Review by Jon Donnis
I thought I was playing Left 4 Dead but no, this is Warhammer: Vermintide 2, a completely different game, with different characters, in a different world! Ok, it's basically Left 4 Dead, in a different world with different characters. So, for people who have no idea what I am on about, let us pretend that we have never played Left 4 Dead, Vermintide 2 is a 4 player, online co-op, FPS, whereby you fight your way through linear levels, fighting hordes of disgusting creatures. You see! Completely different! If first-person, multiplayer, melee combat is you thing, then you will love this.
As I mentioned this is an online game, I think there might be a way to play this single player with AI controlled friends, but I couldn't figure that out, so don't take my word on it.
You can choose between 5 characters, each character has various weapons to upgrade, abilities to masters and so on. As you win battles you win loot boxes with better weapons, and your character level goes up, it is all standard fare.
This is a bloody game, so not for the squeamish, you will swing an axe and destroy your enemies face, so be prepared for that. With that said, there isn't much skill to this game, it is simple, hack-n-slash gameplay, and if you are coordinating with your friends as you play, everything is very straight forward, that does not mean it isn't fun or satisfying, because it is, it is incredibly satisfying if slicing arms, and decapitating weird creatures is your thing. There are also ranged weapons you can use, which in many ways end up being much more effective, that may be a Blunderbuss gun, or a bow and arrow.
Each level will take roughly 25-35 minutes to complete, the enemies spawn in different locations, so if you replay a level it is never exactly the same. Different levels will need you to do different things, one level will have you escorting a cart through a darkened mine, another level might be more of a "get from point A to point B" type affair. There is simply a lot to do as well as a lot to upgrade on your characters.
The Good
This is a fun game, the characters are varied enough that there really is a difference depending which one you choose, the weapons are varied, and when you find one you like it really will make a difference. The graphics are awesome, and the audio, everything from the music to the banter is all top notch.
The Bad
The in-game menus are rubbish, waste of time. And there are huge issues with the multiplayer, players will get disconnected, if the person who created the party disconnects you lose all progress. All in all, it spoils the game. I think if there is a single player mode (which I can't find) then that is what I would prefer, just having AI controlled friends on mission would play better.
Overall
I enjoyed the game, but this really needs 4 people who all know each other, and who have great internet connections, then you can get the best out of the game, without that the game feels a let-down at time and frustrations will creep in.
With that said, I see that it is also available on Xbox Game Pass, so I might download it there and see if it plays better on console.
With that said, I see that it is also available on Xbox Game Pass, so I might download it there and see if it plays better on console.
For the PC version however, I score this 7/10 - Fun game, but let down by poor menus and poor multiplayer.
Out now on PC (Steam) and Consoles. (Free as part of Xbox Game Pass)
Review By Jon Donnis
