There’s a certain charm in discovering a game after its initial launch, a sense of timing that feels both fortuitous and perhaps a touch guilty. For those who have followed Owlcat Games, this sentiment resonates deeply. Known for their ambitious role-playing games, Owlcat has carved out a niche that, while impressive, has often been marred by rocky launches. The latest title, Rogue Trader, is no exception, having received a lukewarm 59% from PCG weekend editor Jody Macgregor upon its December 2023 debut. Yet, like many, I found myself drawn back in, particularly with the release of the Infinite Museion DLC.
Rediscovering Rogue Trader
Much like its predecessors, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous and Kingmaker, Rogue Trader has evolved into a remarkable RPG experience. One of the key indicators of a successful game in this genre is the depth of character building, and Rogue Trader certainly delivers. After investing 20 hours into my first character, I found myself dissatisfied and decided to roll a new one, completing the first act in half the time. This newfound understanding of the game mechanics has allowed me to explore various builds, enhancing my gameplay experience.
In my latest playthrough, I opted for the “Daring” difficulty setting, meticulously crafting builds for both my main character and companions. After 30 hours of gameplay, I felt equipped to make informed tweaks to my strategy. My initial character was designed around what many consider the most powerful build: the “Death World Pyromancer Psyker Blade Dancer Executioner.” This build capitalizes on abilities that increase power with injury debuffs and allows for multiple actions per turn at the cost of hit points. While undeniably powerful, I found it lacked the excitement I craved.
In contrast, controlling the companion Abellard proved to be far more enjoyable. His build, dubbed the “Navy Officer Warrior Arch Militant,” was designed for new players and involved the thrilling dual-wielding of a sword and a gun. The mechanics were exhilarating; every critical hit or successful parry with the sword triggered a free attack with the gun, creating a dynamic and engaging combat experience. The satisfaction of executing a flawless strategy, particularly when I achieved a rare accomplishment of defeating an enemy without losing any shuttles, was a highlight of my gaming journey.
Beyond the combat, Rogue Trader offers a rich tapestry of RPG elements, including companion interactions, romance, skill development, planetary management, and trading. However, it is the turn-based combat and intricate build crafting that truly stand out, serving as the delightful foundation of this gaming experience. With the success of Rogue Trader, anticipation builds for Owlcat’s upcoming Dark Heresy, which promises to deliver a similarly engaging experience right from the start.
