Not the WAAAGH you’re looking for
I’ve been a fan of the Warhammer 40,000 universe of video games since I discovered Dawn of War back in the day. While I have never gotten into the miniatures game (it is something I intend to remedy here soon) I always loved the grimdark future depicted in the many, many, MANY games that have been released based on the series. The problem with releasing so many games is that statistically speaking, you are bound to get more duds than hits; and sadly Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef falls on the dud side of things.
In Shootas, Blood & Teef (hereafter referred to as SBT) players will embark on a quest of vengeance against their Warlord. SBT will allow players to create a character from 4 available classes, while this is a nice gesture there really isn’t enough of a difference in each of them that really warrants the necessity for this. Over the course of the 4–5-hour game play there will be some fights that may favor the ability that one class can bring to a fight over another but ultimately, it’s not important, play what you like. As players move left to right mowing down foes, they will earn currency in the form of ‘Teef’ which can be used to upgrade weapons or purchase silly hats for players to wear on their Orks.
MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: Xbox (reviewed), PlayStation, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $9.99
Thus, the start of my issues with SBT, the fact that players literally will move left to right while only needing to occasionally platform made for a lackluster experience. The controls are another issue, they just feel stiff. For a 2D game that seems like an accomplishment to have stiff feeling controls but being able to aim at the many enemies who will appear above or below you is quite a chore. And since the entirety of this game is just played mowing down similar enemies with no access to any special ability or extra moves to spice things up, just makes this game end up feeling boring.
Luckily, there is some tactical variety to be found within the various guns that can be obtained throughout the adventure. There will be bosses and certain enemies that will require the use of a rocket launcher or a weapon with spread but using these weapons aren’t necessary to advance, it will just make the job of doing so easier. The Ork can execute a move and release his inner ‘WAAAGH!’, this will allow the equipped gun to fire faster for a few seconds. It’s not much of a special move but it can help clear a wave when players are overwhelmed.
One of the bright things in this slice of the fictional grimdark world is the colorful and playful art style. Developed by RogueSide, the art style is very similar to their other game, Guns, Gore & Cannoli. Boy this team loves titles with ‘commas’ and ‘&’ symbols. Even though traditionally W40K is a very dark place, the bright colors and things really work in this game for a few reasons. One of which is the fact that there is a light heartedness to the game, even though you are controlling a blood thirsty Ork who is apart of a war party engaging in what they refer to as ‘WAAGH’ which is just them raiding across the galaxy. Most of the Orks speak in broken english which leads to some chuckles from time to time.
Aside from the art there isn’t much to love here, SBT can be one of those games that players can use when they want to turn their brain off and just move and shoot. But beyond that it’s just another day in the release of a Warhammer game; if you listen to the podcast, we make the joke about how they come every other week and only 1 is ever any good. Even for the price of $19.99 this game feels overpriced, there just simply isn’t enough game here even with the ability to play 4-player co-op. With the sluggish controls and aiming, and no real change in gameplay other than scenery this one may not please The God Emperor of Mankind.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
