Review Compilation for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Critics weigh in on Owlcat's expansive CRPG set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, with mixed ratings from PC Gamer (59/100) and positive reviews from Screen Rant (4/5), NME (4/5), and The Gamer (4/5) IGN and Rock Paper Shotgun's reviews are still in progress
The release of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is generating early reviews, with critics noting the game’s faithful portrayal of the 40K universe. Being a lengthy game of over 100 hours, many reviews are still in progress, but initial impressions are positive. Comparisons to Baldur’s Gate 3 are inevitable, with some reviewers pointing out that Rogue Trader is more complex and challenging, which may appeal to fans of the popular RPG.
Critics' main issue with Rogue Trader was the abundance of bugs, which are expected to be addressed in future updates post-release. There were also criticisms of the game's complex ruleset, although some players may value its depth. Currently, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader has a mixed aggregate review score of 74 on our sister site Metacritic. See below for a selection of critic reviews.
Game: Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Platforms: PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5
Developer: Owlcat Games
Release Date: December 7
Price: $40
PC Gamer -- 59/100
"Gamers who have experienced Owlcat's previous RPGs at launch may recognize the sensation of playing an inferior version of the game. It typically takes months for expansions to introduce new companions, a version of the Toy Box mod with numerous quality-of-life upgrades, and a plethora of bug fixes... Until then, it's advisable to wait before joining the celebration." -- Jody Macgregor [Full review]
Screen Rant -- 4/5
"Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader offers a fantastic adaptation of the Warhammer universe to a genre that may seem unconventional to some. With a deep understanding of its source material, this RPG stands as a prime example of the classic C-RPGs from the 1990s and early 2000s. While it may not bring anything groundbreaking to the table, it delivers an engaging and thrilling adventure, especially for fans of the tabletop game." -- Rob Gordon [Full review]
IGN -- Review in Progress
"After sinking around 65 hours into Owlcat's incredibly expansive Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, I can confidently say a couple of things: first, the game is absolutely massive – I may only be halfway through its intricately woven yet easily understandable story. Second, it provides a breathtaking exploration of the 40K universe, shedding light on aspects often overlooked and showcasing some of the most beloved races and organizations." -- Leana Hafer [Full review]
NME -- 4/5
"Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader captures the brutal battles and dark ambiance of its source material, although at times it may feel overwhelming in scale. Not everyone will appreciate the meticulous depth of Rogue Trader, but those willing to navigate through technical issues and complex menus will discover a truly intergalactic epic." -- Andy Brown [Full review]
The Gamer -- 4/5
"For 40K enthusiasts or anyone seeking a combat-focused RPG beyond the standard fantasy genre, Rogue Trader is a valuable addition to your gaming collection. It delves deeper into the universe's lore and setting than any other video game, proving that it's a game created by fans, for fans." -- Matt Arnold [Full review]
Rock Paper Shotgun -- Review In Progress
"For anyone seeking another expansive RPG experience, this game is worth keeping an eye on until my full review is released. However, there is a possibility of the game taking a turn for the worse. So far, the writing has struck a good balance between building the world and injecting humor, but there's a risk of it becoming overly serious as the stakes rise. The complexity of the battle system may prove to be excessive and unnecessary in retrospect. What's most intriguing to me is how much the choice of alignment can impact the story, and how the developers will manage the increasing and evolving options." -- Edwin Evans-Thirlwell [Full review]
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, I am thrilled to see the release of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader. The game's faithful portrayal of the 40K universe is truly impressive, and I am excited to explore the intricate and expansive world that Owlcat Games has created. The game's length of over 100 hours is also a major draw for me, as I love sinking my teeth into a deep and immersive RPG.
However, I am concerned about the abundance of bugs that have been reported in the early reviews. I hope that Owlcat Games will address these issues quickly, as they can significantly impact the overall gaming experience. Additionally, I am a bit worried about the game's complex ruleset, as I am not sure if I will be able to fully grasp all of the mechanics. Despite these concerns, I am still very excited about Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader and am looking forward to diving into the game and experiencing the Warhammer 40,000 universe in a whole new way.
