengthy and interesting story, as noted by MGG, further contribute to the game's replayability. The well-designed and satisfying choice system, engaging combat, and the many possibilities it offers, as highlighted by Multiplayer.it, also add to the game's replay value. While the majority of critics view the replay value of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader positively, there are a few minor negatives mentioned. COGconnected mentions that naval combat and lengthy tactical battles can sometimes stall momentum, potentially impacting the overall replayability for some players. Eurogamer Germany also notes technical issues that may affect the overall experience, which could potentially hinder the game's replay value for those who are more sensitive to technical flaws. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader offers a highly replayable experience. The game's generous amount of combat, extensive content, and options, as well as the ability to shape the story and unlock unique outcomes, are consistently praised by multiple critics. The game's customization options, different companions, multiple romance options, and the opportunity to explore different ideologies and story paths, as mentioned by Checkpoint Gaming and KeenGamer, further contribute to its replay value. The positive feedback from the majority of critics indicates that Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a game that offers a wealth of replayability and is likely to provide players with many hours of enjoyable gameplay.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the overall verdict of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, it is evident that the game has received a generally positive reception. Many critics praise the game for its engaging turn-based RPG mechanics and its faithful adaptation of the rich Warhammer universe. COGconnected commends the game for being an engaging turn-based RPG with a rich Warhammer universe, while GameSkinny describes it as a long-awaited Warhammer 40K CRPG executed superbly in terms of combat, story, atmosphere, and character building. These positive sentiments highlight the game's success in capturing the essence of the Warhammer 40K setting and providing an immersive experience for fans of the franchise. However, there are also criticisms raised by some reviewers regarding technical issues and bugs present in the game. Eurogamer Germany mentions that technical issues hold the game back from reaching its full potential, while PCGamesN states that the game is not strongly recommended in its current state but has potential with future patches. These negative aspects, including glitches, complex menus, and a high learning curve, are mentioned by critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and NME. Despite these flaws, many reviewers still acknowledge the game's enjoyable gameplay and engaging story, suggesting that the positives outweigh the negatives. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a game that successfully captures the Warhammer 40K universe and offers an immersive experience for fans of the franchise. Critics like PlayStation Universe and Dexerto consider it a must-play for fans of the Warhammer 40K setting, praising its engrossing and irresistible CRPG elements. The game's engaging combat, interesting characters, and satisfying storylines are also highlighted by PlayStation Universe. While technical issues and bugs are mentioned as drawbacks, the positive aspects of the game, such as its faithful adaptation, engaging gameplay, and meaningful choices, are acknowledged by multiple critics. In conclusion, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader receives a generally positive verdict from the critics, with its flaws being overshadowed by its strengths.

TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader impresses critics with its engaging gameplay and faithful Warhammer universe adaptation, despite technical issues. Critics highlight its immersive experience for fans, recommending it as a must-play despite some bugs and complexities.

MONSTER

Reviews

78 reviews found

GameSkinny

PlayStation 5

Dec 6, 2023