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Warhammer: Chaosbane

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Warhammer: Chaosbane
Item: Warhammer: Chaosbane
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2019

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

AvailableMay 31, 2019

PlatformPlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, PC, Xbox One

DeveloperGames Workshop

Overview

In a world ravaged by war and dominated by magic, you must rise up to face the Chaos hordes. Playing solo or with up to four in local or online co-op, choose a hero from four character classes and prepare for epic battles wielding some of the most powerful artefacts of the Old World.

Elsewhere

5.9

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

14%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

14%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Warhammer: Chaosbane are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Cultured Vultures and TheXboxHub both praise the game for its story rooted in Warhammer lore, offering an interesting premise and referencing characters from the universe. MMORPG.com also commends the effort put into the story aspects, mentioning voiced quests and well-done cutscenes that create a dramatic presence. These positive aspects suggest that the game's story has potential to engage players and immerse them in the Warhammer universe. However, there are several critics who express negative opinions about the story. Gameplanet criticizes it for being forgettable, poorly acted, and inconsistent, which detracts from the immersion. Push Square describes the story as a stock fantasy yarn lacking depth and originality, while PC Gamer and PCGamesN both mention a lack of compelling narrative and thinness in certain parts of the story. These criticisms suggest that the story may not be able to fully captivate players or provide a truly engaging experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the story's connection to the Warhammer lore and its potential for drama and immersion, others criticize it for being forgettable, lacking depth, and lacking compelling narrative elements. The Digital Fix and RPG Site both acknowledge that the story is decent enough for newcomers to understand the game's world and motivations, but it may not offer much beyond that. The opinions of the critics highlight the importance of a well-developed and engaging story in a game, and it seems that Warhammer: Chaosbane falls short in this aspect for some reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on Warhammer: Chaosbane's story. Some praise its connection to Warhammer lore and dramatic potential, while others criticize it for being forgettable and lacking depth. Overall, the story may engage newcomers to the universe but falls short for those seeking a truly captivating experience.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

52%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

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: Chaosbane are varied, with some positive and negative aspects highlighted. Several critics, such as CGMagazine and Cultured Vultures, praise the distinct playable characters and the fast-paced, action-packed combat. They appreciate the upgradable attacks and abilities, as well as the flexibility of the skills system that allows players to change abilities on the fly. Additionally, The Digital Fix and ZTGD mention the unique classes and playstyles of the heroes, which adds variety and depth to the gameplay. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the gameplay. Push Square and Gamer.nl criticize the combat for being repetitive and lacking tactical depth. They find the combat dull and the AI poor. PC Gamer also mentions the lack of variation in combat and the loot, which doesn't offer meaningful changes to gameplay. GameGrin and GameSpew highlight the repetitive nature of the gameplay, with GameGrin specifically mentioning that the game feels too easy even on higher difficulties. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer: Chaosbane offers enjoyable gameplay with its fast-paced combat and variety of character classes and abilities. Critics like Critical Hit and PCGamesN appreciate the similarity to the popular Diablo series, with its isometric view, abilities, and loot gathering. The combat system is generally praised, with critics such as Video Chums and Digital Chumps commending its execution. However, there is a recurring criticism of repetitiveness, lack of innovation, and poor AI. While some critics find the gameplay to be satisfying and fun, others feel that it becomes monotonous after a few hours. Despite these mixed opinions, the overall sentiment leans towards a positive experience for fans of the action RPG genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Warhammer: Chaosbane gameplay. Positive aspects include distinct characters, fast-paced combat, and flexible skills system. However, some critics find combat repetitive and lacking depth, with dull AI and unvaried loot. While praised for its similarity to Diablo and combat execution, concerns about repetitiveness and lack of innovation persist. Overall, the game offers enjoyable gameplay for action RPG fans, despite some flaws.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

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: Chaosbane are quite varied. Several critics praised the game's visuals, highlighting specific aspects such as the well-rendered and animated Warhammer denizens, the beautifully rendered dark-gothic scenery, and the impressive volume of enemies. CGMagazine appreciated the semi-realistic design and the impressive number of enemies, while Hooked Gamers commended the representation of the different Chaos gods. Gameplanet also mentioned the game's beautiful gothic aesthetic. PCGamesN and Worth Playing both praised the attention to detail in the environments, particularly in the dungeons and outdoor scenes. Additionally, Digital Chumps and Wccftech commended the game's performance on next-gen consoles, with smooth frame rates and impressive visuals. However, there were also some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Warhammer: Chaosbane. Gamer.nl felt that the game lacked originality and had a constant feeling of déjà vu, which affected the overall visual experience. TheSixthAxis described the graphics as slightly lazy, with smaller and repetitive areas and enemies that felt the same. AusGamers compared the graphics unfavorably to other games in the genre, specifically mentioning Diablo III. RPG Site criticized the missions for being unimaginative and lacking variety, which may have impacted the visual presentation. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While there were positive comments about specific aspects of the graphics and visual design, such as the character and enemy designs, the attention to detail, and the representation of the Warhammer universe, there were also negative remarks about the lack of originality, repetitive environments, and generic feel. Some critics praised the game's visuals and performance on next-gen consoles, while others found the graphics to be mediocre or lacking compared to other games in the genre. It is clear that the graphics and visual design of Warhammer: Chaosbane had both strengths and weaknesses, resulting in a mixed reception among the critics.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics have mixed opinions on Warhammer: Chaosbane's graphics and visual design. While some praised aspects like the detailed character designs and smooth performance on next-gen consoles, others criticized the lack of originality, repetitive environments, and generic feel. Overall, the game's visuals received both positive and negative feedback, leading to a varied reception among critics.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

73%

Negative (0-49)

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer: Chaosbane are varied. Some critics praised certain aspects of the sound design and music, while others highlighted issues and inconsistencies. Starting with the positives, several critics mentioned the quality of the voice acting in the game. CGMagazine and The Digital Fix both praised the high-quality voice acting during character interactions, with The Digital Fix specifically mentioning it as one of the game's strongest aspects. Critical Hit commended the sound design for effectively selling the carnage, while Digital Chumps described the sound design as nicely done, with great effects. TheXboxHub also mentioned that the audio in the game was epic and dramatic, with fitting voice-over that added to the overall atmosphere of the Warhammer universe. On the other hand, there were some negative aspects pointed out by the critics. Cultured Vultures and AusGamers both mentioned technical issues with the voices, such as voices cutting out during dialogues or being ahead of the displayed dialogue boxes. Worth Playing criticized the voice acting for being inconsistent, with some performances being good, some bad, and some annoying. PlayStation LifeStyle went as far as to say that the voice acting was poorly done, and the reviewer had to turn off the voices entirely. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while there are some positive aspects to the sound design and voice acting in Warhammer: Chaosbane, there are also noticeable issues and inconsistencies. The praise for the high-quality voice acting during character interactions from The Digital Fix and the epic and dramatic audio from TheXboxHub suggests that when the voice acting is done well, it greatly enhances the game's immersion. However, the technical issues mentioned by Cultured Vultures and AusGamers, as well as the inconsistent performances mentioned by Worth Playing, indicate that there are areas for improvement in the sound design and voice acting. It is worth noting that MMORPG.com and Wccftech did not specifically mention the sound design or music in their reviews, which suggests that these aspects may not have stood out significantly to those critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics have mixed opinions on the sound design and music of Warhammer: Chaosbane. Some praised the high-quality voice acting and epic audio, while others criticized technical issues and inconsistent performances. Overall, while the voice acting enhances immersion when done well, there are areas for improvement in sound design and voice acting highlighted by critics.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

25%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Warhammer: Chaosbane are quite varied. CGMagazine and The Digital Fix both praise the voice acting, with CGMagazine stating that the voice acting for the main cast of characters is good, and The Digital Fix mentioning that the game has high-quality voice acting during character interactions, which is one of its strongest aspects. This positive feedback suggests that the voice acting successfully brings the characters to life and enhances the overall experience. However, there are also several critics who have negative opinions about the voice acting. Gameplanet describes it as horribly acted and inconsistent, while Worth Playing mentions that it is inconsistent, with some good, some bad, and some annoying performances. AusGamers adds that the voice acting is uneven and some dialogue gets clipped off. These criticisms highlight the lack of consistency in the voice performances, which can be jarring and detract from the immersion of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics, such as CGMagazine and The Digital Fix, appreciate the quality of the voice acting, others, like Gameplanet and Worth Playing, find it to be inconsistent and poorly executed. MMORPG.com does not provide specific feedback on the voice acting, while TheXboxHub mentions that it is over the top and hammy but fitting within the context of the universe. PlayStation LifeStyle goes as far as stating that the voice acting is so bad that the reviewer had to turn off the voices. This range of opinions suggests that the voice acting in Warhammer: Chaosbane is a divisive aspect of the game, with some players enjoying it while others find it lacking in quality and consistency.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics are divided on the voice acting in Warhammer: Chaosbane. Some praise it for bringing characters to life and enhancing the experience, while others criticize it as inconsistent and poorly executed. Overall, opinions vary from high-quality to jarringly uneven, making it a divisive aspect of the game.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

53%

Mixed (50-79)

35%

Negative (0-49)

12%

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

In terms of technical performance on the PS4, the game Warhammer: Chaosbane received mixed reviews. Critical Hit praised the smooth co-op experience, while Cultured Vultures pointed out several technical issues such as voices cutting out during dialogues and out-of-bounds encounters in boss fights. AusGamers mentioned average performance with dialogue issues. On the other hand, PC Gamer noted some noticeable issues with enemy rubber banding and occasional large damage numbers, but they were not considered game-breaking. Moving on to the Xbox One platform, RPG Site reported freezing issues on Xbox One X and non-descriptive errors during online play. Windows Central mentioned that the game runs at a locked 60 FPS on Xbox One X but suffers from low resolution and screen tearing on some displays. ZTGD highlighted long loading times. However, Digital Chumps, TheXboxHub, Wccftech, and Xbox Tavern all praised the game's performance on Xbox Series X, with brief load times, smooth gameplay, and no lag or screen tearing. On the PlayStation 5, the game received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding technical performance. GameGrin, Hey Poor Player, and PlayStation LifeStyle all praised the smooth 60 FPS performance, virtually instantaneous load times, and the ability to handle large numbers of enemies without issues. GameSpew mentioned improved performance, running at 60fps and being smoother and more responsive. PlayStation Universe noted massively reduced loading times, occasional screen tearing, and limited DualSense functionality. Screen Rant also mentioned smooth performance with no hiccups, screen tears, or choppy frames. Overall, the critics' consensus suggests that the technical performance of Warhammer: Chaosbane varies across different gaming platforms. While there were some technical issues reported on the PS4 and Xbox One platforms, the game seemed to perform exceptionally well on the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The positive feedback from critics on the PS5 platform regarding flawless performance, improved load times, and smooth gameplay indicates that the game is optimized for this platform. However, it is worth noting that there were occasional screen tearing issues mentioned across multiple platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Warhammer: Chaosbane had mixed technical performance reviews on PS4 and Xbox One, with issues like voice cuts and freezing. However, it excelled on Xbox Series X and PS5 with smooth gameplay and quick load times. Some minor screen tearing problems were noted across platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

33%

Negative (0-49)

24%

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

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Warhammer: Chaosbane are quite varied. Several critics, such as CGMagazine, MMORPG.com, The Digital Fix, Windows Central, Digital Chumps, GameSpew, and PlayStation LifeStyle, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replayability. They mention features like drop-in-drop-out co-op, additional modes for gaining better gear and loot, different difficulties, and various endgame content such as New Game Plus, Randomised Expeditions, Boss Rush, Relic Hunts, Invasions, and procedurally-generated levels. These elements provide players with multiple options to engage with the game and extend their playtime. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the game's replay value. Video Chums, Worth Playing, AusGamers, ZTGD, GameGrin, and Hey Poor Player mention negative aspects that impact the replayability of Warhammer: Chaosbane. These include the lack of interesting loot, repetitive gameplay, locked story mode after completion, a limited number of classes, enemies, and environments, and endgame content that feels watered down or stale. These criticisms suggest that certain aspects of the game may not provide enough incentive for players to replay it extensively. Overall, while there are positive aspects to the replay value of Warhammer: Chaosbane, such as the additional modes, co-op play, and various endgame content, there are also negative aspects that may hinder its overall replayability. The inclusion of diverse modes and challenges, as mentioned by critics like TheSixthAxis, Shacknews, RPG Site, and TheXboxHub, does provide some depth and variety to the gameplay experience. However, the concerns raised by critics like Video Chums, Worth Playing, ZTGD, and GameGrin regarding repetitive gameplay, lackluster loot, and limited content may impact the game's long-term appeal. The overall consensus among the critics seems to be that while Warhammer: Chaosbane offers some replay value, it falls short in certain areas, making it a mixed bag in terms of its ability to keep players engaged over extended periods of time.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Warhammer: Chaosbane. Some praise its diverse modes and endgame content for extended playtime, while others criticize its repetitive gameplay and lack of incentives. Overall, the game offers some replayability but may not keep players engaged in the long run due to certain shortcomings.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

18%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

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: Chaosbane, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to the game. Several critics commend the game for its solid gameplay mechanics and enjoyable combat. TheXboxHub praises the excellent visuals, dungeon crawling gameplay, and loot and skills system. RPG Site acknowledges that the game manages to stand apart from the Diablo series. MMORPG.com even goes as far as recommending the game to gamers looking for their next ARPG experience. These positive aspects highlight the game's potential and the enjoyment it can provide to players. On the other hand, there are several criticisms raised by reviewers. Many critics express disappointment in the lack of originality and innovation in Warhammer: Chaosbane. Critical Hit describes the game as lacking personality and feeling like a lesser version of similar games in the genre. Gameplanet refers to it as a second-class Diablo clone with a beautiful but superficial Warhammer facade. Gamer.nl states that the game is competent but lacks originality, leaving no lasting impression. These criticisms suggest that the game fails to bring anything new to the genre and may not offer a unique experience for players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some reviewers appreciate the game's solid gameplay mechanics and enjoyable combat, others criticize its lack of originality and innovation. The Digital Fix considers Warhammer: Chaosbane a worthy title that can stand on its own merit and potentially compete with Diablo. However, several critics, such as Push Square and PC Gamer, do not recommend the game, especially when compared to other games in the genre. The lack of content, variety, and interesting environments are frequently mentioned as drawbacks. It is worth noting that some critics, like Worth Playing and Xbox Tavern, believe that the game may still appeal to fans of the Warhammer franchise. Ultimately, the overall sentiment leans towards the game being average or lacking in comparison to other available options in the genre.

TL;DR

Warhammer: Chaosbane receives mixed reviews. Critics praise its solid gameplay and combat mechanics, with some highlighting its visuals and loot system. However, criticisms point to its lack of originality and innovation, labeling it as a mediocre Diablo clone with a Warhammer skin. While some reviewers find it worthy, others do not recommend it due to its shortcomings in content and uniqueness. The game may still appeal to Warhammer fans, but overall, it falls short compared to other games in the genre.

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Reviews

128 reviews found

Shacknews

Jun 2, 2019