Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Nintendo Switch review – a bolt in the blue

In the event you’re unfamiliar with the phrase ‘boomer shooter’ that’s honest sufficient as a result of I solely not too long ago realized about it. It’s a time period the web has coined to explain the kind of pixelated FPS video games that dominate PC gaming historical past from the 90s, similar to Doom, Wolfenstein, Quake, and Duke Nukem. A number of of those nice titles are on Swap due to trendy 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 the most effective 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 effectively to this kind of recreation. In truth, it appears laborious to consider that such a entry within the franchise doesn’t exist already. From the cumbersome energy armor of the Area Marines and the vicious whirring of the chainsword, to the grotesque foes just like the Chaos Terminator, this franchise and the boomer shooter are like peanut butter and jelly.

I’m not completely in control 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 Area Marine on a mission to destroy Chaos Area Marines and daemons of Chaos. Sure, it’s going to be bloody.

Probably the most spectacular factor right here is the arsenal at your disposal, along with your belief chainsword because the mainstay and a pleasant number of weapons in addition. Eviscerate enemies with the titular boltgun, which fires tiny missiles, a shotgun, a plasma rifle, or extra critical weaponry just like the grav-cannon. What’s extra, you’ll be able to discover every stage and sometimes come across non permanent further ammo sorts, such because the boltgun’s kraken bolts that may pierce via armor.

Whereas the quantity of weapons is technically small, between the discoverable enhancements, and extra gadgets similar to frag grenades, there are nonetheless plenty of methods to mess up enemies and loads of room for techniques. 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 save lots of the heavier artillery for the massive boys.

Talking of enemies, there’s a pleasant selection in Boltgun, in addition to a slew of attention-grabbing ranges over the eight-to-ten-hour marketing campaign. There’s plenty of spiritual imagery, dank dungeons, and lengthy corridors, however there’s nearly sufficient selection to maintain issues contemporary. Nonetheless, the pool of enemies might be barely larger, as even with the occasional bosses, the line-up of daemons and house marines does rapidly run dry.

There are nonetheless some good variations as you progress, such because the purge mode, the place when getting into sure areas, the display screen runs blood pink, and it’s essential to incapacitate a sure variety of enemies to proceed. There’s typically one thing enjoyable to connect to your weapons in these areas as effectively, 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 positively rapidly runs out of concepts is the extent design. Most ranges supply a pleasant stage of verticality, and hidden secrets and techniques similar to non permanent ammo rounds and everlasting weapon augmentations like further ammo capability are a terrific purpose to discover. You additionally don’t take fall injury, so it is best to positively be taking advantage of the house, 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 way in which of selection in the case of precise exploration. To not point out, with the heavy crunch of the pixels on display screen, it may possibly sometimes be a bit of 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 way in which, however it’s typically extra sardonic than useful. It’s not an enormous nitpick as the degrees are typically brief sufficient that you simply received’t ever get really misplaced, however there’s nonetheless a bit of an excessive amount of unintended backtracking for my liking.

There are some good choices for individuals wanting a neater 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 should you merely wish to mow down foes and relax, the choice is there. In the meantime, in order for you 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 aspect I am keen on is the presentation, as Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun knocks it out of the park when it comes to audio design. The soundtrack is suitably stuffed 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 Area Marine, and a faucet of the X button offers you zingers similar to “none will survive” and “the Emporer’s will likely be carried out.”

Sadly there are some points with efficiency, as I’ve skilled slowdown with the scene being caught for a couple of frames, in addition to the sport needing to pause and cargo in the midst of fight. I get there’s a lot happening, however with such a chunky pixelated artwork model, I’m upset 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 occasions, I’m nonetheless battling the sensitivity of the cursor. I’ve slammed all of the choices as much as the utmost, and nonetheless, my Area Marine seems like a strolling fridge. I do know that matches into the universe, however I’d just like the motion to really feel a bit of extra responsive. I particularly would actually love movement controls down the road, as they add a lot to the incredible ports of titles like Duke Nukem on Swap.

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 incredible visible model and unfold of weapons completely match the tone of the boomer shooter, and there are plenty 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 transportable motion, try our guides to the most effective cellular shooters and the most effective Swap FPS video games.