Review: Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch (PlayStation 4)

by Jim Smale · Published March 6, 2017 · Updated March 9, 2017

Set on the edge of Imperial space, where your Space Marines will take on the Tyranids in a series of tactical engagements. From war ravaged cities, to the insides of Tyranid bio-ships, the missions will see your Kill Team rise in strength and skill as you face ever greater threats and peril.

Pros:

Great looking graphics.
1.22GB download size.
Four part prologue introducing the few types of Marine serve as your tutorial.
Platinum trophy.
Turn based strategy gameplay.
AP (Action Points) System is used. Everytime you move,shoot or go into overwatch, That requires a set amount of AP in order to carry it out.
Overwatch mode- This allows you to choose a direction your Marine will face and will shoot any enemy entering the given area.
Turn order is you then the enemy.
Can fast forward the time when the enemy is having their turn.
Earn EXP for each marine for kills and finishing levels. You then spend that EXP on levelling up or buy unlocking slots for the character so they can add buffs or abilities.
If a marine dies in game then he loses any unused EXP and doesnt earn level complete EXP.
Upgrades are- Health, Accuracy and crit chance.
Packs- Use in game currency and awarded for finishing levels. Packs give out random loot.
Inventory option on main menu is used to manage your inventory and sell off any unwanted loot.
Handy help button on every menu screen.
Codex- Unlocks bios on encountered enemies, Loot and marine types/factions.
Can sell Marines for in game coin.
You can zoom the camera in and pan it around.
Great atmosphere.
Stays loyal to the games board game routes.
Different marine types bring unique abilities and weapons.
Three tiers of loot- common, Rare and Legendary.
Three difficulties- Normal, Veteran and heroic.
Before each level you can assemble your own 5 man kill team and setup loadouts.
On your turn you can see where you can move as it brings up a grid, Changing to shooting will show the possible targets you can shoot at.
The game does a decent job of varying the mission types.
Decent voice work.

Cons:

Not always clear which marine you have selected.
Menus are clunky. Only using analogue and just slow.
When upgrading Marines you have to back in and out of each one individually.
Would of been cool to have a grid always on the floor option.
Only one control layout.
Random game crashes.
Moves dont always register or it kind of has a mind of its own.

Update:

Since our review a patch has come out to address issues.

Improved the camera behaviour in order to follow the selector only when it is out, or at the margins of the screen and also to move smoothly.
The texture quality of the levels has been increased considerably.
Implemented Space Marine rotation.
Added a new feature that enables the player to see character ability descriptions by pressing triangle button.
Added a new feature that enables the previews of overwatch kills.
The resolution of the concept images of the missions have been improved considerably.
Added selection highlight for the Space Marine movements.