Space Hulk review: a digital board game lacking refinement

Adapting board games into video games should be an easy process, or so you’d think. All of the rules and mechanics are laid out before you and what you’d really need to do is put it into a presentable, easy to understand, and appealing package. Unfortunately, Space Hulk didn’t get the memo on this one

The game is a digital version of the popular (limited print run) board game series from Warhammer 40K creator, Games Workshop. It’s a turn-based title that has you commanding a squad of elite Terminators — basically enhanced superhuman fighting machines — as they complete missions.

Each mission feels limited. Their goals tend to include securing positions, fighting off Tyranid Genestealers, and then exiting the level. It’s all standard stuff, really, and a missed opportunity to do more with the licence. In fact, having more than just the Genestealers as enemies would have been a nice addition to the title.

There are moments when the game feels like you’re actually playing the board game as if you’re actually playing a full-on digital version. That euphoria is fleeting as the all of the flaws grab you by the throat and force you back into reality.

Space Hulk lacks any real heart to make it a truly compelling title. Sure, the missions do seem atmospheric with decent sound effects and cheesy sci-fi voice acting reminiscent of someone trying too hard to sound hardcore, but that’s it. Its presentation feels cheap and lazy and not something befitting the likes of Warhammer.

One of the game’s redeeming points is the amount of content. Even with only six mission, there are also a number a sub-missions within these to play through. Each of these can take a decent amount of time depending on the objectives. Couple that with the ability to play local multiplayer hotseat with a friend and you’ve got quite a few hours ahead of you.

Then we come to the lack of optimisation for the PlayStation 3 console. The game runs alright when exploring the map from overhead, but frame-rate stutters in battle and long loading times have you sitting and wondering if you should have rather invested in a copy of the board game. At least then you could create a better overall experience.

The controls just feel plain awkward to handle. The game’s training mission is cumbersome in itself without the ability to properly familiarise players with the necessary mechanics. It then leaves you alone within the dimly lit halls of your current mission. You’re stuck with controls that take an quite a while to get used to, and even after that you’ll still be wondering how to perform certain actions. Even the simplest of details, like moving the camera, feels unpolished and awkward.

Game information

Release Date: 10 March 2016 (South Africa)
Developer: Full Control
Publisher: Funbox Media
Genre: Turn-based tactics
Platform(s): PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 3 (review platform)

Verdict: Space Hulk is a decent adaption of the board game in the way it plays out, but horrid controls, bad voice acting, and terrible presentation hamper down this experience.

Score: 5/10

 

All images are taken from Funbox Media.