Inquisitor is a miniatures game set in the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,
Released in 2001 by Citadel UK and Games Workshop Ltd., it offers players a deep and immersive experience in the sci-fi wargame genre. With a focus on narrative-driven gameplay, Inquisitor allows for intense one-on-one battles between players, making it a unique and engaging tabletop experience.Game Components of Inquisitor
Miniatures: 54mm scale models, which were a unique feature of this game. The quality of these miniatures varied, with some displaying excellence and others a rushed appearance.Rulebook: The book includes Gothic artwork, high-quality photography, and detailed rules. However, the binding quality was surprisingly durable despite common issues with Games Workshop rulebooks.Scenery: Due to the large scale of the miniatures, suitable scenery was often improvised, using items like stacks of books, Jenga blocks, and Playmobil toy castles.
How To Setup Inquisitor
Setting up Inquisitor involves preparing the battlefield with improvised scenery due to the lack of official 54mm scale terrain. Players must assemble their warbands, which typically consist of an Inquisitor or equivalent leader and several acolytes. The setup also requires understanding the complex rules and preparing character profiles, as there are no predefined character builds or point systems.
Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective
Complex Rules: The game features highly detailed and complex rules, particularly in combat, which made gameplay slow and cumbersome.Skirmish Combat: Players control small warbands in skirmish-level battles, aiming to achieve specific objectives within a narrative context.Narrative Focus: The game is designed to emulate the last intense moments of a dramatic scene, akin to the finale of an action movie.No Point System: Character builds are highly flexible, with no system for min-maxing or optimizing builds, relying on personal judgement and consensus among players.
Player Experience
Playing Inquisitor was often a laborious and time-consuming experience due to the complexity of the rules. Games could last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, with long turns causing players to lose focus. Despite the challenges, some players found the game to be a unique and engaging experience that pushed their hobby skills in painting and converting miniatures.
Pros
Unique Scale: The 54mm miniatures provided a distinctive and detailed playing experience.Lore Expansion: The game significantly expanded the lore of the Warhammer 40K universe, particularly the Inquisition.Creative Freedom: The absence of a point system allowed for highly flexible and creative character builds.Art and Production: The rulebook and miniatures were of high quality in terms of artwork and production values.
Cons
Complexity: The rules were overly complicated, making gameplay slow and frustrating.Cost: The game was very expensive, with each 54mm miniature costing $29.99, and the rulebook being a softcover at a high price.Limited Support: There was minimal official support for the game beyond its initial release, including limited scenery and models.Limited Model Range: The range of available models was slim and very specific, with few generic models available for broader use.
Personal Thoughts on Inquisitor
Inquisitor is for those who are deeply invested in the Warhammer 40K universe and are looking for a unique, narrative-driven skirmish game. However, it is not ideal for players seeking a straightforward or quick gameplay experience. The game’s complexities and high cost make it more of a niche product, appealing to hobbyists who enjoy detailed miniatures and flexible character builds. Despite its flaws, Inquisitor has a dedicated community and has influenced later games in the Warhammer 40K series, such as Dark Heresy.
We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.
