And now, Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II has finally arrived. The Omnissiah has seen fit to bless us with a sequel that not only builds upon the phenomenal success of its predecessor but also introduces a whole new engine. However, the most exciting feature? No more using Necron legions for target practice - you can actually command them yourself.
The Flesh is Weak, but the Campaigns are Strong
What really sets this sequel apart is its dual-campaign design. Once again, players can assume the role of Magos Dominus Faustinius, commanding his customizable Tech-Priests units and purging the xenos threat. But flipping the script and commanding the forces of death in the form of Vargard Nefershah to retake their lost dynasty's crownworld is a true joy to behold.
Returning author Ben Counter, who has already written several books for the Black Library, does an incredible job in delivering an authentic and engaging story. Dialogues are dripping with the cold logic, arrogant attitude, and binary zealotry so typical for the universe. Experiencing the same conflict through two completely opposite sides adds huge replayability and deepens the lore in a way very few 40k games can achieve.
Tactical Combat: Cover vs. Annihilation
Turn-based combat is still familiar but has improved a lot since the previous installment, especially in terms of environment and character development.
- Asymmetric Playstyles: As always, the Adeptus Mechanicus rely on finding suitable cover and making use of synergies between units. In contrast, the Necrons simply destroy everything. Sending a squad of Immortals to charge into a wall to obliterate a Skitarii unit is incredibly empowering and extremely lore-accurate.
- In-depth Skill Trees: Progression is much more elaborate this time around. Each commander and soldier can be developed into a highly specialized type. For example, equipping a Necron leader with a Tesla Weave weapon transforms him into an aggressive melee specialist, whereas fitting them with a Magna Accelerator Lance turns them into a deadly sniper.
Strategic Aspect: Global War
This sequel brings more than just a single campaign; you can now fight on an entire planet by conquering regions, controlling garrisons, and gathering resources.
Although this aspect adds an extra layer of grand strategy gameplay, it also becomes a source of problems for this installment. Managing and upgrading regional garrisons can become tedious when all you wish to do is dive into another great tactical battle. At some point, managing supply chains and planetary maps can feel like filling out Munitorum taxes for the Emperor's glory.
Audio and Visual Style: Praise the Omnissiah
Let's talk about music and sound. Returning composer Guillaume David has once again delivered a masterpiece. The cold mixture of synthesizer, bass, and gothic pipe organ makes for an unmistakable theme of the Adeptus Mechanicus. In contrast, Necron tracks make you imagine ancient and menacing machines waking up from a million years of rest. Half of the atmosphere in this game is created by sound effects alone.
Speaking of visuals, we have to acknowledge the quality of the work done by the developers. Environments are richly detailed and character models look like real miniature pieces from a tabletop game.
Verdict
Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus II is precisely what a sequel should be like. It builds on the legacy of its predecessor while bringing lots of improvements. The inclusion of the Necron campaign, expanded skills trees, and destructible environment makes this game an absolute joy to play.
It loses some points due to somewhat bloated territory management system and a few problems with pacing in the middle part of the campaign. However, it is a small price to pay for an otherwise perfect experience.