Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PS5 review

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PS5 review

As a seasoned gamer who’s been battling through the grimdark universe since the early days of Warhammer 40K, I must say that Warhammer 40K: Darktide on PS5 is a triumphant addition to my ever-growing roster of games. The dedication Fatshark has shown to the IP is truly commendable, and it’s evident in every aspect of this game.

In my initial evaluation of Warhammer 40K: Darktide on PC, I commended the developers Fatshark for their commitment to the IP. Now, examining the PS5 launch, which is nearly two years later, it’s truly gratifying to witness that devotion bearing fruit.

The PlayStation 5 version, boasting all the content from its PC counterpart, offers a substantial gameplay experience. It’s brimming with intense action and gunplay that seems more refined and gratifying when played on a console. Additionally, it’s optimized for the PS5 Pro, taking advantage of its enhanced capabilities.

In the vast metropolis of Tertium, resembling an entire continent, the game Darktide offers a twist: instead of serving time in prison for your crimes, you’re spared due to an unexpected raid. Your new role? Conducting swift, covert operations deep within Tertium, targeting Imperium business. The less attention drawn, the better. This setup paves the way for one of the top Left 4 Dead-style games out there. The character creation process is meticulously designed, with a few key questions to shape your character’s background. This information influences the interactions and dialogue with your teammates, minimizing repetitive conversations.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PS5 review

Due to the popularity of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2 attracting novices to all things related to Games Workshop, it’s no surprise that Fatshark is taking advantage of this trend. The PS5 launch of Darktide coincides with the free Grim Protocols update, which includes a new endgame mode called Havoc, along with new weapons for three out of the four classes. Once you reach level 30 and complete at least one challenging Maelstrom mission, you’ll be able to participate in Havoc Assignments, which come with their own weekly challenges, objectives, and – not forgetting – fresh cosmetic rewards for your wargear.

Darktide’s player characters have been fine-tuned and upgraded since its PC release, making them better than ever. Whether you choose to be the fearsome Ogryn, the psychoactive Psyker, the quirky Zealot, or the charismatic Veteran, every class has a role in the team, and it’s not uncommon to have multiple instances of the same class in a squad. As the game’s challenges increase, good communication becomes essential, but if you prefer to play at easier levels, you don’t need much conversation once you’re familiar with the map layout and objectives.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PS5 review

The situation can escalate rapidly into chaos, making it risky to go solo since you’re more likely to encounter a dangerous foe and meet an untimely end. You possess a limited amount of resilience, serving as a protective barrier; excessive damage will deplete your Hit Points (HP), leaving you vulnerable until you can heal at a Medical Station. Since we all carry supplies like healing kits, ammunition, and enhancements for personal use or sharing, there’s a strong focus on keeping each other alive without necessarily communicating directly. Similar to games such as Left 4 Dead, an AI oversees the appearance of enemy mobs, useful items, and healing facilities, as well as the frequency of special enemies. In harder modes, these special enemies appear in greater numbers, making teamwork essential.

If you’re concerned about a drop in gameplay quality when switching from PC to console, don’t be alarmed. While there might be a bit less visual flair if you’ve been playing on a high-end setup with everything maxed out, the PlayStation 5 version offers both a 60fps performance mode and a 30fps quality mode. To put it simply, it performs exceptionally well in either setting.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PS5 review

This game stands out visually in an intriguing manner, though it may not be conventionally called “attractive.” The lighting is skillfully employed to establish ambiance, and each location carries a palpable sense of place, even if certain areas are somewhat too dimly lit. The character models, on the other hand, are distinctively rough-hewn, with minimal focus on aesthetic refinement. Given that the Warhammer 40K universe is meant to be grim and gritty, it’s no surprise that little effort has been spent on making things look more appealing.

In Darktide, the ambiance is so intense that you can’t help but get drawn in. One reason I opt for playing without voice chat is not only because others may make me feel uncomfortable at times; it also enhances the immersion to listen to the grizzled veteran behind me scolding me for stealing ammo, rather than some random online player complaining about strategic builds.

Interestingly, I’ve discovered that the shooting experience seems more satisfying on console than on mouse and keyboard, which I don’t use extensively. Even with a controller, there was always a subtle feeling of disconnect while shooting. However, on the PS5, it feels much more impactful. It might be due to under-the-hood adjustments rather than the haptic feedback features, as they weren’t accessible prior to the console’s launch.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide PS5 review

Despite any circumstances, Warhammer 40K: Darktide is perfectly timed for its release on PS5. The Grim Protocols update offers an excellent and free upgrade, introducing engaging endgame activities that keep you working towards unlocking new cosmetics and emotes. More significantly, it presents an increased level of difficulty for players who have already mastered everything up to this point. In fact, even the Auric playlist might be too simple for some gamers by now.

As a devoted gamer, I wholeheartedly endorse Darktide on PS5. If you’re fortunate enough to own a PS5 Pro, know that this game has been optimized for the new console, delivering an exceptional gaming experience. I can vouch for its smooth performance and stunning visuals on the PS5 Pro. It’s an action-packed game with a raw, violent edge, and it doesn’t shy away from its signature dry British humor – elements that fans of the series have grown to love. With its expanded content, Darktide promises to keep you hooked for hours on end.

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2024-12-02 21:16