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Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin
Item: Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

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

AvailableNov 17, 2023

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperFrontier Developments

Overview

Wage a campaign of brutal conquest in this realm-shattering real-time strategy game set in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. Command four unique factions in dynamic battles as part of a story-driven campaign and test your mettle against warlords afar in online multiplayer.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

30%

Mixed (50-79)

65%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Story of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has garnered praise from several critics for its captivating writing, unique setting, and character development. GamingTrend commends the game for its captivating writing and unique setting within the Warhammer universe, while KeenGamer hails it as one of the best in the Warhammer universe in terms of depth and character development. NME highlights the brilliant and lengthy story campaign, with clever mission design and gripping cinematics that showcase a clear love for the setting, keeping players entertained throughout. On the flip side, some critics have pointed out shortcomings in the narrative of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. Eurogamer criticizes the story for not showcasing the unique and characterful aspects of the setting, with factions feeling somewhat generic and lacking distinctiveness. Gameblog.fr mentions technical issues and a lackluster narrative in the single-player campaign, while TRG notes the lack of depth and coherence in the storytelling, with disjointed exposition despite impressive cutscenes. ZTGD criticizes the serious tone of the story, lacking the humor and fun typically associated with Warhammer games, with exposition-heavy cutscenes that can feel dull and a campaign that falls short in character engagement. Overall, the opinions on the Story of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin are mixed. While some critics appreciate the captivating writing, unique setting, and character development, others find fault in the lack of depth, coherence, and distinctiveness in the narrative. The game seems to excel in providing an entertaining and lengthy story campaign with engaging cinematics for some, while others feel it falls short in delivering a truly immersive and character-driven narrative experience. It appears that the game's storytelling elements have resonated differently with critics, leading to a varied consensus on the overall quality of the story in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin.

TL;DR

story and narrative

In Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, critics praise the captivating writing, unique setting, and character development, but some find faults in the lack of depth, coherence, and distinctiveness in the narrative. While some appreciate the engaging story campaign and gripping cinematics, others criticize the serious tone and lack of humor. The game's storytelling has received mixed reviews, with opinions varying on its overall quality.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

59%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Gameplay of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its strategic depth, engaging battles, and unique mechanics. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and NME highlighted the intense micromanagement, strategic depth, and lively RTS battles with constant aggression. Eurogamer appreciated the focus on capturing Arcane Conduits for resources and engaging in hectic battles. GameGrin and Gameblog.fr commended the strategic unit composition and placement in multiplayer. TheSixthAxis also noted the clear weapons triangle system and unique skills for special units, which require strategic thinking. On the flip side, several critics pointed out shortcomings in the gameplay of Realms of Ruin. Hooked Gamers criticized the lack of tactical depth and critical planning, describing the gameplay as methodical and lacking in strategic depth. IGN Adria mentioned that the progression in the campaign lacks depth and fails to provide a sense of advancement. PC Gamer criticized the oversimplified gameplay, clumsy movement, hands-off combat, and lack of strategic depth, making battles feel incoherent and frustrating. GamingBolt and TRG highlighted the lack of depth and variety in strategic options, leading to predictable outcomes and limited strategic possibilities. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed reception of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin's gameplay. While some reviewers appreciated the tactical depth, engaging battles, and unique mechanics, others found issues with the lack of strategic depth, repetitive mechanics, and oversimplification. The game seems to cater well to players looking for a more streamlined RTS experience with a focus on unit management, strategic battles, and unique faction abilities. However, it may not fully satisfy veterans of the genre seeking more complexity and depth in their gameplay experience. Despite its flaws, Realms of Ruin manages to offer a distinct RTS experience with its rock-paper-scissors combat style, varied objectives, and multiplayer modes, making it a compelling choice for players looking for a different take on the traditional RTS formula.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has received mixed reviews for its gameplay. Critics praised its strategic depth, engaging battles, and unique mechanics, while others pointed out shortcomings like lack of tactical depth and oversimplified gameplay. The game offers a streamlined RTS experience with focus on unit management and strategic battles, but may not fully satisfy veterans seeking more complexity. Despite its flaws, Realms of Ruin stands out for its distinct combat style and multiplayer modes.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Graphics and Visual Design of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin have received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its faithful recreation of the tabletop models and miniatures, with attention to detail and exaggerated scale that truly immerses players in the Warhammer universe. Critics like COGconnected and GGRecon appreciated how the game captured the aesthetics and tone of Age of Sigmar, with characters resembling their tabletop counterparts and flashy scenery that enhances the overall visual experience. The animations and character designs were also highlighted by GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis for bringing the units to life and offering customization options for map creation and army appearance. However, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the Graphics and Visual Design of Realms of Ruin. Checkpoint Gaming noted a lack of distinctiveness between factions, which could potentially impact the overall immersion and differentiation of gameplay experiences. Gameblog.fr and KeenGamer mentioned issues with troop control, UI design, and a black border around the screen, highlighting areas where the game falls short in providing a seamless and user-friendly visual experience. PC Gamer also highlighted that while the game captures the look of Age of Sigmar, it lacks the rich atmosphere and detail seen in other Warhammer games like Total War: Warhammer 3. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin delivers impressive visuals that successfully bring the Warhammer universe to life. The game's attention to detail, characterful animations, and customization options have been widely appreciated by reviewers, as seen in the positive feedback from GamingTrend, TheSixthAxis, and VideoGamer. Despite some minor issues with faction distinctiveness and UI design, the majority of critics agree that Realms of Ruin offers a visually satisfying experience that captures the fantastical spectacle and violence of Age of Sigmar. The game's high production values, detailed character models, and immersive environments have garnered praise from multiple critics, making it a visually appealing title for fans of the Warhammer franchise.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin impresses critics with faithful tabletop model recreation and immersive visuals, capturing the essence of the Warhammer universe. While praised for character animations and customization options, some critics note drawbacks like faction distinctiveness and UI issues. Overall, the game offers a visually satisfying experience despite minor flaws, making it a must-play for Warhammer fans seeking a visually stunning adventure.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin have received a mix of positive and negative feedback from various critics. COGconnected praised the game for its excellent audio quality, great music, battle effects, spell sounds, and voice acting, highlighting the staggering number of audio options available. PlayStation Universe also commended the sound design for immersing players in the battles with physical combat sounds and evocative voice acting, enhancing the overall experience. NME specifically mentioned the impressive sweeping score in the campaign, which added to the immersive experience of the game. On the other hand, there were some criticisms regarding the sound design and music of the game. Checkpoint Gaming found the voice acting to be delightfully cheesy but not particularly memorable in terms of sound design or music. IGN Adria noted that while the music was good and epic, the voice acting was occasionally seen as comical, impacting the overall immersion. This suggests that there may have been inconsistencies in the quality of voice acting that affected the overall audio experience for some critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards the positive side regarding the sound design and music of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. Critics like Generación Xbox and SomosXbox praised the audio, music, and sound effects for enhancing immersion and capturing the essence of the Warhammer universe. While there were some criticisms regarding the voice acting and its impact on immersion, the majority of critics appreciated the effort put into creating a rich audio experience that complemented the visuals and gameplay. The general sentiment is that the sound design and music contributed positively to the overall production value and immersive experience of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed feelings about the sound design and music of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. While some praised its audio quality, music, and immersive effects, others found the voice acting inconsistent. Overall, most critics agree that the sound design and music enhanced the game's immersion and production value, despite some flaws in voice acting.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

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

The Voice Acting in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Several reviewers, such as COGconnected and KeenGamer, praised the voice acting for being on par with the well-written script, capturing the melodramatic and operatic Warhammer vibe, and enhancing the game's immersion. GGRecon and PlayStation Universe also commended the voice performances for being excellent, compelling, and driving the campaign forward, providing an engaging backdrop for the fantasy battles. The distinct character tropes for factions like Stormcast Eternals and Orruk Kruleboyz, as noted by VideoGamer, added depth to the game's narrative. On the flip side, IGN Adria pointed out that the voice acting was occasionally comical, which detracted from the overall experience for some players. TRG highlighted that while the motion-captured cutscenes had impressive realistic character expressions, there was a lack of connective tissue to bind the setpieces together, potentially impacting the overall coherence of the storytelling. Additionally, VideoGamer mentioned that some factions received less spotlight in the campaign, possibly leading to uneven voice acting representation across different parts of the game. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a positive reception of the Voice Acting in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. The majority of reviewers appreciated the quality of the voice performances, with praises for enhancing immersion, capturing the fantasy setting's essence, and selling the characters well. While there were some mentions of occasional comedic tones and uneven spotlight distribution for factions, the general sentiment suggests that the voice acting contributed positively to the overall experience of the game. The SixthAxis's observation about the northern voices of the Stormcasts and Orruks bringing realism to the game further emphasizes the immersive qualities of the voice acting. Generación Xbox's praise for the voice acting adding to the immersive experience solidifies the notion that, despite some minor drawbacks, the voice acting in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin was a strong aspect that resonated well with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. Some praised it for enhancing immersion, capturing the Warhammer vibe, and driving the campaign forward. Others found it occasionally comical and noted uneven spotlight distribution for factions. Overall, the majority of reviewers appreciated the quality of the voice performances, with some minor drawbacks, but agreed that it added positively to the game experience.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

10%

Mixed (50-79)

60%

Negative (0-49)

30%

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

In terms of the technical performance on PC, COGconnected highlights the smooth gameplay experience with a solid frame rate and a variety of customizable options, which enhances the overall gaming experience positively. Additionally, NME mentions minor quality-of-life control issues that, although present, do not significantly impact the overall gameplay. These positive aspects contribute to a more immersive gaming experience on the PC platform. On the other hand, several critics point out various technical issues affecting the PC version of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. Eurogamer criticizes the messy UI and limited unit control options, impacting the gameplay experience for PC players using mouse and keyboard. Gameblog.fr notes technical issues affecting the single-player campaign, while Gamereactor UK and PC Gamer both highlight serious technical issues such as crashes, visual bugs, and AI problems that negatively impact the overall gaming experience. These negative aspects detract from the enjoyment of the game on the PC platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics suggests a mixed reception regarding the technical performance of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin across all platforms. While some critics like COGconnected and NME acknowledge the positive aspects of the game on PC, such as smooth performance and minor control issues, others like Eurogamer, Gameblog.fr, Gamereactor UK, and PC Gamer point out significant technical issues like crashes, AI problems, and unintuitive controls that hinder the overall experience. The varying opinions indicate that the technical performance of the game may be a divisive factor among players, with some enjoying a smoother experience while others facing frustrating technical challenges.

TL;DR

technical performance

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin on PC offers smooth gameplay and customization options for immersive gaming, but faces criticism for messy UI, limited controls, crashes, and AI problems. Reviews are mixed, with some praising the positive aspects while others highlight significant technical issues that impact the overall experience. Players may have differing opinions on the game's technical performance.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

80%

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 Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin are varied but generally positive. Several critics, such as Checkpoint Gaming and GamingTrend, highlight the diverse gameplay modes and features that contribute to the game's replayability. Checkpoint Gaming specifically mentions the competitive online multiplayer features, army painting toolset, and roguelike Conquest mode as elements that add depth and variety to the gameplay experience. GamingTrend praises the detailed campaign mode, multiplayer battles, and procedurally generated Conquest mode for extended replayability. These aspects provide players with opportunities for customization, map creation, and engaging gameplay experiences, enhancing the overall replay value of the game. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about certain aspects of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin that may limit its long-term replayability. COGconnected and Gameblog.fr mention the limited number of playable factions and lack of unique faction-wide mechanics as potential drawbacks that could lead to repetitiveness over time. GamingBolt criticizes the game for lacking enough depth and strategic options for sustained enjoyment, particularly in the multiplayer community. Additionally, Eurogamer points out that the somewhat generic factions and gameplay mechanics may hinder long-term replayability for certain players. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers various modes and features, its overall depth and variety may fall short of expectations for some players seeking lasting appeal. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin provides a mix of positive and negative elements when it comes to replay value. While the game offers a range of modes such as multiplayer, skirmish, army painter, and Conquest mode that cater to different playstyles and preferences, there are concerns about the limited faction variety, lack of unique mechanics, and potential repetitiveness in gameplay. Critics like IGN Adria and PlayStation Universe appreciate the additional gameplay modes like Conquest mode with procedurally generated battles and multiplayer features that contribute to the game's replay value. However, the overall sentiment suggests that while Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin may appeal to newcomers and veterans alike with its scaled-back approach to real-time strategy, its long-term replayability may be somewhat limited due to certain gameplay aspects and content constraints mentioned by various reviewers.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. Positive feedback highlights diverse gameplay modes and features enhancing replayability. However, concerns are raised about limited faction variety and lack of unique mechanics leading to potential repetitiveness. While the game offers various modes catering to different playstyles, some critics feel it lacks depth and strategic options for sustained enjoyment. Overall, the game provides a mix of positives and negatives for replay value, appealing to both newcomers and veterans but with limitations in long-term appeal.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

23%

Mixed (50-79)

74%

Negative (0-49)

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

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has garnered a mix of positive and negative feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the game for its faithful recreation of the Age of Sigmar factions, vibrant visuals, and accessible strategy, as highlighted by COGconnected and NME. The engaging gameplay experience, solid RTS mechanics, and immersive audio were also appreciated by critics like Generación Xbox and PlayStation Universe. The game's multiplayer component was particularly well-received, with Gameblog.fr commending its engaging multiplayer gameplay. On the flip side, several critics pointed out various shortcomings of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin. Issues such as poor unit AI, lack of depth, pacing problems, and technical issues were highlighted by critics like Checkpoint Gaming, Hooked Gamers, and PC Gamer. The game's narrative depth, oversimplification, and lack of faction diversity were also noted as drawbacks by GamingBolt and Generación Xbox. Additionally, some reviewers mentioned that the game falls short in delivering a fulfilling Warhammer experience due to its awkward combat mechanics and lackluster replay value, as expressed by Eurogamer and Gamereactor UK. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin leans towards a mixed reception. While the game succeeds in capturing the essence of the Age of Sigmar universe and offering an accessible RTS experience for newcomers, it falls short in providing substantial depth, replay value, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game's visuals, engaging multiplayer matches, and immersive audio were highlighted as strengths, but issues such as poor AI, lack of faction diversity, and pacing problems hindered the overall experience for some reviewers. Despite its flaws, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin still manages to cater to fans of the franchise and genre, offering a solid entry point for newcomers while potentially leaving experienced players wanting more, as reflected in the diverse opinions shared by the critics.

TL;DR

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its faithful recreation of factions, vibrant visuals, and engaging multiplayer, the game falls short in areas like poor AI, lack of depth, and technical issues. It offers an accessible RTS experience but lacks depth and innovation, leaving some players wanting more. Overall, it caters to fans of the franchise but may not fully satisfy experienced players.

MONSTER

Reviews

41 reviews found

COGconnected

Nov 24, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Realms of Ruin is a faithful and vibrant recreation of Age of Sigmar factions, offering accessible strategy and variety in units. While lacking in depth and replay value, it captures the Sigmar vibe and look effectively.

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PlayStation Universe

PlayStation 5

Nov 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a gorgeously framed and immediately compelling RTS offering that serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to the Warhammer property and the RTS genre, despite its streamlined tactical beats potentially disappointing genre veterans.

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NME

Nov 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Realms Of Ruin is the first truly exciting Age Of Sigmar game with great production values, engaging gameplay, and a love for the setting. While the single-player experience may feel light for some, the game still offers a solid campaign and various modes for those interested in the whole package.

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GGRecon

Nov 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a game built with love and heart, offering a solid gameplay experience with some minor issues, making it a great choice for Warhammer fans with casual strategy game interests.

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SomosXbox

Xbox Series X

Nov 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A diverse and engaging RTS experience for Warhammer fans, worth trying out for fans of the franchise despite some flaws.

TheSixthAxis

Nov 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Age of Sigmar: Realm of Ruin is a solid and entertaining RTS game that may not innovate the genre but offers a satisfying experience for fans of Age of Sigmar or Warhammer.

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Generación Xbox

Xbox Series X

Dec 10, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is recommended for newcomers to the franchise and genre, with outstanding graphics and immersive audio. However, the game lacks faction diversity and may feel repetitive in missions.

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Checkpoint Gaming

Dec 7, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a very good game with exhilarating gameplay, but suffers from poor unit AI and has been deemed a failure shortly after launch.

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ZTGD

Xbox Series X

Dec 6, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

While the game may appeal to fans of multiplayer RTS games, Warhammer fans might be disappointed by the serious tone and lack of humor compared to the 40k universe. The game offers fun and thrilling multiplayer matches.

GamingTrend

Nov 20, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Realms of Ruin excels in allowing players to feel powerful and unrestrained, despite some flaws in design and gameplay mechanics. Engaging experience for both newcomers and Warhammer fans.

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