Fans of RPGs have been treated to a plethora of amazing games since the start of 2024. The abundance of titles in this genre alone can be overwhelming for most, even for someone like me who appreciates deep RPG experiences. After diving into my third or fourth 100-hour adventure, I found myself feeling a bit burnt out. Before the upcoming releases of games like Unicorn Overlord, Rise of the Ronin, and Dragon’s Dogma 2 this month, I felt the need for something different to refresh my gaming palate.
That’s when I rediscovered Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun.
I had known about Warhammer 40K: Boltgun since its launch in May of the previous year, but it got overshadowed by another game on my radar at that time. However, seeing it listed on this month’s Game Pass offerings prompted me to give it a try during the downtime between RPGs.
Little did I expect to be immersed in the role of a bloodthirsty Ultramarine on a mission to eradicate Chaos Forces from Graia.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun embraces its identity without any pretense. It’s a boomer shooter in the vein of the original Doom and Duke Nukem, where the primary objective is to ruthlessly eliminate any moving target while traversing maze-like levels. Despite the emphasis on speed and aggression, Boltgun still delivers a substantial and impactful gameplay experience. The sound of a marine’s footsteps resembles a heavy machinery, and each shot fired from the iconic rifle packs a powerful punch. The seamless combination of swift movement and relentless shooting makes you feel unstoppable.
What sets Boltgun apart is its ability to keep players engaged effortlessly. When not engaged in combat, you’re constantly scanning your surroundings for the next foe. From the immersive sound design and weapon feedback to the detailed pixelated gore resulting from your attacks, every moment of combat is intense and gratifying. The only concerns are when your dash ability is ready, how many grenades you have left, or which weapon to switch to next. It’s a stark contrast to the recent RPGs’ more strategic and methodical pace, offering a refreshing change of pace.
Unless you have an aversion to first-person shooters, I highly recommend giving Boltgun a try. Initially expecting a simple “turn your brain off” shooter to pass the time, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and quality of the game. It’s a pure power fantasy experience that is neither shallow nor lacking in effort. Whether you have access to Game Pass or not, don’t overlook Boltgun like I almost did.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is currently available on PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC, as well as through Xbox Game Pass.
