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Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Item: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2022

GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Science Fiction and Futuristic, Shooter, RPG, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer, First Person Perspective

AvailableNov 30, 2022

PlatformPC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperFatshark

Overview

From the developers of the best-selling and award-winning franchise Vermintide, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is a visceral 4-player co-op action game set in the hive city of Tertium. Fight together with your friends against hordes of enemies in this new Warhammer 40,000 experience.

Elsewhere

7.6

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

85%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The critics generally agree that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide features a dark and gritty story set in the Warhammer universe, with a premise that immerses players in a futuristic world filled with Chaos forces. Finger Guns appreciates the strong worldbuilding and environmental storytelling, while Windows Central highlights the characters shining through dialogues despite a weak narrative. The game's setting on the Imperial Hive World of Atoma Prime and the concept of playing as convicted Operatives fighting against Chaos forces are seen as engaging elements by Eurogamer Poland and God is a Geek, respectively. On the downside, multiple critics point out the weaknesses in the storytelling of Darktide. GameSpot mentions that the story may feel out-of-context and skippable for players not familiar with Warhammer lore, indicating a lack of accessibility for newcomers. Ragequit.gr criticizes the lack of cohesion in the story, with missions feeling disconnected and weaker compared to the narrative of Vermintide. SpazioGames and Hooked Gamers both note the story's lack of depth, with few impactful cutscenes that fail to enhance the overall narrative experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that while Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers a dark and straightforward narrative fitting for the Warhammer 40k universe, it falls short in terms of depth and cohesion. The game prioritizes gameplay over storytelling, as highlighted by Hooked Gamers, where the multiplayer mission-based extraction gameplay takes precedence. Despite some positive aspects like strong worldbuilding and character interactions, the general sentiment leans towards the story being considered weak, forgettable, and lacking in impact, especially when compared to other titles in the Warhammer series like Vermintide, as noted by Ragequit.gr. The mixed opinions on the narrative suggest that while Darktide succeeds in immersing players in its dark universe, it struggles to deliver a compelling and coherent story that resonates with all players.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide presents a dark and gritty story in the Warhammer universe, praised for strong worldbuilding and character interactions. However, critics point out weaknesses in storytelling, citing lack of depth, cohesion, and accessibility for newcomers. While the game excels in gameplay, focusing on multiplayer missions, the narrative falls short in impact and comparison to other Warhammer titles like Vermintide. Overall, Darktide immerses players in a dark universe but fails to deliver a compelling and coherent story that resonates with all.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

80%

Mixed (50-79)

20%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has received praise from multiple critics for its engaging and immersive elements. COGconnected highlights the importance of classes in providing customization and variety to the player's experience, while GameSpot commends the expert consideration and crafting of combat, pacing, and team builds. The emphasis on ranged and melee combat dynamics, as well as class synergies, adds depth and strategy to the gameplay, as noted by GameSpot. Additionally, Finger Guns appreciates the excellent gameplay loop with diverse mission types and unique abilities for each class, contributing to an overall positive gameplay experience. However, there are some criticisms regarding the gameplay of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Finger Guns points out balancing issues with weapons and difficulty spikes on higher levels, which can disrupt the overall enjoyment of the game. Twinfinite mentions that the melee-focused combat can feel repetitive and lacks variety, with classes feeling too similar and special abilities being limited. MMORPG.com also notes slow progression and the importance of equipment at higher levels, indicating potential pacing issues that may affect player engagement over time. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers a compelling gameplay experience with its focus on co-op missions, diverse classes, and intense combat mechanics. Critics like Ragequit.gr and SpazioGames praise the addictive and satisfying core gameplay loop, while Windows Central and XGN highlight the engaging and challenging nature of the combat. Despite some criticisms regarding balancing, repetition, and progression, the majority of reviewers appreciate the game's strengths in providing strategic gameplay elements, teamwork dynamics, and immersive first-person combat. The overall sentiment suggests that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide succeeds in delivering an enjoyable and engaging gameplay experience for players seeking cooperative action in a dark and brutal universe.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide impresses with engaging gameplay, customization through classes, and strategic combat dynamics. Critics laud its diverse mission types and intense combat mechanics, though some note issues with weapon balancing, repetitive melee combat, and slow progression. Overall, the game offers a compelling co-op experience with immersive first-person combat in a dark and brutal universe.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

36%

Mixed (50-79)

64%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide are varied but generally positive. Critics like Finger Guns and Hooked Gamers praise the stunning visual design, capturing the Warhammer 40K aesthetic with breathtaking views, detailed enemy designs, and visually-appealing dystopian sci-fi environments. The game's art direction, as highlighted by GamingBolt and XGN, is commended for beautifully crafting a dark world full of atmosphere that immerses players in the Warhammer 40K universe. Additionally, MMORPG.com appreciates the impressive visuals with Ray Tracing on, adding vibrance and atmosphere to the detailed environments blending industrial and religious elements. However, some critics express concerns about the Graphics and Visual Design of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Eurogamer Poland and Windows Central mention stability issues, optimization problems, and performance issues impacting the overall experience. The dark, monochromatic environments, as noted by Eurogamer Poland, can make it difficult to distinguish enemies from the background, while Twinfinite and God is a Geek criticize the repetitive levels and intentionally ugly character models affecting the immersion and variety in the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics leans towards appreciation for the game's visual aesthetics and art direction, with many praising the faithful representation of the Warhammer 40K universe. Despite some issues with optimization and performance, the detailed environments, captivating atmosphere, and stunning vistas contribute to an immersive experience for players. While there are differing opinions on specific aspects such as character models and level design, the majority of critics acknowledge the game's strengths in capturing the grimdark essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe through its Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics mostly praise Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's graphics and visual design for capturing the franchise's aesthetic with stunning detail and immersive environments. However, some raise concerns about stability issues, optimization problems, and repetitive levels affecting the overall experience. Despite mixed feedback, the game's faithful representation of the Warhammer 40K universe impresses many, offering players a visually striking and atmospheric journey.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

89%

Mixed (50-79)

11%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, highlighting various positive aspects. COGconnected commended the effective voice work, amusing banter, and synth-based score that elevated the frenetic battles, while Finger Guns appreciated the excellent sound design with stellar voice acting and immersive sound effects that enhanced the gameplay experience. Eurogamer Poland and GamingBolt specifically lauded the phenomenal soundtrack by Jesper Kyd, capturing the chaos and grandeur of the Warhammer 40,000 universe with bass-heavy beats and electronic music. SpazioGames also noted how the sound design effectively enhanced the dark atmosphere of the game with eerie mutant cries and fast-paced gunfire, complemented by an epic soundtrack fitting for the setting. Windows Central further emphasized the immersive sound design, highlighting distinct enemy sounds and clear player feedback that contributed to the overall atmosphere of battles. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, there were some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Ragequit.gr mentioned technical issues with optimization impacting the overall experience, despite acknowledging the positive impression left by the background music, especially during action sequences. This indicates that while the music and sound design were generally well-received, there were occasional technical shortcomings that hindered the overall enjoyment for some critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. The immersive atmosphere created by the sound design, including stellar voice acting, distinct enemy sounds, and immersive sound effects, was a standout feature for most reviewers. The contributions of Jesper Kyd to the soundtrack were widely praised for enhancing the game's mood and capturing the essence of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Despite some technical issues mentioned by a few critics, the general sentiment leans heavily towards the excellence of the sound design and music, making it a significant strength of the overall gaming experience according to the majority of critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics highly praised the sound design and music of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide for its immersive atmosphere, stellar voice acting, and phenomenal soundtrack by Jesper Kyd. While some noted technical issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the majority lauding the game's audio elements as a standout feature that elevates the gaming experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

83%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing the overall gameplay experience. COGconnected and Finger Guns both lauded the voice work for its ability to immerse players in the game world, with Finger Guns specifically noting that the voice acting complemented the strong worldbuilding and environmental storytelling. MMORPG.com also appreciated how the characters' banter during missions helped immerse players in the rich lore of the Warhammer franchise. This positive sentiment towards the voice acting was further reinforced by GamingBolt, who found the character writing incredibly strong, with entertaining banter between playable characters and well-crafted lines for side characters. The critics' consensus on the positives of the voice acting in Darktide is clear: it effectively adds depth, immersion, and entertainment value to the game. While the majority of critics had glowing reviews of the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, there were no explicit mentions of any significant negatives related to the voice work. It appears that the voice acting was generally well-received across the board, with no major drawbacks or criticisms mentioned by the critics. This lack of negative feedback suggests that the voice acting in the game was consistently strong and did not detract from the overall experience for any of the reviewers. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. The critics appreciated how the voice work added to the immersion, atmosphere, and storytelling of the game. God is a Geek highlighted how the voice acting provided context and interactions within the squad, further emphasizing its positive impact on the overall experience. The positive feedback from multiple critics, including praise for the amusing banter, strong character writing, and immersive lore-building, solidifies the notion that the voice acting in Darktide was a standout feature that significantly contributed to the game's success. The unanimous agreement among the critics that the voice acting was very good underscores its importance in enhancing the overall quality of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics unanimously praised Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's voice acting for enhancing gameplay with immersive world-building and entertaining banter. No major negatives were mentioned, indicating strong voice work across the board. Overall, critics found the voice acting to add depth, immersion, and entertainment value to the game, making it a standout feature that significantly contributed to its success.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

15%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

46%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, some critics highlighted positive aspects such as the game running smoothly on higher-end systems, as mentioned by Hooked Gamers, and improvements being made post-launch to address performance issues, according to Finger Guns. Additionally, XGN noted that the developer has released updates to tackle technical issues on the PC version, showing a commitment to enhancing the player experience. These positive aspects suggest that efforts have been made to improve the technical performance on the PC platform. On the flip side, the PC version of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide faced several technical challenges according to the critics. Issues such as long loading times, poor optimization, low FPS even on high-end hardware, and crashes during gameplay were mentioned by various reviewers like PC Invasion, Ragequit.gr, and Twinfinite. Eurogamer Poland also noted that no noticeable improvements were seen from the beta version, indicating a lack of progress in addressing technical issues. These negative aspects point towards significant hurdles in the technical performance of the game on PC, impacting the overall gameplay experience for players. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is mixed. While there are acknowledgments of improvements being made post-launch on the PC platform, the game still faces significant technical challenges such as poor optimization, crashes, and low FPS, especially on high-end hardware. The PS5 version, on the other hand, received more positive feedback for playing well and looking great, with stable performance and sensible control schemes, as highlighted by GamingBolt and God is a Geek. However, the PS5 version also faced issues with consistent frame rates during intense moments, as noted by Push Square. The overall sentiment suggests that while there have been efforts to address technical issues, there is still room for improvement to provide a smoother and more optimized gaming experience across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide on PC. Positive aspects include smooth gameplay on high-end systems and post-launch improvements. However, reviewers also noted issues like long loading times, poor optimization, low FPS, and crashes during gameplay. The PS5 version received better feedback for stability and visuals but still had some frame rate issues. While efforts have been made to address technical issues, there is room for improvement for a smoother gaming experience on all platforms.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

29%

Mixed (50-79)

71%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide are varied but generally positive. COGconnected praises the game for its cooperative action, variety of starting classes, and the promise of new content and rewards, indicating a strong foundation for replayability. Eurogamer Poland and Finger Guns also highlight the game's replay value through mission variety, difficulty levels, unique abilities, and a variety of missions. GamingBolt commends the game for offering hundreds of hours of playtime for groups of friends, with a fun crafting system and expansive talent trees. On the negative side, Hooked Gamers and MMORPG.com express concerns about the limited content, grind, and repetitive nature of gameplay, which may impact the overall replay value. PC Invasion and SpazioGames mention issues such as limited mission variety, slow leveling progression, lack of explanation in the progression system, and underdeveloped features, which could hinder the game's replayability. Ragequit.gr points out the absence of private lobbies and crafting as factors that impact the overall replay value of the game. Overall, while there are some concerns raised by critics regarding Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's replay value, the general consensus leans towards the positive side. Critics appreciate the cooperative action, variety of classes, mission diversity, and customization options that contribute to the game's replayability. However, issues such as limited content, repetitive gameplay, and lacking features like private lobbies and crafting do pose challenges to the game's long-term appeal. Despite these drawbacks, the game seems to offer a solid foundation for replay value, especially when playing with friends or seeking new challenges in endgame content. Critics like Eurogamer Poland and GamingBolt highlight the game's potential for extended playtime and engaging experiences, which could outweigh some of the mentioned shortcomings.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics have mixed but mostly positive opinions on Warhammer 40,000: Darktide's replay value. Praise for cooperative action, diverse classes, and potential for new content contrasts with concerns about limited missions, grind, and repetitive gameplay. While some critics see issues like slow progression and lacking features impacting replayability, overall, the game offers solid potential for extended playtime, particularly for groups of friends seeking challenging experiences.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has garnered praise from multiple critics for its cooperative gameplay, replayability, variety of classes, and effective use of the Warhammer license. COGconnected commends the game for its potential for extended life with continued developer support. Finger Guns highlights the strong gameplay loop, visual, and sound design as key strengths that could make it an incredible Warhammer 40K game. Hooked Gamers also appreciates the sci-fi co-op FPS experience, stating that while it may not reach the quality of the previous title, it is still enjoyable for Warhammer and co-op FPS fans. GamingBolt and God is a Geek specifically mention the great co-op gameplay, expert art direction, and immersive atmosphere as standout features of the game. On the flip side, several critics point out technical issues and unfinished aspects of Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. Eurogamer Poland mentions technical flaws and a lack of distinctiveness that may hinder its ability to stand out among other cooperative titles. GameSpot criticizes the unappealing visuals, lack of distinctiveness in levels, and issues with cosmetics pricing and rewards. SpazioGames notes optimization issues, incomplete features, and a lack of story, making the game feel like an early access title. Twinfinite highlights stability issues and a lack of content as drawbacks that impact the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Warhammer 40,000: Darktide shows promise but falls short in some areas that need improvement. While the game excels in areas such as cooperative gameplay, atmosphere, and potential for extended support, it is held back by technical issues, unfinished elements, and a lack of distinctiveness. Despite its flaws, there is a general agreement that with ongoing support and improvements from the developers, Darktide has the potential to evolve into a great game, especially for fans of the Warhammer universe. Critics like XGN and PC Invasion acknowledge the game's potential with continued support, indicating that it could become a standout title in the cooperative FPS genre.

TL;DR

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide impresses with its cooperative gameplay and Warhammer ambiance, earning praise for its potential longevity and engaging sci-fi experience. Critics note its strong gameplay loop and immersive atmosphere, but criticize technical flaws, unfinished elements, and lack of distinctiveness. The consensus is that while the game shows promise, it needs improvement in various areas. With ongoing support, Darktide has the potential to become a standout title in the cooperative FPS genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

109 reviews found

God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Dec 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40K: Darktide on PS5 is recommended for its solid performance, tight shooting mechanics, immersive atmosphere, and engaging cooperative gameplay, making it a great action game for fans of the universe.

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GamingBolt

PlayStation 5

Dec 4, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has grown into a fantastic title with great co-op gameplay, expert art direction, and plenty of customization options, despite its forgettable main narrative.

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Hooked Gamers

Dec 21, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An excellent sci-fi co-op FPS experience that may not reach the quality of the previous title but is still enjoyable for Warhammer and co-op FPS fans.

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Ragequit.gr

Jan 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers fun gameplay but has problems and shortcomings attributed to a rushed release. It is considered a worthy addition to Fatshark's Warhammer games but needs more polishing and support.

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COGconnected

Dec 1, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000 Darktide is praised for its cooperative gameplay, replayability, variety of classes, and effective use of the Warhammer license. Despite some technical issues, the game is off to a great start and has the potential for an extended life with continued support from the developers.

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XGN

Dec 28, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers intense combat, strategic depth, and a beautifully dark atmosphere, but was marred by technical issues at launch. With ongoing support from the developer, it has the potential to be a great game.

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MMORPG.com

Jan 4, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40000: Darktide is an immersive and fun experience that delivers graphically with RTX on, but loses some appeal without it. The gameplay is satisfying and challenging, but the repetition may leave players wanting more. The game has the potential to offer a unique experience for those seeking a challenging gameplay environment.

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Push Square

PlayStation 5

Dec 3, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic co-op shooter with strong gameplay and atmosphere, despite some shortcomings in technical performance and crafting systems.

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GameSpot

Dec 2, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Darktide is praised for its combat mechanics, pacing, and team synergy, but criticized for its unappealing visuals, lack of distinctiveness in levels, and issues with cosmetics pricing and rewards. The game is seen as a promising entry in the genre with fixable flaws.

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Windows Central

Dec 5, 2022

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide offers engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design, but suffers from major technical issues and limited optimization. Despite its flaws, it is worth playing for fans of the franchise, especially with potential future improvements.

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