Fatshark's Vermintide has emerged over ten years as a defining example of first-person melee combat games. The development team, led by Anders De Geer and Martin Wahlund, focused on crafting immersive weaponry, despite warnings about the genre's risks.
Development Journey
During its development, Vermintide's team prioritized the feel and impact of melee weapons. Starting with the two-handed hammer, inspired by epic battles in Lord of the Rings, the team iteratively refined each weapon and enemy. This process required meticulous attention to detail, from hit effects to enemy reactions.
Risky Decisions
Despite concerns from industry peers about financial risks associated with first-person melee games, Fatshark chose to focus on melee over more conventional ranged combat. Wahlund noted that staying true to swords and axes was essential to achieving their vision for Vermintide.
Gameplay and Impact
The dedication paid off, as players find satisfaction in the visceral close-quarters combat. Notably, character Saltzpyre's zweihander is popular for its ability to scatter enemies, enhancing gameplay depth.
