Heretic

🎮 Steam ⏳ 18 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Dark Fantasy Foundations #

This title is a dark fantasy FPS that builds upon the foundation laid by Doom while carving out its own identity through atmosphere, setting, and mechanics. Using a modified version of the Doom engine, the game trades science fiction for grim medieval fantasy, plunging players into a cursed world filled with twisted architecture, sinister catacombs, and demonic sorcerers.

Corvus and Mystic Arsenal #

The MC is called Corvus, an elven hero rebelling against the evil Serpent Riders who have corrupted the realm. The game’s arsenal replaces shotguns and rockets with mystical weapons, like the ethereal crossbow, the Hellstaff, and the Phoenix Rod, each with satisfying impact and variety. Power-ups like the Tome of Power amplify your attacks in spectacular ways, and items such as wings of wrath or morph ovum add a touch of playful experimentation to the brutal action.

Innovative Early Mechanics #

What really sets Heretic apart is its depth for its time. It introduced an inventory system, allowing you to strategically manage consumable items, and featured vertical aiming, something rare in early shooters. And despite this mechanic being a very common thing today, this was revolutionary at the time. The levels are cleverly designed, filled with secrets, traps, and atmospheric lighting that enhance the sense of dread and discovery. The haunting OST and ambient effects further reinforce the dark, oppressive tone of the game’s world.

A Gothic FPS Classic #

While it doesn’t stray far from Doom’s core formula, this game refines and expands it, offering a fresh twist that blends frantic combat with gothic fantasy. Decades later, it remains a cult classic and a milestone in the evolution of FPSs, remembered fondly for its imaginative world, creative weaponry, and early experiments in gameplay complexity. This is a must-play if you are a fan of shooters to any extent, there is no excuse not to play this since there are so many modern re-releases which bundle Heretic and Hexen titles together. Not to mention the amazing modding community which can enhance the experience with a lot of QOL implementations.