First Impressions of Warhammer: Vermintide 2

Introduction

In this article, we provide our perspective on where the game stacks up. At GGTV, we strive to provide thoughtful details and experience instead of a number to represent our overall impression of a game. Does the game hook you right away? First Impressions can leave long-lasting memories; bad, good, or indifferent. Today we take a look at Warhammer: Vermintide 2 five years later.

Vermintide 2 is charming and fun to play even with a slightly dated graphics presentation. It’s not without its quirks but ultimately even in 2023 what does this game bring to the table for someone who doesn’t know Warhammer but enjoys a fun game? Here is my first impression.

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is a first-person co-op action game set in the Warhammer universe, players cooperatively battle against the Chaos Army and a race of rat-like characters known as the Skaven. Vermintide is a mission-based action game that has players completing missions and collecting loot.

World

Vermintide 2 is set in the rich Warhammer Fantasy universe, however, the narrative takes a back seat to the fast-paced action. The story serves as a backdrop for the gameplay. Players looking for a deep, story-driven experience may be disappointed, but those who enjoy the Warhammer universe will appreciate the attention to detail in the world-building.

The game focuses on melee combat and will not wow you with misty landscapes, long-distance vistas, or pretty ray-tracing lighting effects. It will bedazzle you with a gritty portrayal of battlefield combat against hordes of enemies and mini-bosses/bosses that may have you running for cover at times.

The base game will have you replay the same maps over and over with not a lot of procedural generated variance like other modern games in 2023, however, what it does well is provide that sense of scale. I played several levels many times both solo and multiplayer. Even though it was the same map with the same enemies it still felt different. The enemy density ratchets up as you level up and play with friends while ultimately going toe to toe the competition like Dying Light, Valheim, and Left 4 Dead to name a few.

After you complete the main game, which I think most could do in 15-20 hours, it does open up more with the equipment upgrades, expansions, and the rest of the ancillary content that essentially provides more flavor to bite into.

Gameplay

Vermintide 2 offers a satisfying and challenging cooperative experience. Players team up to battle hordes of Skaven and Chaos forces in a variety of beautifully crafted environments. The combat is melee-focused and requires coordination between players to survive. There are five distinct heroes, each with their own unique abilities and weapon options, adding depth and replayability to the game. The game’s progression system, character customization, and loot system are well-implemented, giving players a reason to keep playing and upgrading their chosen hero.

Right out of the gate this game throws you into the action and it does not disappoint. The melee combat mixed with the wide POV thrusts you into the action that I haven’t experienced before. Don’t get me wrong, the game mechanics have been done before so certainly not unique. However, the presentation of the game design here is the hero.

Where the game shines is when played cooperatively with friends or other players online. Teamwork is essential, and coordinating with your teammates to survive the relentless hordes of enemies is both challenging and rewarding. The game’s strong community and active player base make it easy to find others to play with, enhancing the cooperative experience.

Vermintide 2 excels in replayability. The game offers a variety of difficulty levels, from the relatively accessible Recruit to the punishing Legend mode, providing a challenge for players of all skill levels. Additionally, with the release of the Free DLC Chaos Wastes, some of the game’s levels are procedurally generated, which has added to the replay value.

Sound, FX, and Music

Vermintide 2 boasts exceptional sound design. The audio contributes significantly to the game’s atmospheric immersion. The clattering of armor, the eerie skittering of Skaven, and the battle cries of Chaos forces create an authentic overall experience.

The special effects in Vermintide 2 are well-executed. Spells, abilities, and attacks are accompanied by eye-catching visual effects that make combat engaging and dynamic. The game does a great job of conveying the power and impact of various attacks with intelligently crafted special effects. Additionally, environmental effects like fire, smoke, and lighting contribute to the overall immersion in the game world.

The music complements the dark and foreboding atmosphere of the Warhammer Fantasy universe. It features an orchestral score that is well-composed to the tone perfectly. The music swells during intense battles, creating a sense of urgency and danger, and it becomes subdued during exploration segments, enhancing the contrast between moments of quiet and chaos. While it might not be as memorable as some other AAA titles, it effectively enhances your overall experience.

The voice acting is generally well done, with the heroes having distinct personalities and dialogue lines. Each character’s voice contributes to their uniqueness and adds depth to the cooperative experience. The banter and interactions between characters during missions can be entertaining and help build a sense of camaraderie among players.

Visuals and Graphics

The game’s environments are richly detailed, with a dark aesthetic that fits the setting perfectly. From the narrow, winding streets of the Empire to the sprawling, eerie landscapes, each location feels like a meticulously crafted representation of the Warhammer world.

The character and enemy design is top-notch. The heroes, each with their unique appearance and style, are visually distinct. The enemies, including the hordes of Skaven and the menacing Chaos forces, are equally well-designed. The grotesque and intimidating appearance of these foes adds to the game’s atmosphere and makes battles feel intense and immersive.

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating the game’s atmosphere. The dynamic lighting system enhances the immersion by casting realistic shadows, illuminating dark corners with torchlight, and creating a sense of danger and tension in certain areas. The interplay of light and darkness is used effectively to build suspense and enhance the overall experience.

Some players have reported occasional performance issues, particularly during intense battles with large swarms of enemies or when using advanced graphics settings. However, the Fatshark has been actively addressing these concerns through consistent updates as of the writing of this article.

Overall First 5 Impression

Even if you don’t know the Warhammer universe but enjoy defeating hordes of enemies with your friends or adventure on your own in Vermintide 2. This game is feature rich and fantastic fun. At the writing of this article the developers continue to support the game with consistent updates with the latest on Steam in June 0f 2023.

If you’re looking for an engaging cooperative experience with friends or a group of players, Vermintide 2 is well worth playing.