In the early 90s, the first-person shooter (FPS) genre was in its infancy. Games like Doom and Wolfenstein 3D had set the standard for what an FPS game could be, but there was still plenty of room for innovation and experimentation. Enter Heretic, a game that took the classic FPS formula and added a touch of dark fantasy.
I recently purchased the big box version of this game to add to my collection. I’ve created a video below for you to see the piece
Developed by Raven Software and released in 1994, Heretic was a game that immediately stood out from its peers. Set in a medieval fantasy world, players took on the role of an elf who had been banished to the realm of the undead by a group of corrupt sorcerers. Armed with a variety of magical weapons and spells, players had to fight their way through hordes of monsters and powerful bosses to defeat the sorcerers and restore balance to the world.
What set Heretic apart from other FPS games of the time was its setting and atmosphere. Rather than being set in a futuristic or military-themed world, Heretic took inspiration from classic fantasy literature and mythology. The game’s levels were filled with gothic architecture, eerie lighting, and macabre enemies like skeletons, mummies, and demons. It was a world that felt both familiar and unique, and it drew players in with its dark and foreboding atmosphere.
Of course, a great setting alone isn’t enough to make a great game. Luckily, Heretic also had solid gameplay mechanics to back it up. The game’s weapons and spells were all designed with a fantasy twist, from the Dragon’s Claw (a magical gauntlet that shot fireballs) to the Tome of Power (a book that granted temporary superpowers). The game also had a variety of enemies, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, that kept players on their toes.
Heretic was also notable for its use of puzzles and exploration. Rather than being a straightforward corridor shooter, the game’s levels were large and sprawling, with hidden rooms and secrets to discover. Players had to find keys and switches to progress, and there were often multiple paths to take through a level. This added an extra layer of depth to the game and gave players a reason to explore and experiment.
I recently added the Heretic official strategy guide to my collection. I’ve included a video below to give you a look at it.
Here is the artwork from PC Games magazine that was plugging the new Heretic game. I love the art style on these promos!
Despite being over 25 years old, Heretic is still a classic FPS game that’s worth revisiting. Its unique setting, solid mechanics, and sense of exploration make it stand out from other games of its era, and its influence can still be seen in modern games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne. If you’re a fan of FPS games or dark fantasy, Heretic is a game that’s well worth your time.
