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The Warhammer world is a complex place of lore, gore, and violence. Consequently, jumping in with zero prior knowledge can be a daunting experience. What’s more, if you somehow pick up one of the gameplay-rich titles with branching skill trees and plenty of guns, the water is muddied further still. Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you as Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr Ultimate Edition or Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor for short, adds drama and confusion to a well-followed franchise.
This 2018 title has been released for modern consoles, and the ultimate edition comes with all the bells and whistles. Developed by Neocore Games and published by Nacon, this is an action RPG. What’s more, it has a Diablo edge while retaining the Warhammer charm throughout. Furthermore, there are classes to pick from, weapons to equip, and skills to unlock. Moreover, it can be enjoyed solo, cooperatively, or online with friends. However, whichever mode you choose, it follows a similar process and the core mechanics rarely change.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor: a familiar story.
The plot borrows heavily from Dan Abnett’s Inquisitor Eisenhorn Warhammer Series. In theory, this is a phenomenal choice as the books give you a comfortable introduction to the Warhammer world. As such, you control a member of the Inquisition that has been sent on a mission. This hardened warrior must explore the abandoned monastery ship “Marty” and report its findings. So far, so good. However, these exciting ideas soon fall by the wayside as you see cracks in the logic. With 4 classes to pick from and minimal differences between them, the gameplay isn’t expansive enough.
On top of this, the stage design and core mechanics fail to work as intended. The developers wished for players to use set skills and the environment to their benefit. However, more often than not, neither the inquisitor nor the monsters understand these principles. Instead, you are left to run around a familiar world while either hacking and slashing or running and gunning your way to victory.
Alongside this, many of the missions revolve around evidence gathering or enemy annihilation. This isn’t to say it is boring, but I simply wished for something more in-depth and challenging. Thankfully, this is where the aforementioned skill tree saves the day.
Skill tree and crafting.
Where Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor comes to the fore is its detailed skill tree. You can adjust your hero in many ways, and depending on your class, you may opt for a more passive or aggressive approach, or improve specific combat styles. Each of the classes has a similar tree, except for the Psyker. This special warrior has 2 unique branches that add some additional spice to the action.
The crafting elements use an array of basic and advanced resources to help you on your journey. Alongside this, you will need to buy or find blueprints to craft certain items. Thankfully, there is a generous element of looting to be had, as well as the destructible environment to reward you with currency and items. These things ensure that you fully explore your surroundings to make the most of each environment. Though, if I was to be picky, the repetitive smashing of boxes and exploration of each small room soon becomes tedious. As such, it would have been better if scavenging was more rewarding.
So much potential.
My biggest gripe with Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor is how much potential was on display. Disappointingly, the developers never excelled in one area. Instead, they produced a jack-of-all-trades experience that never truly takes off. Yes, there are plenty of great ideas, but nothing wows you. Accordingly, the skill tree and class options should have blown me away. However, there isn’t enough difference between the two, and the gameplay is negatively impacted.
What’s more, the level design should have been much better, and the AI should have been more intelligent. Unfortunately, the levels follow a similar design that becomes repetitive early on. Moreover, your enemies lack distinguishing features, and everything becomes a blur. This was increasingly frustrating, especially when you could see glimpses of brilliance. Sadly, though, the developer’s desire for hellish combat and a grim aesthetic backfire miserably.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor could have looked great.
When the visuals worked, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor was spectacular! However, the rinse-and-repeat level design makes the exploration element tedious. Yet, I enjoyed the combat animation, the use of a central hub between missions, and the excellent UI. Furthermore, the skill tree is easy to understand and navigate. Unfortunately, though, a lack of creativity and predictable stages undermines any positivity.
To make matters worse, the audio lacks oomph, and the acting is borderline absurd. Additionally, the familiar soundtrack lacks originality while increasing the tedium. Thankfully, though, the sound effects add energy to an otherwise dour affair.
Clunky controls.
I’ve never played this on PC, but I imagine it is much more enjoyable. Sadly, the port to console is blighted by clunky controls and a lack of accuracy. Moreover, the hero regularly shoots the cover he hides behind and avoiding your opponents is no mean feat. As such, it isn’t as enjoyable as it should be.
The underwhelming story, and lack of depth impact both the replay value and longevity. Yes, you can play this online or cooperatively, but unlike Diablo, it feels lacklustre. If you can put up with the shortcomings, you may enjoy the skill tree and the crafting elements, but other than this, it will leave you wanting.
Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor was disappointing.
I had high expectations, but they were dashed almost immediately. In theory, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr Ultimate Edition should be a fantastic romp into a rich Warhammer world. In reality, it was frustrating, clunky, and lacking in depth. Consequently, I was left disappointed by nearly every element. As such, I won’t recommend that you buy it, but more information can be found here! Will you discover the truth and save the day? Choose your class, upgrade your inquisitor, and become a hero.
