Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 Review Summary

Improved level design and navigation, more enemy variety, and two distinct characters help, but combat feels worse than the original, with demo issues and glitchy, passive AI still unfixed.

Improved level design and navigation: Levels are more polished, feature better navigation aids such as maps, compasses, and direction arrows, and include stage gimmicks and branching paths. These improvements make the game easier and more engaging.

Expanded enemy variety and combat: The game introduces more diverse enemies, including named superpowered versions, Daemonettes, and increased forces of chaos, making combat more dynamic and satisfying. The action is faster, more brutal, and offers a strong power fantasy.

Two distinct playable characters: The inclusion of two playable characters—a Space Marine and a Sister of Battle—with different playstyles, abilities, and weapons significantly enhances replayability and variety. Many reviewers consider this a major improvement over the first game.

Superior sequel to Boltgun 1: The game is widely regarded as a worthy successor that improves on the original in every way. It retains what made the first game great while adding numerous enhancements and quality-of-life features.

Enhanced gameplay and performance: Reviewers consistently praise the game's fluid, smooth, and fun gameplay. Many note significant performance improvements with no stutters, running exceptionally well even on handhelds.

Gameplay feels worse than original: Multiple reviewers note that the overall gameplay experience is inferior to the first game, describing it as off or bad compared to the original. This sentiment is echoed across several clusters, indicating a widespread disappointment.

Unfixed demo issues persist: Crosshair and other demo-related problems from the previous game remain unaddressed, and community requests for settings like HUD and crosshair customization were ignored after the demo. This shows a lack of responsiveness to player feedback.

Accessibility options seen as cheats: Some players view accessibility options as cheats, and modern gamers who use them are identified by green triangles and gibberish dialogue. This reflects a divisive opinion within the community.

Enemy AI glitches and passivity: Enemies sometimes get stuck in moving animations instead of dying and stand still without fighting back, allowing players to shoot them easily. These glitches detract from the combat experience.

Terrain and door bugs: Players report getting stuck on terrain and a bug where they cannot get through a door, hindering progression. These bugs need to be fixed.

Branching Campaign with Mission Selection: The campaign offers a choice between missions at each step, leading to different playthroughs. Mission selection and branching paths are key features, with some choices locking other missions.

Boomer Shooter Genre: The game is described as a boomer shooter or run-and-gun shooter, emphasizing fast-paced action and frenetic combat. This genre classification aligns with its retro aesthetic and shooting mechanics.

Character-Specific Abilities: Each playable character has unique abilities, such as Nyra's Sister of Battle powers and Malum's Chainsword lunge. These abilities differentiate the characters and affect gameplay.

Navigation Tools: Map and Guide: The game includes a map and a navigation guide to help players find their way. A direction arrow is also available, enhancing navigation.

Stage Gimmicks and Level Design: Level design includes stage gimmicks, verticality, and environmental hazards. Levels also feature color key cards to open doors, adding variety.

Positive Performance Reports: Several users report smooth performance, citing 'buttery smooth' experiences, good handheld performance, and no shader or traversal stutter. These positive reports contrast with other feedback.

Performance Degrades Over Time: Some players experience worsening performance the longer they play, with FPS drops occurring without clear cause. This suggests potential memory leaks or optimization issues.

Severe FPS Drops on Nurgle: One user reports less than 20 FPS on the Nurgle level even with high-end hardware, indicating a specific level optimization problem. This is a critical issue for affected players.

Hard Crash in Second Level: A hard crash at the end of the second level was reported, which could block progression. This needs immediate attention.

Runs Well on Older Hardware: One user reports the game works fine in full HD on a GeForce 560 with 1 GB VRAM, showing it can run on older setups. This is a positive note for accessibility.

Fans of first game: Multiple reviews recommend the game to those who enjoyed the first Boltgun, often stating that if you liked the first, you'll like this one. This is one of the most repeatable recommendations across clusters.

Warhammer 40k appeal: Many reviewers note strong appeal for Warhammer 40k fans, including playing as a Sister of Battle. It is also considered a good entry point for newcomers and enjoyable even for non-Warhammer fans.

Boomer shooter recommendation: Several reviewers call it a must-play for fans of boomer shooters and praise it as one of the best in recent years. The feedback highlights its pure retro shooter appeal and brutal action.

General recommendation to play: A few short reviews simply say to try it, play it, or give it a go because it will be worth it. These are vague but positive endorsements.

Suitable for all skill: Reviews mention suitability for casuals via an open cheat menu, for hardcore players on maximum difficulty, and for average players. This indicates flexible difficulty and accessibility options.

Story completion: 4.5h.

Returning Franchise Fan: Plays the sequel as a direct continuation, expecting familiar campaign combat. Motivation: Continuing the Boltgun franchise and getting more of the same action. Stance: buy.

Retro FPS Enthusiast: Plays mission-based retro shooter levels with familiar structure and new chaos-god enemies. Motivation: Nostalgic retro FPS action that evolves the classic formula. Stance: buy.

Achievement Completionist: Hunts achievements and writes or shares guides for full completion. Motivation: Achieving 100% completion and sharing achievement guides. Stance: buy.

The Windows 12-15GB VRAM cohort reports a positive performance outcome, with smooth gameplay and no shader or traversal stutter in the available feedback.

Windows 12-15GB VRAM: positive. Players report the game runs extremely smoothly with no shader or traversal stutter.

Sequel improves on predecessor: Reviewers consistently compare this game to its predecessor and find it an improvement in every aspect. It is seen as a worthy successor that adds missing features and more content.

Campaign length and replayability: The first playthrough takes about 5 hours, shorter than the first game's 7 hours, but reviewers note there is still much to do, including optional routes and replaying with another character. The branching campaign adds to replay value.

Favorable comparisons to Doom: Many reviewers compare the game's feel to classic Doom, Doom 2016, and even Mick Gordon's soundtracks, with some claiming it surpasses id Software's efforts. It is described as the best-feeling shooter since the original Doom games.

Feels like an expansion pack: Some reviewers describe the game as more like Boltgun 1.5 than 2.0, essentially an expansion pack rather than a full sequel. It is compared to the first Boltgun in terms of quality and content.

Improved shooting and level design: Reviewers highlight improved shooting mechanics, more detailed environments, and better level design compared to the first game. The addition of open environments, a map, a compass, and quality-of-life upgrades is also praised.