That’s right guys Fantasy Flight Games’ Warhammer 40k Version of it’s blockbuster “Talisman” Franchise debuted last year at GenCon, and has proven to hugely popular!
It’s called Relic, and it may just end up being a classic board game in it’s own right.
We’ve been playing this great “Talisman powered” game since last August when FFG announced at GenCon that this project was on the way (and demoed it there for all to try)!
“A Warp rift has erupted near the Antian Sector, and under its baleful influence Chaos infestations and other abhorrent phenomena have surfaced. To face this threat, agents of the Imperium have come forth: Space Marine, Inquisitor, Commissar, Rogue Trader, and more. To succeed, such heroes will need skill and weaponry, courage and faith, and even the assistance of ancient and powerful relics.”
Checkout the preview trailer for the game, and the basic play is just like Talisman. However there is a definite 40k feel to it for sure.
You can play as a myraid of Imperial Characters from a lowly Cadian sniper to an Ultramarine Captain. The basic premise is to advance though the board reaching the middle for the “final showdown”.
As you work your way around the board to the middle to accomplish the scenario of the game (which could be one of many- each with its own unique effect on the game etc), you will encounter threats that allow you to the chance to power up your character by defeating them.
Of course characters can find / purchase bonus wargear and relic cards along the way, which power them up even more to help them defeat their enemies.
Speaking of enemies, they are actually themed pretty good. For instance, when you draw from the red threat deck you know that you’ll probably be dealing with an Ork or some sort of aggressor that uses the Strength characteristic to do battle. So plan you fights according to your strengths and may the dice be with you!
This game play is glorified by the expansive 40k universe and not some abstract world we have never heard of, like in Talisman. The board features such tiles as “Warhound Titan Bay”, “Space Hulk”, and even the renowned “Gardens of Nurgle” from the Realms of Chaos just to name a few.
The game pieces themselves, leave a little to be desired. I would have preferred actual figures to the “busts” they provide for the game, but we all know Games Workshop would never allow another company to make “it’s” figures.
That being said these busts still retain that high quality detailing and 40k theme that we’ve all come to know and love.
So I guess the busts are the next best thing, and actually lend nicely to the “far future” feel to the game regardless!
A neat silver lining to all this is, the Sisters of Battle just got their first new “figure” in ten years!
If you haven’t ordered yours yet, we still have copies of these available for sale now!
But don’t wait too long, because if the production problems with the X-wing Miniatures game are any indication, this game is sure to go out of print by the Holiday Season
Still on the fence? Checkout all the sweet details below, in full color HD even, on my un-boxing video below! –Enjoy MBG
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
