Have you ever wondered what would happen if the original Doom got in a fight with the world of Warhammer 40k? Bristol based studio Auroch Digital have andthen crafted a truly epic title from this fever dream. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is very much a blast from the past, but with all the bells and whistles of 2023. An FPS with core gameplay and an artistic style straight out of the 90s. Or if you’re a cool kid, you might call it a pure-bred ‘boomer shooter’.
The Ol’ Story and Shoot
For a title based around the art of killing everything, there is a surprisingly interesting tale running through Boltgun. One which feeds on all things Warhammer 40k, to the point even if you have a passing interest in the table top game you’ll be able to place this in Warhammer world.
Boltgun takes place on the Forge World Graia several years after the events of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine. You are Malum Caedo – a Sternguard Veteran Space Marine of the Ultramarines Chapter, sent by the Inquisition to Graia on a mission of great importance.
The Techpriests of Graia have been experimenting with the remains of the Inquisitor Drogan’s Power Source. And these experiments have resulted in the opening of a warp rift that allows the Forces of Chaos to invade the Forge World.
So it’s up to you, along with a helpful Servo Skull, to retrieve the Power Source the only way you know how. Fighting your way through the Chaos Forces one heretic at a time.
Retro-Mod
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun has a retro look and level design but is very up to date under the hood. You run, jump and blast your way around each level, fight evermore challenging foes and less favourable odds.
But as you slay your foes you’ll find new and powerful toys to help you out. From a heavy bolter to a plasma blaster and each adds a new layer to the combat.
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And remember, you are a Space Marine, so you are a weapon yourself. You can dash barge enemies, or just jump on them. Plus you have your trusty Chainsword to carve up anything that stands in your way. Levels are full of secrets to be found so exploring each is truly worth your time as you’ll often find power buffs and heath pick-ups from them.
Warhammer of Power
The game starts out as a bit of a power fantasy. You’re a Space Marine and can crush everything in front of you. But it soon turns up the challenge with more resilient enemies and ones that will take you by surprise if you’re not looking out.
This is a very smart move by the developers, to make you feel god-like to begin but then leave the player in awe (or dead) at the yet bigger and yet badder things that inhabit its world.
Controls are drum tight and feel great. This sort of precise motion is a huge plus for a blaster, as you rarely feel cheated if you fall. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun makes you feel like death is your fault for failing to dodge or grab a health pack.
And this only adds to the satisfaction of success and the invition to beat its challenges. That said, if you do become truly stumped at a section there is a ‘God Mode’ in the accessibility options.
Glory of War
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a pixel-fuelled dream whose aesthetic stands out in 2023. And the game has made the most of its choice of artstyle. It’s packed with detail and little touches. Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is glorious in motion as well as while poring over its art.
The sound of Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is epic. It’s powerful and dread-inducing in equal measures. What little voice acting on show here is very good. The fact you can hit the Y/Triangle button at any time and have your Space Marine shout some heroic nonsense to the God Emperor himself is an infinitely lovely touch.
War Homer
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is brutal, brash and in your face. It’s also clear to see just how much love Auroch Digital have for the franchise from the care with which the game was made.
Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun has some difficulties in letting the player know where they are and, more importantly, where they’re going. It’s very easy to get lost and turned around – especially after a firefight. Due to the lack of map system, there are too many moments where being lost slows the pace.
Fans of classic arena based shooters will love Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun. Newcomers will delight in the visceral blood-soaked fever dream it delivers, offering a perfect portal to a ‘what if’ past.