Warhammer: Boltgun 2, released today, builds upon the foundation laid by its acclaimed predecessor, Warhammer: Boltgun. The sequel aims to deliver a larger and more refined experience for fans of retro-style first-person shooters.
Set directly after the events of the first game, Boltgun 2 allows players to step into the boots of either the returning protagonist Malum Caedo or a new character, Battle Sister Nyla Veyrath. Malum Caedo is characterized by heavy hits and slower movement, utilizing familiar weapons like the boltgun and shotgun. In contrast, Nyla Veyrath offers a more agile playstyle with a different arsenal, including a flamethrower and a powerful crossbow. While players can replay campaign levels with the alternate character, the core gameplay shifts are designed to offer distinct moment-to-moment experiences rather than drastically altering every level.
A significant enhancement in Boltgun 2 is the increased variety in both environments and enemies. Early levels see players battling cultists in a gothic space castle, which then transitions to fighting zombies and other creatures in a swamp biome, and later facing snipers and demons in hellish landscapes. This diversity aims to prevent the repetition that some players experienced in the first game.
The level design has also been a focus of improvement. Boltgun 2 features winding pathways and interconnected rooms reminiscent of '90s and early '00s shooters, offering more dynamic combat scenarios compared to the more arena-focused encounters of the original. For players who might find themselves disoriented, a waypoint system is available to guide them to their objective.
Fans of the original Warhammer: Boltgun will find the core gameplay loop of brutal combat and satisfyingly destructive weaponry intact, now expanded with new enemy types, a greater range of weapons, and more intricate level designs. The developers have iterated on the formula to create what appears to be a strong contender for one of the year's best shooters.