I’ve long been a fan of the Warhammer 40k universe, and the Space Hulk games in particular. I absolutely adore the old PC version of the game and it gave me nightmares (in all the best ways.) For those who don’t know, Space Hulk is very much like the best parts of James Cameron’s Aliens. You command a squad of Space Marines, lurking through dark hallways in spacecraft across the galaxy, trying to kill Genestealers and Tyrannid.

When I first saw that there was a card game based on that concept, I was skeptical. I found it in my search to find something that resembled the Space Hulk video game in board game fashion. Since I’m not usually one for card games, I assumed this might not be the best use of my money, but since the price point for Death Angel was so low, I figured, “What the hell?”

I’m incredibly glad I dropped the money on the game, though it took me some time to get there.

The game isn’t like a traditional card game, the cards are really the pieces set up like a board. You move from location to location, clearing dark corners and corridors of genestealers. The game is co-op and you, along with your Space Marine brethren have to work on a combined strategy that will keep you alive and allow you to eventually win the day. This isn’t an easy game in the sense that you’ll win every time. No. You’ll die. A lot. Your marines can start dropping like flies with some bad card pulls, and it creates a tension that’s hard to describe.

It takes a couple of times playing the game to really get the mechanics smoothly in the minds of all the players so you have a competitive, strategic game, but once you’ve hit that stride, there’s not stopping you. The game is easy enough, after that initial learning period, that I can play it with ease with my friends and peers, and my 11 year old son can play with us with no trouble at all and it doesn’t feel like we have to play down to him.

There are a variety of card decks that fill different functions (Marines, bad guys, events, locations, etc.) and they’re laid out in a formation that simulates the combat of being in a corridor fighting these things off. It gets incredibly intense, especially the further into the game you get. More and more genestealers swarm you and living seems like a daunting process. Each different duo of Space Marines have their own special abilities that you have to manipulate to the maximum in order to survive long enough to win the game.

I’d played this game a bit, liked it, and put it on my shelf for a while. Then, a few weeks ago, I pulled it back down and played with some friends. And it infected my brain a little bit. And then I played it some more with some other friends. And again. And again. And again. I played with just my son and I a few times, and with him and his friends. It’s infectious, truly, and that’s part of what makes it a great game.

It has almost limitless possibilities, so no game plays the same twice. It’s challenging, but not to the point of being disliked. It’s fun, even when you’re losing. And since you can play with any number of people, from solitaire missions to six people, it makes it perfect for any game party situation.

On some level, I’d prefer to have a board and actual Space Marine and genestealer figures and map out strategy on a map like Fantasy Flight Games like Descent, but I understand that might be cost prohibitive. You can find this game for less than $20. Adding in all the figures you’d need would put it well over two or three (maybe four?) times that. With the cards, you’re able to set up and play faster and at a lower price point.

Do I hope they expand this into a more complete board game? Yes.

Am I happy with what they’ve given me? Absolutely. The art on the cards is gorgeous. The cards themselves are of a very high quality. The game play and mechanics are top notch, and I’d expect nothing less of the Fantasy Flight crew.

In fact, since becoming invigorated on this game, I’ve bought every expansion and found them ALL worth the money.

Bottom line: if you’re a fan of Warhammer 40k and well-put together cooperative games, they don’t get much easier or fun than this. Yes, you’ll die a lot, but that’s part of the fun. I’m giving this a high recommendation and I’m dying to see what else FFG has done with the Warhammer license.

You can snag it from Amazon for less than $20.

And if you’re up for a game, you know how to get a hold of me.

UPDATE: I’m aware of the board game. I’ve looked for it in plenty of places. It’s out of print and preposterously expensive. I’d love to see this in miniatures format like Descent, like I said.