n the grim darkness of the far future there is only war." So begins the saga of Game Workshop's Warhammer 40K. Perhaps the most famous science-fiction gaming galaxy on the planet, this universe has spawned a multitude of board games, miniatures rules, computer games and novels.
The Siege of Malogrim Hive collectible card game is the latest addition to the lineup. Developed by Sabertooth games, Malogrim Hive is not the first Warhammer 40K collectible card game expansion to hit the market, but it is the most recent. The cards depict the battle over a city in the far future. Called hives, these cities are industrial complexes that support millions of people while cranking out the raw materials needed by the rest of humankind.
Fighting over this mass of humanity and machines are Orks, Dark Eldar (read elves), Slanesh (read really bad, evil folks) and the Blood Angel Space Marines (read the good guys). Each starter deck comes with a complete, 60-card army, and the terrain specific to the Malogrim Hive game. It takes two to tango, so gamers need either two Malogrim Hive starter decks or a previously built army and a Malogrim Hive deck.
Play is at once similar to, yet different from, most other collectible card games. Cards—which represent vehicles, significant characters, fortifications and squads—are randomly drawn, and may fire or charge other units. A unit's firepower or assault rating is compared to the target's armor. If it's greater, the target dies. Of course, all this is modified by a slew of unique cards and situations. So far, so familiar. However, these battles revolve around five locations unique to Malogrim Hive. Players deploy a fixed number—it's never enough—of cards to each, and chose two of the five in which to battle each turn. Once three locations are captured or four turns completed, the game is over, and each side returns to its card protectors.
All the flavor, without any of the painting
Warhammer 40K is a flavorful universe, but the miniatures-based game takes quite an investment of painting time before gamers can enjoy that flavor. Not so with the Malogrim Hive collectible card game. A few bucks and players can be slinging bolter rounds with the best of their miniature-painting friends. These may just be cards, but they have the same engaging appeal as their 28mm miniature brethren.
For openers, the cards are beautiful. From the blazing guns of the Blood Angel's Squad Navarre to the sumptuous curves of the deadly vixen Nylreth, the art is rich, moody and totally Warhammer 40K. It's like having an army of well-painted miniatures without the work of painting them.
For closers, the game plays well. The concept of fighting numerous minibattles for control of terrain adds a strategic layer of decision-making to the already engaging card play. Deciding where to play each turn's reinforcements, which sectors to attack and which to hold creates a delicious uncertainty. It's the stuff of great strategy gaming.
And great strategy gaming is what this collection of cards is all about. Warhammer 40,000: Siege of Malogrim Hive is the collectible card game for those who want a serious challenge in their fun. A game that is not only beautiful but also engaging, Malogrim Hive is sure to please collectible card game and Warhammer 40K buffs alike.
What a super game. I love the atmosphere; I love the strategy. Keep those cards coming; my Blood Angels have their backs to the wall in the Cormoran Wasteland. I need help.
— Mark
Back to the top.
