GoKawiilIn the grimdark world of Warhammer 40,000, genetically altered space marines and fanatical Sisters of Battle fight a multi-front war against aliens and demon gods. There is no "good guy," there are no saviors and everyone is expendable, according to the grand calculus of the Imperium of Man. Entire planets can be snuffed out in an instant, and that barely moves the needle in the battle between galactic empires. Nothing ever really changes.
Maybe that's why the latest build of developer Auroch Digital's Warhammer 40,000 Boltgun 2 feels so similar to its predecessor. Maybe we're blasting through many of the same battles on rerun -- a common feeling in first-person shooter sequels. During a virtual press preview event showcasing two of the upcoming game's levels, an Auroch developer told attendees that the focus was on taking "what people loved about Boltgun and [making] it bigger and better."
When I got my hands on the preview levels, I found undeniable quality-of-life improvements and a whole new arsenal of weapons alongside the familiar hard-hitting gunplay and satisfyingly grotesque gore. But the big new features -- including a second playable character and more visually diverse level design -- don't feel like they meaningfully transform the sequel.
I'd be happy if every level in Boltgun 2 played like the ones featured in the demo, but so far I haven't seen much in the way of real innovation over the original.
Khorne worshippers are a new faction in Boltgun 2. They add some close-range intensity to combat encounters. Auroch Digital
More demons than you can shake a chainsword at
If you're a Warhammer fan just looking for another hit of FPS carnage, Boltgun 2 will be incredibly satisfying. There are more weapons, varied levels and a whole bunch of new enemy types for enthusiasts of different factions to enjoy.
Though I'm not extremely well-versed in Warhammer lore, I was pleasantly surprised to see Khorne cultists and disgusting new Nurgle-themed enemies scattered throughout the two levels I played. The original Boltgun primarily allowed players to pummel followers of Tzeentch, so it's promising to see so many new, richly detailed pixel art versions of iconic enemies (before you turn them into mulch).
Auroch Digital developers obviously love the tabletop game that Boltgun is based on, because you can see where certain mechanics have been lifted and adapted for an entirely different medium.
Shambling poxwalkers will regenerate flesh and mutate postmortem, returning from the dead to harry you once more. Khorne berserkers will fly into a rage when they reach a low health threshold, getting quicker and more dangerous. And demonic infantry units will mount up and ride steeds into battle.
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