Xathrodox86 reviews: "Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide: Death on the Reik"

It's time to take a look at the last DLC for "Vermintide", a game that took a lot from "Left 4 Dead" and mixed it with good, old Warhammer Fantasy sauce. The end result is more than excellent.


However I'm not going to talk about how much I love this game (100+ hours clocked in already). Instead I want to take a look at the last DLC released for the first part of "Vermintide". A few months ago Fatshark has released "Warhammer: End Times - Vermintide 2" and yes, I will review it at some point in the future. I finally have the rig to do that, so you know - good things are coming.

As for now, let's take a look at "Death on the Reik". I had a lot of expectation towards this one. The title itself is a big deal, being a clear reference to the original "The Enemy Within". In fact "DotR" is my second favorite part of this campaign, right after "Shadows over Bogenhafen". The makers of this DLC even used the classic "TEW" font for the title. How cool is that? With that simple, little nostalgia trip, Fatshark made a hell of a impression on me. Good job guys.

Now THAT'S how you do it right!
The plot of the DLC is quite simple. One of Franz Lohner's servants managed to snatch some very dangerous documents (do I smell heresy?) and made a run for it. The inkeeper sends his favorite band of heroes to retrieve them, before the Ratmen manage to get their furry paws on his intel. Victor, Markus, Sienna, Kerillian and Bardin must find the "Dawnrunner", a river barge, on which the thief will try to make his escape.

"Death on the Reik" consists of only two missions, which is kinda dissapointing. For a price of this DLC, I would expect three, like in "Karak Azgaraz" or "Drachenfels". That said, both of the quests are excellent and very climactic. First we have the Reikwald Forest, a gloomy, dark mission among the sprawling trees of Reikland's greatest forest. Darkness soon falls over the canopy of the ancient wood and foul things begin to assail our heroes. First they've stumbled upon a captured Imperial fort, enduring a never ending wave of Ratmen. After that it's time to visit a burning town and a gloomy swamp, all infested with disgusting servants of the Horned Rat. This mission is extremely atmospheric with fantastic lighting and fog effects. Trekking through Reikwald with Skaven scurrying all around you is an eerie experience, albeit one that I've already repeated twice. This mission is certainly worth more than a single replay.

The second quest takes place on the titular River Reik. Well, mostly, since our heroes begin their mission on solid ground, but soon find themselves sailing on the waters of Empire's greatest river, being chased by Skaven ramschackle ships! This is probably one my favorite missions in all of the game. The Reik is mighty, positively imposing and inspiring awe in anyone who'll rest their eyes on its majestic splendor. This quest takes place in the middle of the night, and the banks of the Reik are barely visible from the ship. The feeling of being small and insignificant follows players right to the very end of the game, but that's what Warhammer is all about - being awestruck by the grim world all around us. Kudos to Fathshark for making such an impressive and epic mission.

The atmosphere is what makes this DLC so goddamn good
After blowing up the Skaven ships and finding the "Dawnrunner", our heroes retrieve the documents and torch the whole thing for a good measure. "Death on the Reik" connects the plot of the first "Vermintide" game with its sequel, but I'm not going to say anything more. You'll just have to experience it for yourselves.

There's also a new weapon added in this DLC - the Ceremonial Dagger, which ignites enemies, struck by it. Only Sienna can use this wicked blade and it can only be found in "Death on the Reik". As was the case with "exclusive" weapons in "Karak Azgaraz", I don't like the fact that one needs to essentialy grind countless hours of this DLC to get a new weapon. That fact, combined with "Vermintide's" crappy loot system, means that "DotR's" appeal suffers slightly, which is a shame, as there was no need for such decision. While I can understand the idea that unique, dwarven weapons can only be found inside a Karak, I don't get why a wave-shaped dagger can only be discovered near the banks of the River Reik. Seriously.

Fire-infused blades can only be found near rivers, lakes and streams. True story
Oh and the dead soldiers, found in this DLC, are wearing red and white uniforms, which would make them Talabheimers. Meanwhile the setting of "Death on the Reik" takes place in Reikland (duh), so yeah... I'm nitpicking, but that kinds stuff bugs me, even if it's not that important.

All in all I thoroughly recommend "Death on the Reik" DLC. It is worth purchasing and playing for the atmosphere alone. I love the little nod towards the classic "The Enemy Within" campaign, I love the gloomy atmosphere of the Reikwald Forest and I absolutely adore the Reik itself. The crew at Fatshark have managed to finish the first "Vermintide" in a perfect, dignified way. This game deserved a grand finale to its (mostly) excellent run and I'm very happy that ir recieved just that.

Soon I will write my 100th post on this blog. It will be something very special, so stay tuned.

Until next time!

Xathrodox86

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