Warhammer: Shadow of the Horned Rat

Gameplay

Based on Games Workshop's Warhammer Fantasy Battle table-top figurine battle rules and set within the Warhammer Fantasy world, the storyline focuses on a mercenary general's quest to stop a Skaven plot. Playing as the mercenary commander Morgan Bernhardt, the player must defeat a variety of foes in pitched battles using traditional fantasy battle methods such as shooting and close combat as well as magic. The finances of the mercenary army are handled by Paymaster Dietrich. The player is frequently given a choice of missions to accept, giving multiple paths through the game, some of which result in different mercenary units being available to the player.

Troops killed in previous battles are not replaced. Unit losses are offset by the reinforcements that can be bought in most towns between missions. These reinforcements are bought with gold gained from combat. Units gain experience and became better through use, but this in turn increases the cost of replacement. Wounded soldiers are kept out of the action for the next battle, after which they are healed for free. Having too many soldiers wounded could result in the player being unable to reinforce the army sufficiently to stand a chance in the next mission, even if they have plenty of gold.

Reception

Reviewing the Windows version, a Next Generation critic said that while the interface does not allow for precision control of units, the 3D battlefields instigate plenty of thoughtful strategy. He criticized the graphics and long load times, and summarized that "Warhammer delivers a unique strategic challenge. But with the game's awkward interface and drab graphics, you may find that you have to work at enjoying it." He gave it three out of five stars.