Verdun
- April 28, 2015
- BlackMill Games
- 19h median play time
No game has ever captured the feel of trench-based warfare as well as Verdun.
Verdun is a multiplayer FPS game set during World War I, focusing on the brutal trench warfare of the Western Front. It offers historically accurate weapons, uniforms, and gore, with maps based on real battlefields. The dynamic Frontlines game mode features 64-player battles as teams take turns attacking and defending trenches. Experience realistic WWI combat with skill-based weaponry and bayonet charges.
Reviews
- gameplay4,266 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Verdun is characterized by its intense, squad-based mechanics that emphasize teamwork and historical accuracy, particularly in its depiction of trench warfare. Players engage in a unique tug-of-war style of combat, where one team attacks while the other defends, leading to a dynamic and immersive experience, though some find the mechanics clunky and the learning curve steep. While the game offers a satisfying one-shot kill mechanic and a variety of roles, it has been criticized for its dated graphics and occasional bugs, which can detract from the overall experience.
“Entertaining, dynamic, and utilizes the historic setting incredibly well to demonstrate the best aspects of the shooting genre, managing to immerse the player into the diverse environments and strategies that the soldiers of the First World War experienced to an impressive degree.”
“With its dedication to historical accuracy, authentic atmosphere, and challenging gameplay, it provides a compelling experience for players interested in this era of conflict.”
“The gameplay itself is intense and challenging, effectively replicating trench warfare in both gameplay style and art style.”
“However, there is a pile of dated and often blatantly annoying mechanics that ruin the experience.”
“I could easily see this as a game that could rival even Battlefield if any number of the mechanics could be reworked, but until then, I would suggest sticking with Battlefield if you enjoy not wanting to pull your hair out.”
“The gameplay is dark, brutal and unforgiving.”
- graphics2,730 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Verdun" are generally praised for their realism and attention to historical detail, effectively capturing the gritty atmosphere of World War I. While many players appreciate the immersive visuals and the game's ability to run well on lower-end systems, some criticize the graphics as somewhat dated compared to modern titles, with occasional glitches and performance issues. Overall, the graphics are considered solid for an indie game, though there is a desire for further optimization and enhancements.
“The graphics are super realistic and the maps are really detailed.”
“The graphics are perfect to go with the historic battlefields, and it brings back what war was like in the 1900s.”
“The graphics are also impressive, with detailed textures and lighting effects that add to the game's gritty, realistic feel.”
“The graphics in this game are hella bland.”
“The graphics are poor, and the gameplay chaotic and unsatisfying.”
“The graphics are outdated (circa ps2), the gameplay is simplistic, and there is almost no rpg-esqe leveling system to speak of.”
- stability731 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with numerous players reporting a high incidence of bugs, glitches, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. While some users find the game enjoyable despite these problems, many express frustration over persistent connectivity issues, unresponsive controls, and game-breaking glitches that can make it unplayable at times. Overall, the game is seen as needing significant polish and optimization, with many players recommending it only if they can overlook its current instability.
“Verdun is polished, relatively bug free, and has a lot of content.”
“The game is practically bug free and if any are noticed they're not game breaking in the least.”
“This game has always been good no matter what state it has been in and in my opinion it is bug free (since I have seen some terrible bugs over the years), and this game is definitely worth the buy.”
“A buggy mess of a game.”
“The game is a buggy steam of pile.”
“However, these boons come alongside a high amount of bugs, glitches and bizarre features that snowball in inconvenience as your playtime increases and, for me, they suck almost all of the enjoyment away from the game.”
- atmosphere691 mentions
- 62 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in Verdun is widely praised for its authenticity and immersive quality, effectively capturing the grim realities of World War I trench warfare. Players commend the game's attention to historical detail, including realistic sound design, weaponry, and map layouts, which together create a tense and engaging experience. Despite some technical limitations, the overall atmosphere is described as intense, gritty, and deeply atmospheric, making it a standout title in the WWI gaming genre.
“The atmosphere is absolutely stunning, you truly feel as though you are fighting in the trenches, and the gigantic holes from mortars is gorgeous.”
“The constant gun fire, the hellish screams of artillery and mortars and the shouts and screams of the different soldiers really compliment each other well to make a truly awesome atmosphere!”
“The atmosphere is captured really well and the trench warfare isn't as boring as some might think.”
“Game is dead, lack of atmosphere or strategy.”
“1) it fails to capture any ww1 atmosphere.”
“The aesthetics are nice in this game, that's about all I can say for it; it really captures the atmosphere of ww1 for the first few moments that you boot it up, but after that it falls flat with little to no progression system and shallow game mechanics.”
- optimization649 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 55 % neutral mentions
- 24 % negative mentions
The optimization of Verdun has received mixed reviews, with many players noting significant performance issues, including stuttering, frame rate drops, and glitches, particularly on lower-end systems. While some users report smooth gameplay on decent hardware, others express frustration over the game's high system requirements relative to its graphics quality. Overall, while there have been improvements over time, many players feel that further optimization is necessary for a consistently enjoyable experience.
“Very addictive and also runs really well on my potato, which means that it is highly optimized.”
“The game is just optimized very well.”
“This game is insanely optimized for best performance, but more than that, the devs obviously cared.”
“Unfortunately, with each update, my performance gets worse.”
“The game is extremely unoptimized with me getting 30fps on high surpassing the recommended specs.”
“This game is terribly optimized to the point of unplayability, as well as rewarding campers and quickscopers, do not buy this game!”
- music258 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its authenticity and ability to enhance the World War I atmosphere, featuring era-appropriate tracks that immerse players in the historical context. Many reviewers highlight the haunting sound design and catchy main menu music, which contribute to the overall experience, although some suggest that more in-game music during battles could further enhance immersion. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a standout feature, with players appreciating its emotional depth and historical relevance.
“The sound design is also top-notch, with realistic weapon sounds and haunting music that perfectly complement the game's atmosphere.”
“The voice lines and the music in themselves are works of art, how the instruments play just a few notes off-key from what feels right in the same way that war really does not feel like the right thing to do.”
“The atmosphere is incredibly authentic, with music from that era, mustard gas flooding the trenches, the artillery and the one-hit-one-kill rifles everywhere...”
“The general lack of music helps to intensify the feeling you get when you're having artillery being shot at you, and gas, knowing that you will be attacked and have to really fight for your life.”
“This game is a fantastic game and insight into WW1 trench warfare with a lighter view on it, only one aspect could be improved is the sound; the lack of music or even background battle makes it all the less immersive.”
“Second, it keeps playing this crappy German music which is making me lose my sanity.”
- story232 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game lacks a traditional story mode, with many players expressing disappointment over the absence of a narrative or single-player campaign. While the atmosphere and historical accuracy are praised, the gameplay is described as focused solely on multiplayer combat, leading to a feeling of disconnection and repetitiveness. Overall, players desire a more engaging storyline to enhance their experience, as the current format feels barebones and chaotic.
“A World War One story like never before, realism and immersion more than any war game I've played so far.”
“It tells you a proper story about trench warfare; you fight together or die alone.”
“If you've ever romanticized about the First World War as a story of how brave men left their wives and significant others to go slug it out against the forces of the German Empire and win a victorious battle, then Verdun might just be the game for you.”
“There is no storyline at all and this game should take inspiration from WW2 shooters like Battlefield 5.”
“This badly needs a story mode or campaign.”
“When I was viewing the trailer clips, it looked like it would have a story mission, but upon launching the game all I found was it was just like a more updated COD, PvP deathmatch with absolutely no story.”
- humor177 mentions
- 98 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often described as a mix of dark and absurd, with players finding amusement in the game's bugs, ragdoll physics, and the community's lighthearted banter. Many reviews highlight the comedic aspects of gameplay, such as exaggerated animations and historical jokes, which contribute to a fun and engaging experience, especially when playing with friends. Overall, the humor adds a unique charm to the game, making it enjoyable despite its flaws.
“The in-game chat is hilarious.”
“There is nothing more hilarious than when your full squad is sitting in a murky trench chancing pot shots across the map, when suddenly a bundled grenade soars over and lands at your feet.”
“Watching people get stuck in barbed wire is hilarious.”
“Spectating guys that shoot through wooden objects or hilltops without any chance to see behind it is not funny at all.”
- grinding104 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 77 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it tedious and repetitive, often likening it to a "bot farming experience." While some appreciate the game's historical authenticity and intense gameplay, they note that the slow pace and mechanics can lead to frustration, particularly in terms of respawning and squad dynamics. Overall, players suggest that while the grind can be immersive and reflective of the game's WW1 setting, it may deter those who dislike prolonged grinding in games.
“It's a fun authentic WW1 experience that's in-depth but not too tedious and sim-like.”
“Excellent historical shooter, not too grindy, focus on squads/friends to play with.”
“Fun to unlock new weapons, not grindy like most games, and the combat is very intense, being pinned behind a sandbag wall, with MG shots flying overhead, knowing that at any second, your head could be blown off.”
“The game is a bot farming experience.”
“It becomes a very tedious cycle: kill bots, die, spend half a minute respawning, and repeat.”
“I really wanted to enjoy this game, but due to the nefarious money-making strategy the developers seem to rely on, along with clunky and tedious gameplay, I simply cannot recommend it.”
- replayability88 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 51 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
Overall, the game offers significant replayability due to its engaging gameplay, diverse game modes, and the addition of bots, which enhance the experience even with lower player counts. While some players note that it lacks the depth and variety of larger titles, many appreciate the unique mechanics and community events that keep them returning. However, a few reviews mention that the game can become repetitive over time, suggesting that additional content or modes could further enhance its replay value.
“The addition of bots with some ability to defend themselves and customized matches has made this game much more playable and enjoyable for me.”
“With original and engaging game modes and a tense atmosphere, Verdun has a lot of replayability and just generally fun gameplay.”
“There are a lot of ways to play this game and the replayability is endless.”
“Basically what I am saying is, there isn't much replayability on it, not like CS:GO or Rocket League.”
“Sure, it is fun to run back and forth in trench warfare, but hopefully they can add more game modes, because the basic mode is very repetitive and has no replay value if you want to just do endless fighting with no rewards but only to level up in a certain class.”
“This game has serious potential but at the moment just isn't quite there for replayability; it gets a tad boring.”
- monetization69 mentions
- 12 % positive mentions
- 30 % neutral mentions
- 58 % negative mentions
The game's monetization strategy has drawn mixed reactions, with many players appreciating the absence of microtransactions and in-game purchases, labeling it a refreshing change in a market often filled with cash grabs. However, some critics argue that the game feels like a cash grab due to its limited content and lack of advertising, which has resulted in a stagnant player base. Overall, while the game is seen as affordable and enjoyable, concerns about its long-term viability and the need for better marketing persist.
“The game is a rare sighting in today's gaming market bloated with cookiecutter FPS games which include season passes, DLCs, and microtransactions.”
“There are no in-app purchases here and I'm very pleased!”
“That is a steal for a game that isn't riddled with microtransactions, has great multiplayer and a clear development direction with free expansions to come.”
“It was an intentional cash grab from the very start.”
“Id say this is an okay game in alpha if the devs plan to quadruple the content within the game; if not, it's a cheap cash grab.”
“Misguiding advertisement, developers who refuse to hear users' feedback, a stagnant community that's slowly dying, and a buggy experience.”
- emotional54 mentions
- 96 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game evokes strong emotional responses from players, immersing them in the harrowing realities of World War I through its gameplay and historical accuracy. Many reviewers noted feelings of grief and empathy, particularly when faced with the consequences of their actions, making it a unique experience in the first-person shooter genre. The absence of traditional storytelling elements, such as cutscenes or dramatic music, enhances its emotional impact, allowing players to connect deeply with the game's themes of loss and camaraderie.
“Mother home, get a telegram and shed a tear of grief.”
“It makes you realize that you're killing a living, breathing human being, and that's something that no game has ever made me feel.”
“Verdun is one of the most emotionally overwhelming games I have ever come across, and it accomplishes this without a backstory or voice acting.”
- character development4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is praised for its historical accuracy in design, with well-crafted character and weapon aesthetics that enhance the immersive experience. However, the mix of soldiers from different time periods may detract from the authenticity of multiplayer matches. Overall, players appreciate the visual quality and attention to detail in character representation.
“I had no gripes with them, they looked nice, the weapon and character designs are fantastic and well made.”
Critic Reviews
Verdun Review
A brave attempt at creating a more thoughtful shooter hindered by poor execution and messy technique.
50%Verdun Review
Much like the conflict that the game shares its namesake with, Verdun is a ferocious and tense multiplayer shooter the likes of which we haven’t seen in a long time. Generously stuffed with player-made emergent moments on the battlefield and an incredible sense of place, Verdun is not just a great take on one of history’s more marginalised wars, it also happens to be a resoundingly solid shooter in its own right too.
90%Verdun Review - PS4
Much like The Great War itself, Verdun is rough, grim and wholly unforgiving. A perpetual lesson in patience and poise which decisively punishes fools but rewards frugal armchair tacticians, Verdun makes the player work in every way that a good shooter should. Emboldened by an impassioned take on one of history’s more overlooked conflicts, Verdun’s rough appearance is not enough to detract from one of the finest shooters on PS4.
85%