Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War
A turn-based strategy game of Eldar and Imperial defense against Tyranids.
A Tyranid Hive fleet invasion is the focus of Warhammer 40,000: Rites of War, a turn-based strategy title from 1999. Built on SSI's Panzer General 2 engine, it pits Eldar and Imperial forces against the alien threat. Games Workshop produced the game, which was later made available on GOG.com in 2015.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- DreamForge
- Publisher
- Strategic Simulations
- Series
- Warhammer 40,000
- Released
- July 27, 1999 (NA); September 24, 1999 (UK)
- Genre
- Turn-based strategy
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Platforms
- Windows
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The game offers three modes. In campaign mode, the player controls Eldar forces as the Craftworld Iyanden seeks to conquer a Maiden World, an ancient Eldar lost colony. During the campaign, the Tyranids emerge as a greater threat, prompting the Eldar and Imperial forces to unite against them. Skirmish mode lets the player command the Imperium, Eldar, or Tyranids, with Imperial forces including the Imperial Guard, the Red Hunter chapter of Space Marines, and Sisters of Battle. Multiplayer mode allows online battles against other players.
Reception
The game received mixed reviews according to GameRankings. William R. Trotter of PC Gamer US praised its art and interface, calling it an agreeable marriage of the Warhammer license and SSI's concepts, but strongly criticized its high difficulty as obnoxious. Jason Weston in PC Gamer UK was more negative, citing a dated engine and bad artificial intelligence, and concluded that a physical tabletop game could offer more tactical depth. Jeff Lackey of Computer Gaming World found it thoroughly engrossing. William Abner of Computer Games Strategy Plus felt the game felt incomplete and unfinished, derivative of Fantasy General and Panzer General II but as fun as neither, though still fun while it lasted. John Lee of NextGen noted that players with capable PCs might enjoy it for several days, especially with sunglasses to mute the glare from the uniforms.
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