Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun Blends Modern and Retro Elements

According to Auroch Digital, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun is a game that should have been made in the 90s. This first-person shooter is set in the grim darkness of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and is a retro-tinged treatment of the genre, proudly wearing its inspirations on its sleeve. The game's lead designer, Grant Stewart, cites influences from Doom and mods like Brutal Doom, as well as more modern games like Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal. The team tried to combine the best elements of modern and classic games to create a unique experience. The game's visuals are a mix of old and new, with chunky pixel art on enemies and player characters, and higher-fidelity 3D graphics for environments. The team spent a lot of time finding the right balance between old and new, experimenting with different pixel densities and textures to create a retro aesthetic. Lead artist Mark Chambers notes that the team used many modern game development techniques to enhance the game's visuals, including lighting and shader effects, texture work, and particle effects. However, they also had to pull back on some of these effects to create a more classic look. The gameplay is also a mix of old and new, with fast-paced action and smooth movement. Stewart notes that classic retro shooters are not as fast as people remember, and the team wanted to create a game that was accessible to new players while still appealing to fans of old-school shooters. The team is not concerned that the game's blend of old and new elements will appeal to people's nostalgia for one era or the other. With an overwhelmingly positive review average on Steam, it seems that their efforts have paid off. The response from players has been universally positive, with many asking when the game will be released.