cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ninja/post/24117
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is an adrenaline-fueled, blood-soaked, action-packed game now available on various platforms. The game takes inspiration from classic first-person shooter games, offering a fast-paced, intense, and visceral gaming experience. As a player, you take on the role of Malum Caedo, charging through expansive levels teeming with the foes of the Imperium, armed with iconic weapons from the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Boltgun is set in the 41st Millennium, beautifully rendered with pixel visuals reminiscent of the 90s era games. Your rampage through the levels is accompanied by a heavy soundtrack. The game’s lead character, Caedo, is voiced by Rahul Kohli, an actor who has recently embraced the Warhammer 40,000 franchise and hobby. The game stands out as the first exceptional Warhammer 40,000 game since Dawn of War was released almost two decades ago.
Fans of 40K and the boomer shooter genre will appreciate Boltgun’s homage to the chaotic 41st millennium. The game includes linear maps filled with lesser daemons and cultists, directing players into larger combat arenas with powerful champions and ascendant daemons waiting. The levels offer an impressive scale, with setpieces such as a collapsing cliffside bastion and a warp portal throwing you into an endlessly looping maze of gothic arch bridges.
The atmosphere and rapid combat in Boltgun are augmented by a powerful soundtrack, reminiscent of the industrial heart of the fascist Imperium of Man. The audio-visual experience conjures up images of a Nine Inch Nails performance at the Vatican, adding another layer of immersion to the gameplay. This intricate detail extends to the enemies you face, from the familiar Chaos Space Marines and Terminators to more unique foes, such as the Aspiring Champion or the daemons of Chaos.
The game implements a unique system inspired by the tabletop Warhammer’s “strength vs toughness” mechanic, urging players to choose the right weapon to counter the toughness of the enemy. Remembering the strength of each weapon could be challenging during intense battles. However, after a few levels with each weapon, it becomes second nature, despite minor issues such as poorly conveyed grenade information and ammunition tracking.
The game’s arsenal mainly reflects the tabletop game vibes, with weapons like the boltgun and the shotgun causing widespread destruction. The melee system is particularly interesting, allowing you to fly towards the enemy with an outstretched chainsword. The chainsword can be used in mid-air, allowing for some impressive in-flight slashing, which adds a lot to the simple shoot-and-slash loop.
Despite some flaws, Boltgun wins over gamers with its impressive gameplay and attention to detail. The game pays homage to the Warhammer 40,000 universe with its low-poly models, immersive gameplay, and grim-dark industrial zones. Boltgun’s intensity and pace combined with its faithful representation of the Warhammer universe make it an enjoyable gaming experience.
Lastly, Boltgun manages to add humor to the otherwise grim universe of Warhammer 40,000. The game pays tribute to classic FPS games such as Duke Nukem, creating an over-the-top, gory romp that’s both a delightful jest for Warhammer 40,000 fans and a thrill ride for new players. Despite the humorous approach, the gameplay doesn’t lose its charm, maintaining a rhythmic balance between exploration and combat, and offering tiered difficulty options for players of different skill levels.
#boomer_shooter #boltgun #retroFPS #video_game
