PGC NEWS

Warhammer Fantasy Battle, the predecessor to the popular Warhammer 40,000, met its demise in 2015 with Games Workshop’s “The End Times” event. This apocalyptic storyline paved the way for Age of Sigmar, a successor that wasn’t universally embraced by fans. One of the first games to explore The End Times setting is Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide, a first-person co-op action game that pits players against hordes of Skaven. Unlike recent Warhammer strategy games like Total War: Warhammer, Vermintide offers a visceral, melee-focused experience.

Alt text: Screenshot from Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showing intense melee combat against Skaven.

Deep, Challenging Gameplay

Vermintide’s four-player co-op structure draws immediate comparisons to Left 4 Dead. However, it’s not simply a clone. While the concept of four heroes against hundreds of enemies is similar, Vermintide offers a unique blend of action and tactical depth. Spamming attacks won’t guarantee victory. Mastering blocking, dodging, and positioning is crucial for survival.

Alt text: Screenshot from Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showcasing the game's dark and gritty atmosphere.

The melee combat is satisfyingly visceral, with responsive controls and impactful hits reminiscent of Dying Light. While not as complex as Chivalry: Medieval Warfare or Mount & Blade, Vermintide demands more than mindless button mashing. Ordinary Skaven are easily dispatched, but specialized enemies pose a greater threat. These include the Packmaster, who drags players away from their group; the Gutter Runner, who pounces and uses smoke bombs; the Globadier, who lobs poison gas; the Ratling Gunner, wielding a rotary cannon; the heavily armored Stormvermin; and the formidable Rat Ogre. These special Skaven types fill similar roles to the special infected in Left 4 Dead, and the level design also shares some similarities.

Alt text: Screenshot of characters from Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showcasing the five different playable heroes.

Diverse Character Classes and Loot System

Vermintide’s depth lies in its RPG elements. Five distinct character classes with diverse equipment options allow for varied playstyles. The Witch Hunter excels at mid-range combat with rapier and pistols. The Waywalker is a ranged specialist with a bow. The Dwarf Ranger, wielding axe/hammer and shield, is a powerful front-line fighter. The Bright Wizard provides crucial ranged support with area-of-effect spells. The Empire Soldier, armed with powerful melee weapons and shotguns, offers versatility in combat.

Alt text: In-game screenshot of Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showing a character inspecting a weapon.

Progression is tied to equipment rather than character levels. Higher difficulty levels offer better loot, encouraging players to take risks for greater rewards. Finding new weapons and gear significantly impacts gameplay, requiring adaptation and experimentation.

Alt text: Screenshot from Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showcasing the game's loot system.

The “Risk & Reward” system extends to in-game collectibles. Tomes and Grimoires offer better loot chances but come with drawbacks, requiring players to sacrifice healing supplies or health.

Alt text: In-game screenshot of Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showing a player facing hordes of Skaven.

Visual Design and Warhammer Atmosphere

Vermintide captures the distinct gothic architecture of the Warhammer Fantasy world. While level design might not be groundbreaking, the diverse environments, from the docks of Black Powder to the forests of Engine of War, effectively convey a sense of atmosphere and impending doom.

Alt text: In-game screenshot of Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide highlighting the environment design.

Technical Issues

Despite beta testing, Vermintide suffers from optimization and netcode issues. Performance can be inconsistent, even on high-end PCs. Occasional bugs, such as enemies clipping through walls or lag-induced glitches, detract from the experience.

Alt text: In-game screenshot of Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide showcasing the game's dark and gritty environment.

Conclusion

Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide delivers a compelling co-op experience with satisfying combat, diverse character classes, and a rewarding loot system. While technical issues hold it back, the game’s unique blend of action and RPG elements, coupled with its faithful depiction of the Warhammer Fantasy world, makes it a worthwhile experience for fans of the franchise and co-op enthusiasts.