Verdun is a historical first-person shooter set during the First World War and focusing on the titular Battle of Verdun. This squad-based multiplayer game focuses on realism, recreating authentic WWI environments and including experiences you don't find in most shooters. For instance, you may be suddenly required to fight in a confining gas mask during an enemy gas attack.

Squad-based action on the frontlines

The main gameplay mode in Verdun is Frontlines, a battle mode where teams consisting of multiple squads try to capture trenches from the enemy. There are strict attacker and defender roles, with defenders having a significant advantage. After an assault, the teams switch sides and the former defender becomes the attacker. Other modes include Squad Defense, Deathmatch and Attrition, each providing different experiences and testing different skills. This challenging shooter features realistic bullet physics but does have some more game-like elements, including squads' ability to level up and unlock new abilities. Squad leaders can also use special abilities such as calling down artillery fire or requesting aerial recon. The pace of the game is typically slow, interspersed with short periods of furious action.

Have fun playing through a nightmare

If you like historical shooters and don't demand fast-paced action, Verdun is an interesting -- and even educational -- game. It isn't always easy but it can be very exciting.