Verdun

Developer : BlackMill Games
Released:
Platforms :
Action
Indie
Massively Multiplayer
Simulation
Strategy
Verdun Poster

" Authentic WWI multiplayer FPS with tactical squad combat but fragmented player base "

Verdun Review

Verdun is a historically themed World War I multiplayer shooter that appeals primarily to fans of military history and realistic gameplay. Players appreciate its authentic trench warfare experience, diverse weaponry, and tactical squad-based combat. The game offers a slower pace compared to modern shooters, emphasizing realism over flashy mechanics. However, the community has significantly dwindled over time, leading to frequent encounters with bots and empty servers, which diminishes the multiplayer experience. The graphics are considered dated, reflecting its age, but the battlefields are well-recreated to reflect the WWI era accurately. The developers' approach of releasing multiple separate WWI games has fragmented the player base, causing frustration among long-term fans who feel previous titles are abandoned and unsupported. This division has led some to view continued investment in the franchise as unwise. Despite these issues, Verdun remains a nostalgic and unique title for those seeking authentic WWI combat simulation.

Overall, the game is praised for its historical accuracy and gameplay depth but criticized for its declining player base, outdated visuals, and perceived neglect by the developers in favor of newer installments.

Highlights

Players especially praise Verdun's authentic WWI atmosphere, including realistic trench warfare and historically accurate weapons. The tactical squad gameplay and diverse loadouts create engaging, strategic combat. The game avoids modern shooter tropes like colorful skins or battle passes, focusing instead on immersion and historical fidelity. Its maps are well-designed to reflect varied WWI battlefields, which adds to the depth of gameplay. Additionally, the one-hit kill mechanic and slower pace are appreciated for delivering a gritty, immersive experience that stands out among WWI shooters.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include the severely fragmented player base due to multiple separate WWI games by the same developer, which splits and weakens the community. Many players report empty servers and reliance on bots, which reduces enjoyment. The graphics are often described as outdated and clunky, detracting from immersion. There is frustration over the lack of updates and support for Verdun compared to newer titles, leaving it feeling abandoned. Some players also find the gameplay mechanics less polished than more modern shooters, and complain about the absence of certain features like cavalry. Overall, the perception of wasted investment and poor developer communication is a recurring theme.

Pros

  • Authentic World War I trench warfare experience with realistic combat mechanics.
  • Diverse weaponry and factions reflecting historical accuracy and variety.
  • Tactical squad-based gameplay encourages team coordination and strategy.
  • Well-designed maps that accurately recreate WWI battlefields.
  • Slower-paced, immersive gameplay that differs from typical fast shooters.
  • No microtransactions, skins, or battle passes, focusing on pure gameplay.
  • Bots fill empty servers, allowing continued play despite low population.

Cons

  • Player base is severely fragmented across multiple separate WWI games.
  • Frequent empty servers and reliance on bots reduce multiplayer enjoyment.
  • Outdated and clunky graphics detract from the overall experience.
  • Lack of ongoing updates and support compared to newer franchise entries.
  • Gameplay feels less polished and refined than modern shooters.
  • No single-player mode; strictly multiplayer with low active users.
  • Developers' release strategy wastes players' investment over time.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price

Merciless trench warfare immerses you and your squad in intense battles of attack and defense. Verdun is the first multiplayer FPS set in an authentic World War One setting offering a rarely seen battlefield experience.

Release Date Apr 28th 2015
Publisher BlackMill Games
Developer BlackMill Games
Required Age 0+
Platforms
Authentic
Tactical
Fragmented
Outdated
Neglected

User Reviews

Very Positive (17,405)
89% Positive 11% Negative

Online Reviews

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Metacritic
70