When it comes to Warhammer, I am very much in the 40K camp. While I could appreciate the merits of the magic and fantasy side of the franchise, it had never really grabbed me in the same ways as the Ultra Marines and Tyranids have. Until now when Frontier Developments Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin lured me into its real-time strategy hold.
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Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is, on paper, another Warhammer real-time strategy offering, but one that is based tabletop miniature war simulator, Age of Sigmar. This tabletop mini war simulator is a relatively new offering, having launched back in 2015.
The Age of Sigmar tabletop mini war sim serves as a sequel to the tabletop game Warhammer Fantasy Battle. And this is only the second game to make use of the Age of Sigmar side of things, after the so-so Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground back in 2021.
Test of Tactics
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a very high fantasy affair set in the Mortal Realms, a system of eight interconnected realms, spawned from the Winds of Magic after an apocalyptic event, known only as ‘The End Times’, happened.
The game sees a number of factions from the tabletop game with four playable. Each with their own strengths and weaknesses. These strengths and weaknesses have enough impact on proceedings that you’ll have to alter tactics to fit each faction.
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This is a key point of the gameplay. Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is less about having a huge force to crush those that stand in front of you, and more about choosing the right units and using their special skills with some finesse to turn the tide of battles.
Squad composition, placement and finding your enemies weaknesses are all parts of any given battle. Like keeping ranged units at a distance for maximum effect or having healers close by, to help prop up your ground forces after each engagement.
Broad Realm
With so much for you to contemplate, Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin usually moves at a steady, sometimes slow, pace by design.
The game give generally gives you time to assess the situation, plan, and then start putting than plan into action before it all kicks off and gets busy.
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Combat is based on a classic rock, papers and scissors format with a particular unit type being strong against one other type, but also being weak another. For example, tank units destroy ranged ones, but they are weak against assault.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin also features hero units. These are incredibly powerful and have the potential to change the course of a battle. The developers have balanced these heroes well; when and where you use them can determines how effective they are to a huge degree.
Shallow Parts
Seasoned RTS fans may want more depth than the rock, papers and scissors format that Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin offers. The game also never really evolves, or grows options over its play time.
The main story campaign is a fairly lengthy offering and a good place to find your feet with its systems. As you lead The Stormcast Eternals against the Orruk Kruleboyz all before things go totally sideways, as The Disciples of Tzeentch and The Nighthaunt show up too.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is over-the-top, almost comic book-like in tone. The story also boils down to a very basic ‘good versus evil’ tale.
Warhammer Multiplayer
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin has your standard RTS modes to back up the campaign. You can play 1v1 and 2v2 multiplayer and Conquest Modes which offers custom battle to enjoy with a few mates.
The art and visuals of Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin are very detailed as well as offering plenty of variety. And this goes for the units as well as the various arenas and areas you’ll be playing in.
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin looks the part without being a graphical showcase. The audio presentation, however, is just passable overall. The soundtrack does a good job at the setting the mood. But, the voice acting can be corny and a bit full on.
Basic RTS Lovingly Dressed in Warhammer
Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is a solid, if mechanically basic, RTS. Franchise fans will undoubtedly still enjoy the game for the art, the factions, and the campaign. The outstanding art and obvious love of the source material will carry the game for the Warhammer legions.
However, I also feel that the game would be a great option for those looking to play an RTS for the first time, or see what the Age of Sigmar is like as a setting.
Finally, seasoned RTS fans who aren’t into Warhammer will not find the depth they crave here. There are simply not enough tactical options to extend that skill ceiling and warrant hundreds of hours of game time.