Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War

Relics of War made me realize how much I need a Civilization game set in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Gladius is not there yet, but it is on the right path. It ditches trade, diplomacy, religion and cultural development and focuses on the military side of things, which of course is in line with the setting. I did miss other strategic layers a bit, but the game’s main problem is that it offers merely four factions. Other than that it’s very decent. [10/2018, p.86]

Relics of War may not play like other 4X games that you’re used to, but it treads a perfectly acceptable path of its own that fills the stomach, albeit not quite to satisfaction.

If many strategy lovers may find in Gladius Relics of War an interesting 4X, action-oriented game, the lake of depth in the management system, or the absence of any kind of diplomacy is a low. But somehow that fits with what Warhammer is.

A pretty and novel use of the 40K license, brought down by uninspired design and plain bad game balance.

As the first 4X on the Warhammer universe 40,000 Gladius - Relics of War could have aspired to somewhat higher goals.

Performance issues, counterintuitive visual design, and lackluster sound are prevalent concerns. It makes for a strategy game that is so close to succeeding but falls short of something special. After spending roughly 30 hours with Gladius and getting familiar with each of the factions, I'm comfortable recommending the game to fans of the genre who are desperate for something new or for those looking for a 4X game they can enjoy at a more relaxed pace. What's more relaxing than smashing Space Marine skulls on a Saturday morning with a maxed-out Warboss? Waaaaaghhh!

A plodding and predictable 4X strategy game that's relaxing in its own way, but rarely challenging.

Sticking to the established 4X formula helps to make Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War enjoyable, but also keeps it from greatness. For fans, there is fun to be had in growing an army of Terminators, Assault Space Marines, and Predator tanks to crush your enemies with. But, after all the toys are smashed and the maps explored, there is sadly little else left to do.

Under-cooked is actually a really good way to describe Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War. It’s got all these good ideas, but they’re not combined in the right way. There are loads of bugs.

In the dark future, there is only war, but this is not enough for a proper 4X strategy game.

A combat-focused 4X is a great idea, but Gladius puts too many frustrations in the way of enjoyment. [Issue#333, p.73]