Main menu

"Goodbye, Jean-Luc, I'm gonna miss you. You had such potential. But then again, all good things must come to an end."
- Q, Star Trek: TNG

Fantasy Flight Games Announces Deathwatch RPG

by Ken Newquist / February 27, 2010

Fantasy Flight Games has announced the Deathwatch Role-Playing Game, the much-anticipated third core rule book for Warhammer 40k. Players take on the role of Deathwatch Marines fighting a desperate war to restore Imperial oversight of the Jericho Reach. Space Marines are one of the most iconic aspects of the 40K universe, and I know a lot of people have been eager to get their hands on this sort of source book.

The book will use the same ruleset as Dark Heresy and Rogue Trader (so no Warhammer 3rd Edition-style-boxed sets here). It looks to be a more focused game; everyone plays some sort of Space Marine, each an elite warrior drawn from the ranks of Space Marine chapters across the galaxy.

I'm reading through Rogue Trader now, and while I think I prefer its mercantile mix of all-or-nothing trade gambles, utterly self-confident crew, and deep space horrors, Deathwatch may be a game I need to add to my library. If nothing else, I'm sure I could get my gaming group to play a one shot or two.

Comments

I used to play 40k all the time through High school and college. Unfortunately the game's change in direction towards a tournament format over the years left me on the wayside.

I was very excited when I heard about Dark Heresy. I figured I would finally have an avenue to jump back into universe I loved so much. Unfortunately the nature of Dark Heresy just wasn't what I was looking for. Ferreting out heretics wasn't exactly what I wanted to do on my return to 40k.

Then Rogue Trader was announced I couldn't wait to play. Sure, we haven't gotten around to it yet, but I'm super excited to try it out! And now they announce Deathwatch? NICE!

Someone at Fantasy Flight knows what they are doing!

IIRC three core books was always the plan, even when Black Industries was producing the line. FFG has just kept a good thing going (which, in and of itself, is certainly praiseworthy).

I echo your thoughts about Dark Heresy; it's just not my cup of tea. But Rogue Trader and Deathwatch look like they could be a hell of a lot of fun. Especially Rogue Trader, as it essentially sets up the PCs as major players from the word go. As opposed to Star Wars, where Binary Transports arranges one off deals, cargo runs, etc., with Rogue Trader the PCs would be responsible for first contact, exploring (and claiming) lost ruins, establishing Imperial colonies, etc. In fact, I think it could be an excellent way to scratch that epic world building itch that our group's had for a long time.

Epic world building is exactly what I thought about when I heard about Rogue Trader! I can't wait to give it a go! Actually I still need to get my book... I currently only have Dark Heresy.

Oh, and one thought for a Deathwatch playtest: Spacehulk RPG! :D