Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun was a brilliant game. On paper, it was a really simple idea: throw a classic ‘boomer shooter’ and Warhammer 40K together and voilà, beautiful pixel-powered carnage. Well, Bristol-based Auroch Digital are back to turn everything up to 11 once again with Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2.
The original Boltgun was a true love letter to the classic shooters of the 90s, and the sequel very much follows that same path, but with a few extra toys and options to play with. This is very much a boomer shooter, where the main objective is to run, gun and turn anything that looks at you funny into a fine red mist.
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Picking up where the original left off, you once again step into the boots of Malum Caedo, the Ultramarines Space Marine who clearly has a very low tolerance for heretics. This time, however, you also get to play as Nyra Veyrath, a battle-hardened Sister of Battle, giving you two very different ways to spread the Emperor’s good word.
Your mission takes you across the galaxy as you face the terrifying forces of Chaos and the machinations of Vashtorr the Arkifane. It’s all suitably 40K, but let’s be honest, we’re not here for a philosophical debate about the fate of humanity. No, we’re here to shoot lots of things.
Singular Focus
Gameplay is once again fast, furious and wonderfully old school, with a whole arsenal of weapons at your disposal. From trusty bolters to devastating heavy weapons and the ever-reliable Chainsword, there are plenty of ways to make your enemies regret getting out of bed that morning in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2.
If you see Malum as a powerhouse who rips and tears without end, Nyra is nimbler and quicker. Each brings their own abilities and playstyle to the battlefield, which gives the action more variety.
Branching Paths
There is also a branching campaign, with different routes to take and more than 30 levels spread across a variety of locations. This gives you a reason to explore and return for another playthrough, especially if you want to see everything the game has to offer.
Add in a few side missions and interesting objectives and, while nothing is wildly ambitious, there are just enough tweaks to the killing to stop it from becoming humdrum.
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Visually, the pixel-art style remains a real treat. In an age where everything seems to need the latest shiny graphics, Boltgun 2 proves that art direction and a clear vision can go a long way. It’s gloriously gory, packed with detail and feels like a lost classic from the 90s.
The soundtrack of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 also deserves a mention, with Mick Gordon contributing his trademark heavy, industrial sound. It fits the carnage perfectly and makes every firefight feel like a battle for the very soul of the Imperium.
Old-School Division
The old-school approach won’t appeal to everyone. The relentless combat and challenging encounters can be overwhelming at times, while anyone looking for a slower, more cinematic shooter might want to look elsewhere.
Though, to its credit, there is a very healthy array of assists that you can turn on and off as you see fit, ranging from unlimited ammo to an old-school God Mode. This means you can easily tune the game to suit your needs.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 is a bigger, bloodier and more varied sequel that understands exactly what made the original so much fun. Auroch Digital has delivered another cracking modern boomer shooter that the Emperor would surely approve of.
