Boltgun: The Retro-inspired FPS for the Emperor’s Glory
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a first-person shooter developed by Auroch Digital and published by Focus Entertainment. As a fan and follower of the Warhammer universe, I was thrilled to hear about Boltgun, which has been dubbed as ‘Doom but 40k.’ While the game does borrow from Doom, it does so in a way that remains true to the Warhammer universe, and its gameplay is the focus of the game.
Being a child of Macragge, you play as a noble Ultramarine and son of Roboute Guilliman, tasked with defending the Imperium of Man from all that is heretic, mutant, and unclean. The game starts with your squad landing on Graia, only to witness your fellow soldiers die on impact. Your duty, however, is far from over; you must pick up your Boltgun and fight to defend the Emperor’s domain from all that threatens it.
While Boltgun is a retro shooter at heart, it is not devoid of narrative. As you navigate through the game, you’ll encounter characters and enemies that remind you of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, and the level of detail that has gone into the game is clear. From the fan-favorite “fluff” elements to gameplay elements, it’s evident that the developers understand and respect the 40k universe.
In combat, the game is fast-paced and bloody, with no health regeneration or cover systems. Instead, you must rely on your skill and grit to survive. You have access to a range of tools of destruction, including the Boltgun, Chainsaw, and Heavy Bolter. However, the game’s limited variety of enemies is a bit disappointing, and the level design can be repetitive.
Overall, Boltgun is an enjoyable game that should appeal to fans of the Warhammer universe and retro shooters. While it has its flaws, such as the limited enemy variety and repetitive level design, the game’s heart is in the right place. So, brace yourself and fight for the Emperor’s Glory!