Nostalgia and bug blasts: auroch digital's starship troopers delivers

Auroch Digital, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, has unleashed Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! upon the gaming world, and it’s a surprisingly effective dose of retro action, albeit one with a few navigational quirks. My playthrough clocked in at a brisk 4.8 hours – a testament to the focused design, though a bit more clarity on some map layouts would have shaved off precious minutes.

Reliving a cult classic, with a wink

Let’s be clear: Ultimate Bug War! doesn't attempt to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it leans hard into the self-aware absurdity of the 1997 Paul Verhoeven film. The game’s very essence is a celebration of the movie's over-the-top militarism and darkly comedic tone—a tone that, remarkably, remains startlingly relevant today. The inclusion of a cameo from Johnny Rico, now a grizzled veteran, alongside the new protagonist, Samantha ‘Sammy’ Dietz, brilliantly bridges the gap between the film and this interactive extension of its universe.

The premise—a military-funded propaganda simulator designed to recruit new soldiers—provides a clever justification for the game’s gameplay loop. The core experience feels distinctly reminiscent of classic Halo titles, borrowing heavily from that series’ mission structure and overall “feel.” Think sprawling maps, hordes of alien enemies, and a satisfying arsenal of weaponry, from rapid-fire rifles to devastating heavy weapons and static artillery. While not a direct clone, Halo serves as an excellent point of reference for understanding the game's DNA.

The campaign, divided into two distinct narratives—one following Sammy and the other offering a perspective from the arachnid hordes—is a welcome addition. The human campaign delivers the expected action, with objectives revolving around zone defense, horde survival, and the activation of various devices. The real surprise, however, is the second campaign, which puts you in the chitinous boots of an alien warrior. It's a strategic shift, tasking you with terrorizing human strongholds, destroying infrastructure, and clearing the way for your fellow creatures—a genuinely unexpected twist that adds significant replay value.

Combat is consistently engaging, even on the medium difficulty setting. The bugs demand respect, requiring players to strategically utilize cover and manage their ammunition, especially when reloading that trusty Morita rifle. The diverse weapon roster, each with a clearly defined role, further enhances the tactical depth. But the real highlight? The orbital deployments – abilities, both innate and equippable, that channel the power of orbital strikes and mech assaults. Watching a giant mech explode in a shower of alien viscera is, frankly, a joy.

While the ammo balance could use a little tweaking—it's a bit too easy to resupply—and the map design occasionally throws a curveball with its slightly obscure navigation, these are minor blemishes on an otherwise polished experience. The second campaign, while less varied than the human perspective, is a testament to Auroch Digital's ambition and a fascinating exploration of the conflict from the enemy’s point of view.

Starship Troopers: Ultimate Bug War! isn't just a good boomer shooter; it’s a surprisingly faithful and loving homage to a cult classic. And in a gaming landscape saturated with bombastic spectacles, sometimes a tight, focused, and intentionally cheesy experience is exactly what the doctor ordered.