published on: 04/07/2023
Author:
Sonic
World War I and the games don't get along very well. By its nature and historical epoch, it is a thankless and narrowly profiled topic. That's what the few games that deal with the theme look like. Small budgets, mostly B-movie concepts, partial mistakes, but also a bit of authenticity and fresh scenery. All this also applies to the new simulation of trench warfare Verdun, which with a little exaggeration could be considered an adaptation of Remarque's novel Quiet on the Western Front.
Verdun is an immersive, tactical First-Person Shooter (FPS) game set against the backdrop of the gritty and brutal trench warfare of World War I. The game was developed and published by Blackmill Games and M2H and since its inception, it has been widely applauded for its historical accuracy and engaging gameplay.
Cruel reality
If there's one thing Verdun and the feeling of the game perfectly captures, it's a passage from the book: "A queue is a cage in which one has to wait nervously for what will happen." That's what you're doing in this game. You sit in the trench and wait until you see someone, only to be killed by a stray bullet at the most unlikely moment. Verdun is a cruel multiplayer shooter that does not forgive, killing you in one shot, regardless of whether you are sitting in a trench or running around the map shooting at everything alive.
First and foremost, Verdun's greatest strength lies in its efforts to recreate the visceral experience of WWI trench warfare. The game utilizes a realistic setting, featuring mud-soaked trenches, dilapidated structures, and eerie, war-torn landscapes that create an atmosphere that is as distressing as it is compelling. The grim battlefield aesthetics remind players of the harsh realities of war and induce a sense of dread and tension that few games manage to capture.
Gameplay in Verdun is a strategic and cooperative experience. There are multiple distinct squads, each with its unique roles, allowing players to experience the war from different perspectives. The game places a strong emphasis on teamwork, making it virtually impossible to succeed without a coordinated effort. The Frontlines game mode accurately represents the ebb and flow of WWI battles, with each side alternating between attack and defense.
Verdun is known for its authentic weaponry. The developers have done a fantastic job of reproducing WWI weapons and their effects. The game also has a steep learning curve, and mastering these weapons can be challenging. However, once you get the hang of it, the gunplay feels satisfying and intense.
The game's audio design is commendable, with every gunshot and explosion reverberating with a level of fidelity that engulfs the player in the chaos of war. The visuals, while not the most cutting-edge, serve their purpose, enhancing the atmosphere and maintaining the bleak tone of the game.
Verdun also excels in the depth of its historical context. The game is filled with historical facts and details that reveal the developers' dedication to accurately portraying the era. It brings history to life in a way that is educational while being entertaining.
However, Verdun is not without its drawbacks. The game can be punishingly difficult for new players due to its high degree of realism and steep learning curve. While this level of challenge might appeal to hardcore FPS players, casual gamers might find it off-putting.
Partially, a kind of static game experience is filled by alternating offensive and defensive phases, which the authors followed by systematic respawn of players in waves to simulate their arrival at the front or offensive.
A relatively interesting and well-fitting element of the game, however, is the possibility of creating teams, which have their own specifics depending on nationality. Within your squadron, you can even take on a command role and summon primitive aircraft support.
In conclusion, Verdun is a challenging, intense, and deeply immersive FPS that offers a unique and historically accurate portrayal of WWI trench warfare. The game provides a rewarding and educational experience for those who persevere. If you're a fan of tactical shooters or have an interest in history, Verdun is a game worth delving into.
To a certain extent, the game does not use all its potential, which stems from its complete difference from other productions. But I'm not saying that it can't charm fans of games like Red Orchestra or Insurgency with its hardcore concept and inclination to realism in such a way that you even have to orient yourself only by the style or color of the uniforms. Can also create a great atmosphere of anxiety and fear, in which every bullet counts, and any running out of the trench at the wrong time is punishable by death.
Verdun certainly is not for Call of Duty players. But it will find its audience. You just have to realize what you want from a similar game. It's definitely not a regular shooter. Remarque describes his First War opus as an attempt to report on a single war. Verdun is exactly the same in nature. Technologically functional and slightly outdated, its content is surprising and fresh, but also still unfinished.