Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

 Switch
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 5 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 5
  3. Negative: 0 out of 5
  1. Pocket Tactics
    Jun 1, 2023
    80
    If you’re looking to explode daemons and eviscerate space marines, then Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a blast from the past that honors both the legacy of the boomer shooter and the 40k franchise. However, repetitive level design, occasional performance, and a lack of motion controls are holding it back. I hope some patches or a sequel can help the series set a new standard for the genre.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
  1. bitterologist
    Jul 30, 2023
    8
    This is a pretty straightforward boomer shooter, basically Brutal Doom but set in the Warhammer 40k universe. The developers also trulyThis is a pretty straightforward boomer shooter, basically Brutal Doom but set in the Warhammer 40k universe. The developers also truly understand that Warhammer 40k is satire and not supposed to be taken to seriously, nailing the over the top tone and aesthetic that is so characteristic of this universe. The basic gameplay is satisfying, with guns that feel really good and impactful and a protagonist that feels tanky and at the same time quite mobile. Overall, the experience is one of solid, uncomplicated fun.

    There are a few minor shortcomings. The lack of a map really hurts the game, and I often found myself lost in the sometimes not very clearly signposted levels. Starting each new chapter with only your basic gun made the game significantly less fun. And enemy variety is somewhat lacking, making for an experience that is not that varied.

    Performance on the switch is mostly fine. There are the occasional slowdowns and stutters due to loading, but most of the time it manages to keep a steady 30fps. The autosave system is, however, somewhat broken, at times saving when you are in the middle of a fight and down to almost no health. The few times this has happened, I have made use of God mode in the accessibility options to not have to restart the entire level – I wouldn't really call this a fix exactly, but it at least makes this issue way less annoying than it could have been.

    Accessibility options and options in general are quite impressive for a smaller game like this. You can activate God mode and unlimited ammo straight from the menu, which is great for small kids wanting to join in on the fun. The retro graphics can be tweaked on a quite granular level, and there is even an FOV slider.    … Full Review »
  2. ShiroC137
    Jun 25, 2023
    7
    Boltgun is a really fun retro shooter, that gets a little bit boring till the end
    But I can recommend it for every Warhammer Fan and every Fan    Boltgun is a really fun retro shooter, that gets a little bit boring till the end
    But I can recommend it for every Warhammer Fan and every Fan of Doom like games.    … Full Review »
  3. bhanussek
    Aug 24, 2023
    9
    Boltgun (Auroch Digital/Focus Entertainment 2023) is a video game that marries the nostalgia of 90s shooters with contemporary game design,Boltgun (Auroch Digital/Focus Entertainment 2023) is a video game that marries the nostalgia of 90s shooters with contemporary game design, while paying homage to the Warhammer 40k universe. Here some reasons why it is already on my Top 10 list of 2023.

    Boltgun stands as a testament to its homage to 90s shooters, a feat that has been widely acclaimed by the gaming community. The game effortlessly emulates the high-octane action and pixelated aesthetic that characterized iconic titles of that era. The pixel art style, reminiscent of Doom and Quake, serves as a nostalgic bridge, invoking fond memories of fast-paced shooting gameplay. The fluid movement, non-stop action, and classic sound cues collectively evoke a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply with players familiar with the golden age of shooters.

    The level design in Boltgun balances between dynamic and sometimes claustrophobic segments, and atmospheric and more exploratory ones. The game’s levels are intricate without being convoluted, offering players a stimulating experience without overwhelming them. The dynamic architecture not only encourages exploration but also rewards it, with secrets (of which I have barely found any) and challenges that cater to both veterans and newcomers. The simplicity of the design ensures that players can readily engage without sacrificing depth, cultivating an enjoyable and approachable gameplay experience. Boltgun’s audiovisual aesthetics are an unequivocal triumph, reflecting a deep respect for the Warhammer 40k universe. The game’s visuals meticulously replicate the dark and gritty atmosphere that the franchise is celebrated for. The character models, environment textures, and atmospheric soundscapes come extremly well together to immerse players into the Warhammer 40k universe. The fidelity to the source material breathes authenticity into the game, making it a feast for both the eyes and ears of fans.

    One of Boltgun’s defining features is its meticulously curated weapon arsenal. Rather than inundating players with an excess of choices, the game presents a limited selection of weapons, each serving a distinct purpose. This design philosophy enhances gameplay by focusing on strategic decision-making rather than overwhelming players with options. Players are encouraged to exploit the strengths of each weapon, contributing to the seamless flow of combat and preserving the engagement without unnecessary complexity. Boltgun excels in delivering a fluid gameplay experience characterized by well-paced action, responsive controls, and seamless integration of movement and combat. The fluidity of movement allows players to traverse the game world with agility, while the responsive controls enhance the sense of agency and immersion. Pacing is deftly managed, oscillating between intense action sequences and moments of respite, resulting in a gameplay rhythm that holds players captivated throughout their journey.

    Despite its strengths, Boltgun does encounter certain pitfalls. The Nintendo Switch port, particularly in situations with numerous enemies on screen, grapples with significant frame rate drops. This technical limitation detracts from the immersive experience and can hamper player engagement during intense encounters. Additionally, the game’s difficulty levels exhibit an unfortunate inconsistency, vacillating swiftly from very easy to remarkably difficult scenarios. This abrupt shift disrupts the player’s sense of progression and may alienate those seeking a balanced challenge.

    Boltgun triumphs as a synthesis of nostalgia and contemporary game design. Through its homage to 90s shooters, dynamic yet simple level design, adherence to Warhammer 40k aesthetics, streamlined weapon selection, fluid gameplay, and diverse enemy encounters, the game resonates deeply with both seasoned gamers and newcomers.    … Full Review »
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