Space Hulk: Tactics

First off, my play time is a bit exaggerated as I've left the game paused for extended periods. It's probably closer to 7-8 hours.
TL;DR: It's a solid tactical game with turn based play, and the negative reviews don't give it the credit it deserves, many seemingly complaining about issues the reviewer easily could have remedied, or about issues that so far have been nonexistent in my play through. Playing on standard difficulty. No graphical issues or game crashes. No prior experience with the board game.
Now, more detail. I've looked at this game a myriad of times, hesitant to purchase it due to the mixed reviews and the fact I've never played the board game. I remember playing one of the 90s Space Hulk games on my uncle's PC around 10 or so, and absolutely getting my ass handed to me before quitting. I've been wanting a rematch. I enjoy 40k, and I enjoy tactical games, but it took me until I saw the game on sale for 85% off to decide it was worth the risk. I'm happy to say it was, and I would happily buy this game at full price.
The negative reviews are blown out of proportion, and a majority of people leaving those reviews seem to have issue with problems they're causing themselves, and it's a damn shame the game has to suffer for it. To call out a few examples:
Existing Negative Review: 'Playing on veteran and the game is too hard, too unfair. It feels impossible.' Solution? Reduce the difficulty.
Existing Negative Review: 'The animations are too slow, and it hinders the game.' Solution? Open the settings menu and navigate to the animations option, where the speeds can be changed.
Existing Negative Review: 'There are no defensive missions, there aren't enough turns, and no good firing lines.' I'm honestly not sure how far this person played, as the missions have never felt rushed to me, regardless of turn amounts. The average seems to be about 12 turns, but some have more, and a rare few have less. I take about 2 minutes per turn to strategize and move. I can however confirm that there ARE defensive missions. So far I've played a few missions where the goal is to survive for so many turns, which requires defensive play against waves of enemies. I've also encountered a mission where an objective (specifically a console) needed to be defended for so many turns. I can also confirm that I have had absolutely no problem finding good firing lines in damn near every mission. I typically place my units on overwatch with vision down a 6-12 tile corridor.
Is the game slow? Yes. Is it hard? Yes. Is it meant to be? Again, yes. But it is also very rewarding. You have to think about every single move you make, where you're placing which units at the start, which corridor you'll have a line of sight down, how much AP each unit has left and whether it's enough for a defensive or offensive action, how much AP the Genestealer units have and either keeping enough distance not to get picked or putting a unit on overwatch to keep yourself alive... There are lots of little things to keep track of, but I have never once felt the game was unfair, and the gameplay feels tactical and smooth once you get the hang of it. It definitely won't be for everyone, but if you're on the fence, I recommend picking it up, especially if it's on sale.

When I first bought the game, I was very frustrated by the U.I. I didn't understand the gameplay mechanics, every match I played I got my ass handed to me. I watched a few videos about the game, along with a few about the board game. I came back the next day, and I've been crushing it. I feel like if you don't understand the actual board game mechanics then you'll be lost understanding how to approach the game. The gameplay is repetitive yes but it's based on a board game between 2 people, and it's only supposed to played a few times then put down for a while, this does not bother me. I like to plum the depths of derelict craft drifting in and out of the warp and that is tedious dangerous work. As the terminators you are pressured to move fast, if you don't the genestealers are going to overwhelm you. I like it now since I've taken the time to understand everything.

a very fun but brutally unforgiving in the early game.

Heavy Flamer does a lot to trivialize the difficulty but that point it is earned.

and those filthy Xenos scum deserve it anyways

I'm not sure what's up with the technical issues, bugs and crashes other commenters are experiencing, but after trying out the first few missions, I've found nothing of the sort, much less anything game breaking. As for the game, it's a pretty fun, mostly arcady turn-based tactics experience, meaning that you'll be playing more for the refreshing mechanics and the cool little ideas thrown in the loop, and less for the W40K lore, even if it's there. The voice acting and audio design are all excellent.

I can't understand the mixed review for this game. its pretty much spot on to the 3rd and 4th edition board game in regards to rules.
i like the fact theirs a decent narrative and commentary in between missions and game play is decent as well .
if your looking to brush up or actual learn how to play the BG on table top then it dose a pretty good job of teaching you the rules .

Despite the mixed reviews, I think this is a really good game. I like the story, I like the gameplay, and I like strategizing.
It is a little frustrating sometimes because some missions seem to have a 'set path' that is meant to be taken to ensure success on a mission, but I've enjoyed it a lot. I haven't touched multiplayer at all, so idk how it is.

I'm playing with great excitement because I'm a fan of the classic Space Hulk style, where the rules are unforgiving, and any mistake can be fatal. The maps follow the design of the original board game, and the first-person mode provides a "realistic" feeling of walking in a heavy tactical suit through claustrophobic industrial corridors. The action scenes are even more intense in this format.
Although the Indomitus Armor is known as a defensive stronghold and makes wielding heavy weapons easier, enemies can still tear an Astartes apart with ease. I appreciate the animations showing Genestealers striking weak points like the head and abdomen. Many players complain about how easily Terminators fall, but these creatures have claws sharp enough to rip through tanks to reach the crew. There’s no room for epic battles here, just a deadly duel in narrow corridors where the first to land a killing blow wins.
The game preserves the classic board game rules and missions, demanding extreme caution with every step and ability used. Any miscalculation can cost a Marine. The card system never disappoints, always offering some advantage, whether in action points or skill improvements.
The map interface is intuitive, and the gameplay rewards patience, turning every encounter into a real threat. Overcoming enemies feels incredibly satisfying; With each enemy killed, you feel great and more attached to the astarte. The campaign and story are simple, the models are stunning, and so far, I’ve encountered very few bugs, nothing that ruins the experience.