Review: Warhammer: Vermintide 2 (Steam)

The sequel to the critically acclaimed Vermintide is a visually stunning and groundbreaking melee action game pushing the boundaries of the first person co-op genre.

Pros:

• Stunning graphics, The level of detail and fidelity is next level.
• 38143GB Download size.
• Steam achievements.
• Trading card drops.
• Full controller support.
• An opening tutorial that is like a mini level meaning you learn more about the game quicker.
• ARPG melee masher gameplay.
• Five character types- Mercenary, Ranger, Waystalker, Witch Hunter and Wizard. Each has different subclasses meaning you can change traits and abilities as you level up.
• Graphics options-Fullscreen, Resolution, V-Sync, FOV slider, Cap frame rate, Graphics quality, Texture quality, Particles, and physics.
• Xbox One and PS4 button icon choices.
• TOBII eye tracking support.
• Twitch support- Play against Twitch chat that can make or break games with enemies and item drops.
• Four modes of play- Quickplay, Custom game, Heroic deeds, and Twitch.
• The main hub is a huge castle that you can freely explore, Here you can change outfits, Craft, upgrade, salvage etc.
• Lobby browser.
• Full system messages to inform you of what is going on.
• Decent loading times.
• Weapons- you get one melee and one ranged.
• Hero power- This is your base stat based on damage, Health and weapon stats.
• Ability- Each character and subclass get a unique ability that charges as you play.
• Earn EXP from playing, top it up by collecting the tomes, Grimoires and dice and all players escaping.
• Level up to unlock new chests, items for crafting etc.
• Chests- Aside from leveling up you also get a bog standard crappy chest for finishing a level, You then upgrade its quality by grabbing the collectibles in the level.
• Four-player online co-op.
• Chaos faction is now in the game.
• Loot lust is back with rarity levels.
• Fast paced.
• Addictive loot/reward system.
• Easy control layout.
• Awesome over the top gore from dismemberment to blood splatters.
• Plays and takes a lot from Left 4 Dead.
• Elite enemies that act almost like mini-bosses.
• Special enemy types like machine gunners, Gas throwing arseholes or people that grab you or assassinate.
• Big intense set pieces.
• Huge open multi-route levels that look gorgeous.
• Superb voice work, Characters chat among themselves, They call out enemies, Routes or items.
• Fast matchmaking system.
• The game has a lot more RPG in it from leveling to the gear progression.
• Private/public host options.
• Difficult.
• Cleaner easier to read UI.
• Full salvage/craft table.
• People can join mid game, AI takes over.
• Deep combat system really as you can block, Push, weapons all feel different like Mace does a sweep attack.
• Tag enemies.
• Many enemy types like fast, Slow, armored etc.
• Enemies/routes/item locations randomize every game.
• Faster revive and heals mechanic.
• Level up and every so often you can pick a new talent but these are not locked so you can change them at will in the hub.
• Three acts to play then you unlock the final fight area.
• Player outlines through the scenery.
• In game text chat
• . Four difficulties- Recruit, Veteran, Champion, and legend. This determines enemy health, power and how many items you get. Plus side they reward better EXP and rewards.

Cons:

• Set pieces feel unexplained as you have more variety this time like transporting explosives, Hitting switches or buttons etc.
• Little communication options for controller users
• .No emotes.
• Game launcher comes up first but I couldn’t find how to turn it off.
• Not much fun in single player.
• Lackluster loot box openings.
• Cant equip from loot screen.
• You do feel a lot weaker in general. Healthwise.
• Difficult.
• Can get lost easily on some levels they are so open you just can’t get a bearing unless you are examining the player shout-outs.
• EXP feels real stingy.
• No dedicated servers so if the host quits all players lose everything.
• Lots of empty chests in the game.
• Knocked out of level means instant death.
• Bullet sponge bosses.