Imminent Role-Playing Game from Rogue Trader Developers: Empowering Imperial Inquisitor Detectives, Complete with Intimidation Tactics so Potent They Instill Fear and Surrender
In preparation for tonight's Warhammer Skulls event, Owlcat Studios' producer Anatoly Shestov shared insights into their upcoming CRPG, Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy. This new project follows the success of Rogue Trader and presents several notable differences.
Dark Heresy's setting is inspired by the tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) of the same name. Players assume the role of an Imperial Inquisitor, tasked with rooting out heresies and conspiracies on a tumultuous planet. Off-world expeditions are not ruled out, but the game's focus is primarily centred on a diverse, singular planet rather than the sprawling sector of space from Rogue Trader.
Players will pilot a smaller, sleeker ship reminiscent of Knights of the Old Republic's Ebon Hawk, in contrast to the imposing Von Valencius flagship from Rogue Trader. Shestov has also unveiled a radical-traditionalist spectrum as a replacement for the trinary morality meter from Rogue Trader, promising a more immersive and engaging investigative experience.
Graphically, Dark Heresy is set for an overhaul compared to Rogue Trader, while the RPG system also undergoes a comprehensive revamp. In addition, the game features a morale/intimidation system for both the player's party and enemies, potentially enabling characters to be built around intimidation tactics that cause opponents to surrender.
On the investigative front, Shestov emphasized the importance of deduction, evidence analysis, and partaking in complex detective work, modelling this element after the figure of a detective portrayed in an internet meme of a strongly connected individual. Players will be able to influence the game's story by accusing innocent individuals, with diverse consequences ensuing across various factions.
The combat mechanics will continue to prioritize tactical, turn-based battles as Owlcat Studios has become known for. However, significant changes have been made from Rogue Trader, including the reworked cover system, line of sight, new abilities, the removal of the momentum system, and the addition of a morale system. Intimidation and morale will be integral aspects of the battle system, opening up opportunities for creative character builds and unconventional approaches to victory.
Evidently, Dark Heresy seeks to deliver a more cohesive gaming experience than Owlcat's previous projects, offering a fusion of detective gameplay, tactical combat, and engaging role-playing elements within the Warhammer 40K universe. The game appears to draw inspiration from titles like Disco Elysium and Alan Wake 2 when it comes to investigative aspects, offering a unique balance between narrative, strategy, and player-driven choices.
Players looking forward to Dark Heresy can add the game to their Steam wishlist ahead of its scheduled release. With polished mechanics and engaging gameplay, Dark Heresy promises to offer a thrilling addition to the CRPG genre.
- The upcoming CRPG, Warhammer 40K: Dark Heresy, will offer a historic shift from Rogue Trader, with a focus on a singular, diverse planet instead of a sprawling sector of space.
- In Dark Heresy, players can build characters around intimidation tactics, potentially causing opponents to surrender due to a new morale/intimidation system.
- The game's story can be influenced by players, who may accuse innocent individuals, leading to diverse consequences across various factions.
- Dark Heresy seems to be inspired by titles like Disco Elysium and Alan Wake 2, blending detective gameplay, tactical combat, and engaging role-playing elements within the Warhammer 40K universe.
