Excerpt from Malum Caedos journal

cross-posted from: lemmy.ninja/post/25011

https://lemmy.ninja/pictrs/image/36a8d7fc-4f4d-4800-8a3a-7a7fef3e11c0.jpeg

In the Emperor’s name, I recount my engagement within the digital battleground known as Boltgun, a visceral, rapid-fire test of might, reminiscent of the battles of the Great Crusade. It harks back to the early days of warfare simulations, replete with enemies of the Imperium and the might of our Astartes arsenal.

This simulation thrusts me, Brother Malum Caedo of the Ultramarines, into intense scenarios teeming with the heretical and the alien. This engagement spans various arenas reminiscent of our 41st Millennium, rendered in a style befitting of pict-records from a time long past. Amidst the ceaseless battle, a thunderous score echoes, adding weight to each bolter round and chainsword strike. My own battle cry, as relayed through this medium, is carried by the talented Rahul Kohli, a recent adherent of our glorious Warhammer 40,000 cause.

Boltgun honors the grim darkness of our 41st Millennium. The battlegrounds are vast, leading me through ranks of petty cultists and lesser daemons, before ushering me into grand arenas where champions of the Ruinous Powers await. These terrains are monumental, evoking both the majesty and terror of our Imperium, such as a crumbling bastion on the edge of oblivion or an endless maze of gothic arches within a warp portal.

The echoing symphony of war, paired with the visuals, conveys a sensation akin to a grand orchestra held within the Ecclesiarchy’s grandest cathedrums, adding depth to the simulation. The heretical forces faced within this battle are diverse, ranging from the recognizable forms of the Traitor Marines and their Terminator elites to lesser-known adversaries like Aspiring Champions and the various daemons of the warp.

In a commendable attempt to mirror the trials of actual combat, Boltgun utilizes a system influenced by our tabletop war games. This “strength vs toughness” approach requires careful weapon selection based on enemy resilience. Although the early stages of this system were daunting, familiarity bred intuition and an instinctive grasp of each weapon’s capabilities emerged, despite minor issues.

Our mighty arsenal of Boltgun and Chainsword are faithfully replicated, causing devastating damage against our foes. The Chainsword, in particular, offers a thrilling combat experience as I plunge into the enemy lines with the fury of a thunderbolt.

Though not without its limitations, Boltgun impresses with its accurate representation of our universe. The pace of the battle, the authenticity of the visuals, and the grueling industrial landscapes honor the grim darkness of our 41st Millennium. Boltgun combines intensity with faithful representation, offering an engaging respite from the actual battlefield.

Surprisingly, the simulation injects a touch of levity into our grim universe. Drawing upon the over-the-top essence of early simulations like Duke Nukem, Boltgun delivers a gory, humorous spectacle that both veterans of the 40K lore and novices would appreciate. This unexpected humor does not compromise the intensity of battle but rather introduces a rhythmic cadence of exploration, combat, and light-hearted banter. Emperor protect us, and let us triumph over our enemies.

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