It’s still a long wait for Space Marine 2. But Focus Entertainment has given us a fine retro snack with Boltgun, a retro-style first-person shooter. It’s the best kind of Warhammer blast. It combines a classic presentation style with the vivid bloodshed we’ve come to expect from the Space Marines.
The original game remains a must-have, and if you still need a reason to grab it, then the Forges of Corruption DLC is for you. For a few dollars more, you get an additional horde mode, as well as a few more levels that serve as a bloody epilogue to the tale.
While not as full-fledged sized as the rest of the game, Forges of Corruption continues the joyous carnage that the original Boltgun was all about. We assure you, there’s nothing wrong with that.
Are You Up To the Challenge?
The Forges of Corruption DLC brings about five new levels for you to stomp your way through, with weapons galore and, of course, your trusty Chainsword (best weapon ever!) to make things up close and personal. You better be ready, though, as Focus is bringing the difficulty.
This new DLC chapter features a lot of tough enemies, and also introduces some new ones. The missile firing havoc Marines, for example, can really do some damage if you’re not careful. There’s also the Hell Brute, who won’t easily go down with just a few bullets. You’ll need to think your way through each combat scenario in an effort to survive. Trust us.
It’s all good, and those of you who pillaged your way through the original Boltgun will definitely be up to what this DLC hands out. For those that haven’t gotten through it yet, we advise you to finish the main campaign first before jumping in here, as you can prepare better.
Forges of Corruption plays just as remarkably as the original game, complete with shooting tactics and survival techniques. And the new Horde mode will test even the greatest of mettle. You say you’re a divine monster killer, but this little morsel will certainly question that theory.
You’ll get about four hours’ worth of gameplay out of this, and maybe more if you do some exploration. Not bad at all considering the meager price tag. And, also, did we mention more “turning hordes into meat morsels”? Because that’s obviously what drew you to Boltgun in the first place.
It Still Looks Divine
The folks at Focus know what made the original Boltgun work. That’s sharp level design that kept you guessing at every turn and ooey, gooey monster carnage. Well, there’s more of that in Forges.
The level design is more on-point here. There’s less chance of getting lost (something easy to do in this vast world) and more exquisite detail. You really get to see what the retro Warhammer universe is all about here, and we’re pleased with that. Plus the new enemy types look ferocious, and just begging to be cut down to size by you. (Happy to oblige, ya filthy animal.)
Along with refreshing visuals, the DLC also packs a few new tunes that fit right in with the rest. While not as awesome as, say, Doom Eternal, it fits right in with its old-school style. The sound effects are just as good as always as well.
Bless This Mess
The original Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a testament to old-school design framed around a much bigger universe. It’s one that continues to satisfy after a full year of play. But Forges of Corruption adds to that party. It has more carnage, a bigger difficulty curve and lots of new secrets to find. And what’s more, it’s relatively cheap. You can even buy it with the original game for a bargain price if you don’t own it already.
You owe it to yourself to jump into Boltgun’s universe before Space Marine II takes over your world in a matter of weeks. Just keep that trigger finger warmed up – you’re going to need it.
GAMERHUB RATING: FOUR (out of FIVE) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Focus Entertainment for the review code!
