Next-gen update 2021-07-26: Warhammer – Vermintide 2 has received a PS5 update, available free to those who own the game on PS4. This patch includes graphical enhancements in 1440p resolution, 60fps performance, and improved shadow and reflection rendering.
The arrival of the PS4 review copy of Warhammer – Vermintide 2 at our office shortly before Christmas initially caused some confusion. Developed by Stockholm-based Fatshark, this action RPG seemed like a title from the past. However, this was preceded by the original game (with the similar, but more cumbersome, title Warhammer: The End Times – Vermintide), released in the summer of 2015 for PC and subsequently for consoles. The sequel’s PC release actually predated the console version by 11 months. Now, in early 2019, we present our review of the sequel, based on the immensely popular Games Workshop license.
Vermintide 2 features visually impressive environments, although the console version does not quite match the graphical fidelity of the PC release.
Warhammer – Vermintide 2 presents a first-person perspective action RPG experience with a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay and elements of survival/resource management. Supporting both local and online co-op, it shares similarities with the FPS classic Left 4 Dead. In Warhammer – Vermintide 2, players form a quartet from a selection of five playable heroes, each with distinct classes, to undertake missions and defend the world against the Vermintide, the invading rat-men horde. This quartet can be composed of computer-controlled bots, similar to Dragon Age: Inquisition, other players, or a combination of both. Vermintide 2‘s core appeal lies in its engaging combat and relatively concise, diverse levels, where the objective is to locate three tomes (books) and two grimoires (a type of shrine). However, acquiring these items comes at a cost, limiting both inventory space and maximum health.
The combat is a highlight of Warhammer – Vermintide 2, offering significant enjoyment. Each character is equipped with both a ranged weapon (firearms or magic) that feels impactful and effective, and a melee weapon. Melee combat in Vermintide 2 delivers satisfyingly visceral carnage. Wielding weapons with force, the impact of cleaving through hordes of rat-men, magicians, monstrous beasts, and armored soldiers is exceptionally gratifying – noticeably improved compared to its predecessor, where the melee combat felt somewhat lacking in weight.
The brutal impact of the meat club/meat hammer against enemies provides disturbingly satisfying feedback.
The presentation on consoles is a mixed experience. While the graphics exhibit impressive lighting and environmental effects at times, the character models can appear overly simplistic, stiff, and reminiscent of up-scaled last-generation assets. Texture pop-in is also noticeable, and clipping issues can occur with environmental corpses, revealing simplistic 3D modeling beneath. Despite these graphical shortcomings, the engaging carnage and generally competent voice acting compensate to some degree. The voice work evokes a distinct atmosphere, reminiscent of a working-class pub in East London or Northern England, adding a touch of charm and humor.
A key addition in Vermintide 2 is the character progression system, allowing players to specialize their chosen hero. Each character, starting as a base class, can be trained to specialize in a different class, opening up new strategies, weapons, and team support options. The game also introduces new enemies, such as the Skaven, who, true to their name, spread chaos, noise, and deadly plague. The loot and development system has been revised, requiring less grinding compared to the previous installment. The developers appear to have drawn inspiration from successful titles like Destiny, implementing a more balanced and fair system in terms of time investment. Players receive loot after each completed mission, with the quality scaling to performance, ensuring a steady stream of new weapons for experimentation and customization.
Warhammer – Vermintide 2 might be perceived as a niche title, owing to its intricate role-playing world, replete with quasi-Germanic names (Bögenhafen?) and extensive lore. However, its core gameplay should appeal to a broader audience beyond dedicated Games Workshop enthusiasts. Even players unfamiliar with the Warhammer universe can find enjoyment here. Overlooking some presentational shortcomings reveals a genuinely engaging, if somewhat repetitive, action RPG experience that is best enjoyed with friends. Ultimately, that collaborative experience lies at the heart of a memorable gaming session.
Gameplay trailer (from the visually superior PC version)
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