Role-playing in the 40K universe
A new Warhammer 40,000 game was announced today, with a bit more of a role-playing vibe. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a classical, isometric-style RPG from Owlcat Games.
The trailer, shown as part of today’s annual Warhammer Skulls festival, is packed with RPG signposts. It’s got an isometric style, and the trailer declares Rogue Trader is the first “classic CRPG” set in the Warhammer 40K universe.
Behind this RPG is Owlcat Games, a studio that’s previously worked on several Pathfinder RPGs. Both Pathfinder: Kingmaker and Wrath of the Righteous seemed to do well by those who dig isometric games. And now, the team will tackle the 40K universe.
The story will follow a Rogue Trader, who controls their own merchant empire and is allowed to explore space with the blessing of the Emperor. This means powers, the ability to go where you want, and a giant voidship.
The RPG side will let you meet potential allies and enemies, and make choices that will affect the lives of others. Companions can include the likes of a Space Marine, an Aeldari Ranger, or a Sister of Battle. And once battle kicks off, they’ll play out in a tactical, turn-based format.
Playing the classics
It sounds like a pretty interesting universe for Owlcat Games to explore for its next RPG. While plenty of Warhammer games have been announced, especially over the course of today’s festivities, many of them are a bit more action-oriented. While shooting, blasting, and Space Marine-ing through hordes is all good fun, sometimes you want to kick your feet up and play an RPG.
The potential for RPG storytelling in the Warhammer 40,000 universe seems ripe. Those who want to see what Owlcat does with it earlier can pre-order to get Alpha and/or Beta access to the game, depending on what tier you pre-order. No release date has been set yet for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, but it is targeting both PC and consoles.
