Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Xbox Series X Review

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Xbox Series X Review – Fast, furious and full of retro-style fun

Retro-style shooters have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, offering a blend of nostalgia and fresh takes on the genre. Among the many available options, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun excels with its high-octane combat and relentless action, delivering a fast-paced and exhilarating FPS. Whether you’re a fan of the franchise or new to the Warhammer universe, Boltgun gives you plenty of reasons to jump in.

I won’t dive into the story, as Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun doesn’t place much emphasis on narrative, and it doesn’t feel particularly important here. Like any Doom-style shooter, the main appeal is the fast, bloody action, over-the-top weaponry, and pure fun. It’s rare to play a game like this for the plot; the real draw is the exhilarating gameplay.

In terms of weaponry, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun excels with a diverse arsenal. The standout among these is the Boltgun itself, a heavy and powerful firearm that epitomizes the game’s brutal combat style. Its high damage output and distinctive firing mechanism make it a central tool in battles. Clip upgrades enhance its firepower temporarily, making it a versatile choice for various combat scenarios.

Classic weapons such as the shotgun, plasma gun, and machine gun each bring unique strengths to the table. The shotgun, with its spread fire, excels in close-quarters combat, allowing for effective crowd control. The plasma gun, with its charged shots, delivers devastating damage to larger enemies or groups, while the machine gun provides a reliable, rapid-fire option for sustained engagements.

Beyond these staples, the game introduces more specialized and powerful weapons like the Melta gun and Grav-Cannon. The Melta gun, known for its intense heat beam, is particularly effective against heavily armoured foes, melting through their defences with ease. The Grav-Cannon, with its gravity-manipulating projectiles, disrupts enemy formations and deals significant damage, making it ideal for tackling large groups or formidable adversaries.

In addition to firearms, Boltgun includes the iconic chainsword—a brutal, close-quarters weapon that brings an extra layer of mayhem to the battlefield. Wielding the chainsword is immensely satisfying as it tears through enemies with ferocious efficiency. It’s especially useful when you’re low on ammo or simply want to engage in close combat with foes. The chainsword perfectly complements the fast-paced, chaotic action, providing another fun tool to unleash destruction.

The level design in Boltgun is generally impressive, with enough variation to keep things engaging.  Each level features distinct themes and environments, ranging from claustrophobic industrial complexes to expansive, war-torn landscapes. However, the absence of a map can sometimes be frustrating when navigating these environments, particularly when exploring similar-looking areas. Fortunately, you can press a button to get directions to the next main objective, which helps mitigate this issue somewhat.

A diverse array of enemies keeps the action from becoming repetitive, and they often attack in large numbers. This forces a switch between weapons and effective ammo management, resulting in satisfying, over-the-top carnage. The shooting feels impactful and engaging, which is crucial given how much you’ll be doing it over the game’s 8-10 hour campaign.

Visually, the game delivers retro charm with its deliberately pixelated design. If that doesn’t suit your taste, you can adjust the settings to make the visuals smoother and more modern. Regardless of the style chosen, the game successfully captures the retro era it aims to evoke while integrating some modern graphical touches. The soundtrack is loud and fitting, enhancing the intensity of the action, while the guns deliver satisfying sound effects that add to the experience.

Some may be disappointed by the lack of multiplayer options, as the game does not offer co-op or competitive modes. However, the addition of a horde mode post-release provides extra gameplay variety, pitting you against waves of enemies for an added challenge.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Xbox Series X Review Summary:

In conclusion, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun successfully blends retro shooter nostalgia with modern gameplay mechanics, delivering a fast-paced, action-packed experience that fans of the genre will appreciate. While its lack of a deep narrative and multiplayer options might deter some, the game’s satisfying combat, varied weaponry, and pleasing level design more than make up for it. With its throwback visuals, impactful sound design, and thrilling gameplay, Boltgun is a must-play for anyone seeking a fun, old-school shooter with a Warhammer twist.