The Horus Heresy: Battle of Tallarn
- February 8, 2017
- HexWar Games
Get on SteamIn "The Horus Heresy: Battle of Tallarn," players command vast armies of tanks and troops in turn-based tactical battles, following the aftermath of a virus bombing on the planet Tallarn. Fight for control of underground bunkers and command iconic Warhammer 40,000 units like Leman Russ tanks and Baneblades in this brutal and unforgiving environment. The game recreates the historic Battle of Tallarn from the Horus Heresy series, where the fate of the Imperium hangs in the balance.
Reviews
- The game is a fun and engaging hex-based wargame that appeals to fans of the Warhammer 40k lore.
- It features a large selection of units and a competent AI, making it a challenging single-player experience.
- The tutorial missions are helpful for new players, and the game offers a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic turn-based strategy games.
- The game suffers from clunky mechanics and a poorly designed user interface, making it frustrating to navigate.
- There are significant balance issues, particularly with the traitor faction, leading to unfair gameplay experiences.
- Graphics and sound design feel outdated, resembling a low-budget mobile port rather than a polished PC title.
- story9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is described as engaging yet challenging, with missions that often feel unbalanced and reliant on trial and error. Players note a lack of strategic depth, as many encounters can be predictable, though some missions, like the iron hands dreadnought, introduce randomness that adds complexity. Overall, while the narrative offers a compelling backdrop, the execution in mission design can lead to frustration.
“Is pretty challenging, the first few missions for the first traitor campaign required a few attempts to complete so I imagine it's pretty tough later on!”
“There isn't much 'strategy' I've found so far, having played the tutorial missions and the first two segments of the first strike mission (traitor), is that it is really predictable.”
“The only exception has been the iron hands dreadnought mission, because the imperial aligned knights deployment seems to be random.”
“From what I've played, the missions are just trial and error.”
“A random enemy may appear right behind you and shoot your units in their backs, ending the mission, for example... the soundtrack is bad too.”
“There isn't much 'strategy' I've found so far; having played the tutorial missions and the first two segments of the first strike mission (traitor), it is really predictable.”
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with many users criticizing poorly explained mechanics, lack of balance, and unfair difficulty spikes, particularly in late campaigns. While some appreciate the strategic depth offered by a vast armory, others find the overall experience lacking, with minimal engagement and silence during play.
“The armory is vast, and while the gameplay is simple, the strategy is there in bucket loads.”
“There are infantry, but they are not as important due to the environmental damage mechanic, which damages your troops when they're outside of a carrier vehicle.”
“Gameplay-wise, it's okay.”
“Poorly explained mechanics.”
“Just seems like some of the mechanics make little to no sense.”
“Terrible gameplay mechanics, terrible balance that becomes straight up unfair in late campaigns - even on easiest difficulty and terrible UI.”
- graphics5 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as minimalistic and low-budget, reminiscent of 90s gaming, which may not appeal to everyone. While not considered mind-blowing, the visuals are functional for a tabletop wargame; however, many users feel they detract from the overall experience, especially when combined with frustrating gameplay mechanics.
“Okay, it's not mind-blowing graphics by any means, but does a tabletop wargame look realistic either?”
“Very minimalistic in design and visuals, obviously low-budget.”
“Terrible - even for 9 euros and if you don't care for visuals.”
“Graphics and music feel like they are from 90's gaming (which isn't necessarily a bad thing for some people).”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely negative feedback, with many users comparing it to early 90s PC games, suggesting it feels outdated and lacking in quality. While some find the retro style acceptable, the overall consensus is that both the sound and music need significant improvement.
“The graphics and music feel like they're from 90's gaming, which isn't necessarily a bad thing for some people.”
“The graphic and music style are not really my preference, but they are okay.”
“It sounds like it's a PC game from the early 90s, especially when the music plays.”
“My major complaints are the sound, music, and sprite department, which really could use some work.”
“It sounds like it's a PC game from the early 90s, and that's when there's music that plays.”
“Graphics and music feel like they're from 90's gaming (which isn't necessarily a bad thing for some people).”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game's linear campaign structure limits its replayability, as players may find little incentive to revisit once they have completed it.
“While interesting, the campaigns are linear, so there's probably not much replayability once completed.”
“After finishing the game, I found little incentive to replay it since the story doesn't change.”
“The lack of diverse paths and outcomes makes it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
