Talisman: The Horus Heresy (Classic)

GW, as always, is GW and can't let anyone touch their license Unless it's themselves to water it down

There's never enough WH30K in this world.

I can't believe they brought this back to Steam, after several years of being delisted and scalped on the key reseller market. It's a pretty awesome board game, Talisman but altered and adapted for the Horus Heresy with team play and several sub-boards based on the different battles of the civil war if you get the DLC. I'd played this quite a bit on my old phone, but now I can play it the way it was meant to be played, on a computer hooked up to a big screen to play with friends!

The perfect game.

Definitely better than the original Talisman, as it has a lot of engine and rule issues polished out. The implementation of the Horus Heresy lore is just a fantastic icing on the cake. Shame it can't be bought anymore on Steam

STRAP ME TO A PHOSPHEX MISSILE DIRECTED AT CALIBAN, MY BODY IS READY

I am so glad this is back on Steam. Was missing 2/3rds of the DLC. Thanks! Love Talisman!

The best Warhammer game ever. The perfect ratio of its over and we're so back. The reroll is an invention by Tzeentch to ♥♥♥♥ with you.

*Talisman: The Horus Heresy (Classic)*, developed and published by Nomad Games, is a digital board game that leans fully into its tabletop DNA while wrapping itself in the grim, war-torn identity of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Rather than attempting to modernize or streamline its foundation into something more traditionally strategic, it embraces unpredictability, chance-driven progression, and narrative chaos as core pillars. The result is a game that feels less like a conventional video game and more like a long, evolving board session where the journey itself often matters more than the outcome. The structure follows the familiar Talisman formula, where players guide a chosen character across a segmented board, gradually building power through encounters, equipment, and stat increases. Movement is determined by dice rolls, and each space introduces events that can either strengthen or cripple your progress. The Horus Heresy theme adds a distinctive layer, replacing fantasy adventurers with Space Marines, agents of Chaos, and figures tied to one of the most pivotal conflicts in Warhammer lore. This shift is more than cosmetic, as the events, cards, and mechanics reflect themes of corruption, loyalty, and large-scale conflict, giving each session a heavier narrative tone that fits the setting well. One of the game’s defining qualities is its reliance on randomness. Success is not purely the result of careful planning but often hinges on fortunate rolls and favorable encounters. This creates a sense of unpredictability that can lead to dramatic comebacks or sudden downfalls, making every match feel dynamic and unscripted. At the same time, this randomness can occasionally undermine player agency, as even well-prepared strategies can be derailed by a string of unlucky outcomes. Whether this is a strength or a flaw depends largely on the player’s tolerance for chance-based systems; those who enjoy emergent storytelling will likely appreciate it, while others may find it frustrating. The digital adaptation itself is solid, handling the complex rules and interactions of the board game with efficiency. Automated systems remove the need for manual tracking, allowing players to focus on decision-making rather than bookkeeping. The presentation captures the essence of a physical board game brought to life, with detailed character illustrations and thematic design elements that reinforce immersion. However, the interface can feel somewhat rigid, occasionally slowing down the flow of play. Actions are methodical rather than fluid, which aligns with the tabletop pacing but may feel dated compared to more modern digital experiences. Pacing is another aspect that defines the experience. Matches can be lengthy, often requiring a significant time commitment to reach a conclusion. This slow progression allows for meaningful character growth and a sense of narrative buildup, but it can also lead to moments where the game feels drawn out, particularly if players are caught in cycles of bad luck or repetitive encounters. The inclusion of multiple playable characters and varied outcomes helps mitigate this by encouraging replayability, ensuring that no two sessions unfold in exactly the same way. Multiplayer adds an important dimension, allowing players to experience the unpredictability alongside others, which often enhances the social and competitive aspects of the game. Watching opponents rise and fall due to random events can be as entertaining as it is frustrating, reinforcing the board game atmosphere. Solo play remains viable as well, with AI opponents providing a competent challenge, though the experience tends to feel more engaging when shared with other players. In the end, *Talisman: The Horus Heresy (Classic)* is a niche but distinctive title that knows exactly what it wants to be. It does not try to compete with fast-paced or precision-driven strategy games; instead, it offers a slower, more unpredictable experience built around chance, progression, and thematic storytelling. For fans of Warhammer 40K and digital board games, it provides a faithful and immersive adaptation that captures the spirit of both worlds. For players seeking control, balance, and consistent pacing, its reliance on luck and extended playtime may prove challenging to fully embrace. Rating: 7/10

Real talk: You will never win against AI. Ever. it has NO difficulty choices, and the dice rolls actually aren't random at all; they are a predetermined line of numbers that go the same way no matter what you do. Don't believe me? Try exiting a game and restarting that same turn. you will always roll the same way, no matter what. And you can't save where you choose, by the way. It autosaves to the most recent turn every time, and the game ramps power so quick that if you mess up once, you can't go back, and the AI just stomps you. How are you supposed to learn to get better at a game when you get your tuchus handed to you before you can really learn it? It makes me hate myself and the game. Please don't buy this game. Do not reward this behavior.