Should you’re unfamiliar with the phrase ‘boomer shooter’ that’s truthful sufficient as a result of I solely lately discovered about it. It’s a time period the web has coined to explain the type of pixelated FPS video games that dominate PC gaming historical past from the 90s, corresponding to Doom, Wolfenstein, Quake, and Duke Nukem. A number of of those nice titles are on Change because of fashionable ports, however now there’s a brand new participant on the desk.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a brand new ‘boomer shooter’ drawing heavy inspiration from the traditional FPS’ of the 90s, using a closely pixelated model and visceral motion to evoke one of the best that PC gaming has to supply from the period of Spice Women and Pogs. Equally to these traditional boomer shooters, Warhammer 40K: Boltgun is a no-nonsense recreation that focuses on killing, and little else, although it does function some good touches from its tabletop inspirations.
The universe of Warhammer 40K provides some good world-building and lends itself extremely nicely to this type of recreation. In actual fact, it appears exhausting to consider that this kind of entry within the franchise doesn’t exist already. From the cumbersome energy armor of the House Marines and the vicious whirring of the chainsword, to the ugly foes just like the Chaos Terminator, this franchise and the boomer shooter are like peanut butter and jelly.
I’m not totally up to the mark with the Warhammer 40,000 franchise, however some occasional dips into the videogames and a love of tabletop gaming imply I do know the gist. I’m knowledgeable sufficient concerning the world of space-faring heretics and spiritual zealots to get by, and moreover, there actually isn’t a lot to go on right here anyway. You’re a House Marine on a mission to destroy Chaos House Marines and daemons of Chaos. Sure, it’s going to be bloody.
Essentially the most spectacular factor right here is the arsenal at your disposal, together with your belief chainsword because the mainstay and a pleasant number of weapons besides. Eviscerate enemies with the titular boltgun, which fires tiny missiles, a shotgun, a plasma rifle, or extra severe weaponry just like the grav-cannon. What’s extra, you’ll be able to discover every stage and sometimes bump into non permanent further ammo sorts, such because the boltgun’s kraken bolts that may pierce by means of armor.
Whereas the quantity of weapons is technically small, between the discoverable enhancements, and extra gadgets corresponding to frag grenades, there are nonetheless a whole lot of methods to mess up enemies and loads of room for ways. Plus, the number of enemies forces you to rapidly change between them, as your weapon power solely works on enemies with matching power, so it’s sensible to avoid wasting the heavier artillery for the massive boys.
Talking of enemies, there’s a pleasant selection in Boltgun, in addition to a slew of fascinating ranges over the eight-to-ten-hour marketing campaign. There’s a whole lot of non secular imagery, dank dungeons, and lengthy corridors, however there may be nearly sufficient selection to maintain issues contemporary. Nevertheless, the pool of enemies may very well be barely larger, as even with the occasional bosses, the line-up of daemons and area marines does rapidly run dry.
There are nonetheless some good variations as you progress, such because the purge mode, the place when coming into sure areas, the display runs blood crimson, and you have to incapacitate a sure variety of enemies to proceed. There’s typically one thing enjoyable to connect to your weapons in these areas as nicely, so you’ll be able to actually go to city and revel within the glory of blood and guts. When Boltgun works, it feels superb.
One space that undoubtedly rapidly runs out of concepts is the extent design. Most ranges provide a pleasant stage of verticality, and hidden secrets and techniques corresponding to non permanent ammo rounds and everlasting weapon augmentations like further ammo capability are an awesome motive to discover. You additionally don’t take fall harm, so you must undoubtedly be benefiting from the area, leaping off ledges, and stunning your foes.
What’s tedious is the fixed want to seek out keys to open doorways, with little or no in the best way of selection relating to precise exploration. To not point out, with the heavy crunch of the pixels on display, it may well sometimes be a bit robust to make out the place you’re going or your subsequent goal.
There’s a sarcastic Servo-Cranium that follows you round like a demonic Navi, sometimes declaring ammo and hinting in direction of the best way, however it’s typically extra sardonic than useful. It’s not an enormous nitpick as the degrees are typically brief sufficient that you just gained’t ever get actually misplaced, however there may be nonetheless a bit an excessive amount of unintended backtracking for my liking.
There are some good choices for folks wanting a better expertise as a result of in addition to 4 problem choices there’s additionally the choice to activate invulnerability, in addition to unlock all ranges. So in case you merely need to mow down foes and sit back, the choice is there. In the meantime, if you’d like the traditional problem of a 90s boomer shooter, slam up that problem, and I promise that Boltgun calls for each your reflexes and your tactical prowess.
One factor I like is the presentation, as Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun knocks it out of the park by way of audio design. The soundtrack is suitably filled with spectacular rock-infused tracks that steadiness the depth of a 90s shooter with the grandiose ambiance that the Warhammer 40k universe calls for.
The sound results are equally nice with the satisfying squelches of enemies bursting out of your explosive rounds, the visceral revving of the chainsword, and a lot extra. Plus, there’s even a devoted ‘Rahul Kohli’ button because the Midnight Mass actor voices the titular House Marine, and a faucet of the X button provides you zingers corresponding to “none will survive” and “the Emporer’s shall be accomplished.”
Sadly there are some points with efficiency, as I’ve skilled slowdown with the scene being caught for just a few frames, in addition to the sport needing to pause and cargo in the midst of fight. I get there’s a lot occurring, however with such a chunky pixelated artwork model, I’m dissatisfied that my playthrough is routinely being interrupted and even placed on maintain. I’d actually love some patches to supply a smoother expertise.
Lastly, even after adjusting a number of instances, I’m nonetheless combating the sensitivity of the cursor. I’ve slammed all of the choices as much as the utmost, and nonetheless, my House Marine looks like a strolling fridge. I do know that matches into the universe, however I’d just like the motion to really feel a bit extra responsive. I particularly would actually love movement controls down the road, as they add a lot to the unbelievable ports of titles like Duke Nukem on Change.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun won’t break new floor, however it’s a violent and bloody riot that’s a few of the most enjoyable I’ve ever had within the Warhammer universe. A unbelievable visible model and unfold of weapons completely match the tone of the boomer shooter, and there are a whole lot of enemies ready to be slain over the 8-10 hour marketing campaign. I simply hope that we get some updates to enhance efficiency and presumably add movement controls.
For much more nice moveable motion, try our guides to one of the best cell shooters and one of the best Change FPS video games.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Change evaluate
Should you’re trying to explode daemons and eviscerate area marines, then Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a blast from the previous that honors each the legacy of the boomer shooter and the 40k franchise. Nevertheless, repetitive stage design, occasional efficiency, and an absence of movement controls are holding it again. I hope some patches or a sequel may also help the collection set a brand new commonplace for the style.