Gameplay

In terms of gameplay, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos doesn’t stray too much from the standard RTS formula. Move the cursor over the units and then click on the map where they want to go. However because you organize your units before you head into battle there is a lot of managing on which units to pick before you head out (and sometimes you have an upper limit on what units you can bring). You then enter the game’s campaign map where you move an avatar to what mission or missions that are available. Thankfully, some missions bring you into fighting with allies on the field who then join your cause. There’s the typical “kill everything that moves” missions, but there are also siege missions that give you chances to use units like the long range cannons to defend specific locations along with defenses to keep your enemies at bay.

In terms of units themselves you get quite a variety among the playable races from the typical grunts on each side to flying animal mounts. On the Empire side are the medieval-style units and even musket long range weapons, while the Chaos side are big, slow and powerful. The Elves have the best ranged weapons while the giant rat Skaven race tends to be the big “tank rush” side to use. All factions can be upgraded in the turn based portion of the gameplay and you can add extra bonuses as well. When you win battles you can get extra bonuses such as extra magic or armor abilities. One of the more interesting things about the game is the use of morale; if you are putting the hurt down on an enemy force and leaving them a bloody stain on the ground the few remaining units will tend to run away screaming.


As is the case with many fantasy RTS games these days, Warhammer: Mark of Chaos also has Hero units that are more powerful and have extra abilities. However, Black Hole and Namco have upped the ante with this big powerful units with added features like the abilty to add to their abilities in an RPG like manner. Some new skills benefit the unit itself with more abilities while others benefit the armies they are leading. Still others add to your hero’s abilities to fight enemy heroes in the game’s duel combat.