One really cool thing that we’ve seen over the last few years is seeing developers try to step up and fill the void left by Valve’s Left 4 Dead series. After all, it’s been so long since we’ve seen anything new in that series, and probably never will again. So, we leave it to the other teams to fill the void with their own co-op themed bash-em-up marathon of goodness.
Back 4 Blood proved to be more than capable of filling the void, but Games Workshop has been doing quite admirably as well with its notably cool Warhammer: Vermintide games. Now we have its latest achievement, Darktide, which arrives on Xbox one year after its PC debut.
The original PC game wasn’t bad, but its problematic progressive system and glitches left a lot to be desired. However, we’re happy to report that, with its arrival on Xbox Series S/X, it’s been cleaned up quite a bit. That’s not to say it’s the ideal port, mind you, but it’s certainly better than it was. And, hey, it’s just the type of game to bring your friends together and bash some heads.
In the Eyes of the Imperium
The game starts with you playing the role of a prisoner, eager to prove themselves to the mighty Imperium and the Emperor. Anyone who follows the Warhammer universe knows the importance of this, as dark and dingy as this chapter may be.
Anyway, you’re given the chance to “redeem” yourself by completing a mission alongside three other prisoners, usually something like reactivating a chamber that’s of use to the Imperium or taking something that belongs to them. Along the way, you’ll have to contend with enemy forces, using a melee weapon and a firearm and a special ability that can usually clear out a row of enemies. You can also level up and earn new weapons as you go along, including some nasty little numbers that can crush enemies flat.
The gameplay has a lot in common with the Vermintide games, as you basically bash enemies, move along to complete objectives, and repeat. But there are some cool elements here, such as the revamped progression system, which is way better than it was last year. Earning weapons and trust is much easier here, and it motivates you to continue onward towards Darktide’s endgame.
Online-wise, Darktide works well, connecting to sessions rather easily. I would’ve preferred some sort of offline practice session just for the hell of it, but maybe we’ll get that in a future update. As it stands, connecting to friends is a breeze, and working together to bash a boss into oblivion is cool, to say the least.
As for the gameplay, it’s pretty good. Provided you can get over the slight repetition that comes into play (there’s only so much enemy bashing before you realize you’re doing the same thing repeatedly), there’s a lot of good violence in this one. And working together with a team that knows what they’re doing is really fun, especially on higher difficulty.
If you’re looking for a solo affair, well, this ain’t it. But if you know a group of friends that are down to pound (enemies, c’mon now), Darktide just might be for you.
Not a Bad Looking Port
One problem I had with Darktide when it released late last year is how choppy it ran on certain systems, particularly my Steam Deck. However, with its debut on consoles, the game appears to be much cleaner.
For the most part, Darktide runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, with some hiccups depending on how quickly the screen fills with enemies. (It happens.) There are also glitches that come into play, particularly with the larger brute characters that are available. But, overall, it definitely looks better, and the blood flows beautifully in some spots here.
There’s also something to be said about the level design. It’s actually very cool, mostly in dark, dank locations that you can tell have that Imperium touch. This game oozes Warhammer lore, and Fatshark made totally sure to keep it going just as well as it did in the Vermintide games. Very cool overall, despite, again, the glitches.
As for audio, the moody music that kicks in is just about right, with that Warhammer touch. The voice effects are also good, with characters yelling things out often (like if they “nail” a particular special enemy or need some support to avoid dying), and even giving a line or two that tribute the almighty Emperor. Hey, why not? Throw in some sweet weapon effects and you have a game that’s ideal for headset use. (Your TV speakers will suffice as well.)
Hail the Emperor?
While I still prefer Vermintide II slightly over it (mainly due to more options at hand and the classy Victorian theme), Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a fun alternative to Left 4 Dead. The characters, though not entirely memorable personality-wise, have a lot to offer in terms of weapons and abilities; and the game is a complete romp with the right battle group. It also runs and looks better than its PC counterpart, and even with its minor setbacks, still delivers a nice page from Warhammer history.
You can try it out on Xbox Game Pass (or PC Game Pass) if you’re still unsure where you stand on it. However, if you’re a fan of multiplayer goodness like the rest of us, you’ll let this Darktide wash over you. How could you not trust the Emperor?!
GAMERHUB RATING: 4 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
(Thanks to Fatshark for the review code!)
