Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader (video game) explained

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Developer:Owlcat Games
Publisher:Owlcat Games
Director:Alexander Mishulin[1]
Engine:Unity[2]
Series:Warhammer 40,000
Released:7 December 2023
Genre:Role-playing
Modes:Single-player, multiplayer

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is an isometric role-playing video game developed and published by Owlcat Games set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game was released for Windows PC, macOS, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S in December 2023.

Gameplay

Similar to prior Owlcat games (), Rogue Trader is an isometric role-playing video game, heavily utilizing the d100 TTRPG system from the game of the same name.

The player controls a party of six characters, including their own, through ground combat and social interactions.[3] It features a turn-based combat system and an isometric perspective. One of the game's distinguishing features is its emphasis on realm-building, with the player's decisions as a Rogue Trader affecting the rest of the gameplay as they build their space empire.[4] Space combat is also present. The game also supports a cooperative multiplayer mode.[5]

The alignment system allows the player to make Dogmatic choices that are typically merciless but in keeping with the setting's fervent belief in the God-Emperor, Iconoclastic choices that challenge the status quo, or Heretical choices that are Chaos-aligned. These choice radically alter conversation options and equipment availability.

Setting

Rogue Trader takes place in the Koronus Expanse, a little charted and unknown region of space. The player, the titular Rogue Trader, is a member of the hegemonic Imperium of Man, given special permission by the Imperium to explore, trade, and conquer, all for the benefit of the Imperium and Mankind as a whole.[6]

The player character, a distant relative of Theodora Von Valancius, unexpectedly rises to power in the Koronus Expanse.

Reception

Rogue Trader received generally positive reviews upon release, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[7]

Rock, Paper, Shotgun applauded the alignment system, citing that both extremes and the middle of the road options had playable value.[8] Leana Hafer from IGN described the game as an "ultra crunchy, 130-hour space epic with excellent writing and combat", though she criticized the presence of various software bugs.[9]

Jody Macgregor from PC Gamer praised the game's tone and atmosphere, though he disliked the combat and the game's technical issues at launch.[10]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: OWLCAT GAMES ANNOUNCES WARHAMMER 40,000: ROGUE TRADER . Owlcat Games . My.com . 29 Nov 2023 .
  2. Web site: Made with Unity: 2023 in review. Unity Technologies. Saver. Michael. Pung. Julia. Stanton. Devon. 2024-01-04. 2024-01-13.
  3. Web site: Owlcat Games on exploring the Koronus Expanse and going full heretic in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. Nic. Reuben. Rock, Paper, Shotgun. June 15, 2022. December 10, 2023.
  4. Web site: Rogue Trader's role-playing embraces the brutality and freedom of Warhammer 40K. Cass. Marshall. Polygon. December 6, 2023. December 10, 2023.
  5. Web site: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader's co-op campaign is super flexible. Cass. Marshall. Polygon. November 2, 2023. December 10, 2023.
  6. Web site: ABELARD WERSERIAN: A MAN OF HIS DUTY . Owlcat Games . 29 Nov 2023 .
  7. Web site: Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader review. Metacritic. December 10, 2023.
  8. Web site: Warhammer 40K: Rogue Trader's most intriguing aspect is the most boring part of other RPGs - the middle ground . Evans-Thirwell . Edwin . 28 Nov 2023 . Rock Paper Shotgun . 29 Nov 2023 .
  9. Web site: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Review. Leana. Hafer. IGN. December 16, 2023. December 17, 2023.
  10. Web site: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader review. Jody. Macgregor. PC Gamer. December 6, 2023. December 10, 2023.