Void War
" Grimdark sci-fi strategy RPG with deep tactical ship combat but limited originality and linear progression "
Void War Review
Void War is a tactical roguelike space game heavily inspired by FTL, set in a grimdark, legally distinct Warhammer 40k-like universe. Players command a starship, managing crew members with unique skills and equipment, engaging in strategic ship-to-ship combat and complex boarding actions. The game expands on FTL's foundation by adding psychic abilities, crew gear, and commanders with special powers, offering deeper tactical layers.
The gameplay is praised for its rich mechanics, challenging combat, and atmospheric setting, though some players find the storyline and worldbuilding underdeveloped, with minimal narrative depth and limited faction interactions. The UI and visuals evoke a dark sci-fi tone but can feel cluttered or visually confusing. While stable overall, occasional bugs and crashes have been reported. Replayability is strong due to multiple ships, commanders, and difficulty tiers, but some feel the game lacks originality and polish compared to its inspiration.
Highlights
Players especially appreciate the deep strategic gameplay involving crew management, ship customization, and boarding mechanics. The game’s grimdark Warhammer 40k-inspired atmosphere and stylized 2D graphics create an immersive setting. The addition of psychic powers and equipment on crew members adds new tactical dimensions. The combat system, combining ship battles with visceral boarding actions, is engaging and challenging. High replay value is noted due to randomized encounters, multiple difficulty levels, and unlockable ships and commanders.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include the game feeling like a watered-down FTL clone with limited innovation and a linear progression path. The story and lore are shallow, lacking meaningful narrative arcs or faction dynamics. The UI is often described as cluttered or confusing, with small icons and poor clarity. Some players report balance issues such as overpowered psychic abilities and frustrating boss fights. Technical issues like occasional crashes and performance drops affect the experience. Additionally, the game’s price is considered high given the perceived lack of content depth.
Pros
- • Deep tactical gameplay with crew abilities and equipment enhances strategy.
- • Engaging boarding mechanics add a unique combat layer.
- • Grimdark sci-fi setting richly inspired by Warhammer 40k.
- • Multiple ships and commanders increase replayability.
- • Psychic powers provide exciting new combat options.
- • Stylized 2D graphics support immersive atmosphere.
- • Challenging difficulty tiers keep gameplay fresh.
Cons
- • Feels too similar to FTL with limited originality.
- • Story and worldbuilding lack depth and impact.
- • UI can be cluttered and hard to interpret.
- • Balance issues with overpowered abilities and enemies.
- • Linear progression restricts exploration and choice.
- • Occasional bugs and crashes disrupt gameplay.
- • Price considered high for current content amount.
Rating Criteria
About This Game
Command an ancient starship and fight your way to the heart of a dying Empire. Fend off attacks from demented cultists, craven space pirates, and xenophobic Imperial soldiers. Discover powerful artifacts and use them to build your ship into a fearsome war engine.
Manage Your Ship
Your starship is a mighty and terrible vessel, brimming with arcane technology and devastating weapons. Harness your ship's weapons, modules, and reactor power to maximize your combat potential.
Powerful Combos
Arrange your upgrades into powerful combos and use them to surgically dismantle your enemies. But watch out. They can do exactly the same to you.
Build Your Crew
Enlist crew from six different factions. Customize them with a vast array of wargear and engage in bloody, strategic boarding actions against enemy craft. Watch them crush their foes or die horrifically in the frenzy of void warfare.
Everchanging Galaxy
Experience hundreds of randomly generated encounters. Navigate through a brutal and unrelenting galaxy, weaving together a new story with every run.
Dark Techno-Gothic Future
Meet technocultist magi, Imperial deserters, demon lords and more. Recruit them, fight them, and make choices that impact the state of your ship and the lives of your crew.
Command an ancient starship and fight your way to the heart of a dying Empire. Fend off attacks from demented cultists, craven space pirates, and xenophobic Imperial soldiers. Discover powerful artifacts and use them to build your ship into a fearsome war engine.