Disclaimer: I received a review copy for Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon - Da Orks from Slitherine Group as part of their regular press release package to the public.

As a huge fan of WH40k: Armageddon, it's subsequent DLC packs (cept for Ork Hunters, didn't actually play that one) and a huge fan of DA ORKZ, you can imagine this new expansion was right up my alley. Seriously, WH40k: Armageddon was one of my favorite strategy titles of 2015.

So for the uninitiated, WH40k: Armageddon - Da Orks is a turn based war game in the same vein as Order of Battle, Panzer General, Panzer Corps or any variant you've seen of a Hex Based War game. The big difference here is it takes place in the Science Fantasy universe of Warhammer 40,000 and it centers on the conflict on the planet Armageddon from the Orkz perspective.

For those who don't want to read:
Gameplay First Impression
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GRjVGNoY1s

For those familiar with the Armageddon series of games from Slitherine, this is the list of major new features:
-Additional 150 new units (including my new favorite: Horned Squigs)
-A multiplayer skirmish mode that allows changing of variables in the initial set up of the game rather than playing preset scenarios (preset scenariors still included)
-A story line entirely focused on the Orky perspective including new alternative "what-if" scenarios.
-Completely stand-alone. You don't have to buy the base game or it's subsequent DLC's to play this new expansion.

So what's Good?
-Da Horned Squigs (Those deliciously overpowered little bastards)
-More scenarios of the already fantastic game
-It's focused on Orkz. I've waited too long for this!
-The unit variety is astonishing to say the least. One of the biggest reasons this series continues to set a standard for future 40k Wargames.
-The heavy focus on Ork Heroes like da Mad Dok Grotsnik and G. Mag Uruk Thraka in the story.
-More of the same stuff that made the original game so fun.
-Unit detail is still damn good.
-You still have a few alternate divergences that can be made throughout the campaign.
-Seems like a good starting point for new players who are unwary about purchasing the complete edition of Warhammer 40k: Armageddon (the original).

The Not so Good?
-More of the same from the original game. This is a pro because the original was great. This is also a bit of a negative because it doesn't feel like there are features that change how battles are played out. It's pretty much the same, keeping the enemy at a distance and pummeling them down until their numbers are low enough to engage in close combat!
-The game is run on the same engine that ran Panzer Corps and the original Warhammer 40,000. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm just sad there still aren't dynamic animations like you'll see in Order of Battle. It should be noted that the maps are detailed and the unit models are all quite detailed though, so the overall aesthetic pulls the game strongly through.
-I can't help but feel like I'm playing a lot of battles where the Imperium of Man outnumbers me. Dis iz odd cuz Da Orkz are da ones who shud be doin' da out numberin'! I want to be in command of a WAAAGH! like the Orkz that bashed against me in unending waves when I played the Steel Legion's side. Maybe as I play more into the story, I'll begin to see battles where there is a proper WAAAGH!
-The voice acting seems a bit less on par compared to the previous entries which were great and over the top sounding. It's not horrible by any means, mind you, just heavily filtered. I'd say more a meh than a negative, truly.

Final Verdict:
Despite my lengthy "not so good" section, it really is good. If you liked the original game, then you'll enjoy this one. If you're new to the series and looking to jump in, this is a great place to start at a cheaper price point. Would definitely recommend to War Game fans and Warhammer 40,000 fans alike.

Disclaimer: I received a review copy for Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon - Da Orks from Slitherine Group as part of their regular press release package to the public. As a huge fan of WH40k: Armageddon, it's subsequent DLC packs (cept for Ork Hunters, didn't actually play that one) and a huge fan of DA ORKZ, you can imagine this new expansion was right up my alley. Seriously, WH40k: Armageddon was one of my favorite strategy titles of 2015. So for the uninitiated, WH40k: Armageddon - Da Orks is a turn based war game in the same vein as Order of Battle, Panzer General, Panzer Corps or any variant you've seen of a Hex Based War game. The big difference here is it takes place in the Science Fantasy universe of Warhammer 40,000 and it centers on the conflict on the planet Armageddon from the Orkz perspective. For those who don't want to read: Gameplay First Impression https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GRjVGNoY1s For those familiar with the Armageddon series of games from Slitherine, this is the list of major new features: -Additional 150 new units (including my new favorite: Horned Squigs) -A multiplayer skirmish mode that allows changing of variables in the initial set up of the game rather than playing preset scenarios (preset scenariors still included) -A story line entirely focused on the Orky perspective including new alternative "what-if" scenarios. -Completely stand-alone. You don't have to buy the base game or it's subsequent DLC's to play this new expansion. So what's Good? -Da Horned Squigs (Those deliciously overpowered little bastards) -More scenarios of the already fantastic game -It's focused on Orkz. I've waited too long for this! -The unit variety is astonishing to say the least. One of the biggest reasons this series continues to set a standard for future 40k Wargames. -The heavy focus on Ork Heroes like da Mad Dok Grotsnik and G. Mag Uruk Thraka in the story. -More of the same stuff that made the original game so fun. -Unit detail is still damn good. -You still have a few alternate divergences that can be made throughout the campaign. -Seems like a good starting point for new players who are unwary about purchasing the complete edition of Warhammer 40k: Armageddon (the original). The Not so Good? -More of the same from the original game. This is a pro because the original was great. This is also a bit of a negative because it doesn't feel like there are features that change how battles are played out. It's pretty much the same, keeping the enemy at a distance and pummeling them down until their numbers are low enough to engage in close combat! -The game is run on the same engine that ran Panzer Corps and the original Warhammer 40,000. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, I'm just sad there still aren't dynamic animations like you'll see in Order of Battle. It should be noted that the maps are detailed and the unit models are all quite detailed though, so the overall aesthetic pulls the game strongly through. -I can't help but feel like I'm playing a lot of battles where the Imperium of Man outnumbers me. Dis iz odd cuz Da Orkz are da ones who shud be doin' da out numberin'! I want to be in command of a WAAAGH! like the Orkz that bashed against me in unending waves when I played the Steel Legion's side. Maybe as I play more into the story, I'll begin to see battles where there is a proper WAAAGH! -The voice acting seems a bit less on par compared to the previous entries which were great and over the top sounding. It's not horrible by any means, mind you, just heavily filtered. I'd say more a meh than a negative, truly. Final Verdict: Despite my lengthy "not so good" section, it really is good. If you liked the original game, then you'll enjoy this one. If you're new to the series and looking to jump in, this is a great place to start at a cheaper price point. Would definitely recommend to War Game fans and Warhammer 40,000 fans alike.