Summary
Dark fantasyis a genre that has become really popular in recent times. The idea of combining established fantasy tropes with a mature twist is tantalizing, with many people loving the idea of how a fantasy world would actually function if these elements managed to somehow be real. This genre has certainly seen its fair share of representation in video games, but there are some people who feel thatthere aren’t many FPS games out therethat have a dark fantasy edge.
While it certainly is a rarity, the truth is that there are actually manygreat dark fantasy FPS gamesworth checking out for players who love the combination of both genres. Suffice it to say, this unique setting lets titles go all-out when it comes to their creativity, letting players utilize a wealth of amazing weapons and powers to take out waves of enemies in these fast-paced shootouts.
Hexen: Beyond Hereticmay not have a Metascore, but don’t let that take away fromthe quality of this retro shooter.The game is a blast to play through, serving as the second title in Raven Software’sSerpent Riderstrilogy and arguably the best game of the lot in the eyes of many fans.
The non-linear level design means that players can forge their own path through every level instead of being forced to travel down a set path, which was the norm in most first-person shooters at the time. This freedom, coupled with the dark and engaging atmosphere of the game,makesHexena great retro shooterfor fans to sink their teeth into if they like their games with more of a dark fantasy vibe.
Therise of indie gameshas led to many unique titles that are a blast to play through in every way. One such title isMetal: Hellsinger,a unique combination of first-person shooter action and rhythm gameplay that rewards players for sticking to the beat as they mow down waves of enemies without breaking a sweat.
Of course, players are also punished for not adhering to the beat, but this issue is something that most people will get over in no time. Missing a beat can throw players off their rhythm, but it won’t take too long for players to get back into the groove.
Another retro shooter thatfans still can’t get enough ofto this day isBlood.This game lets players control an undead gunslinger who must cut down waves of cult members in a bid to get his revenge on Tchernobog, a god who betrayed him despite the loyalty he pledged to his master.
The game was one of the first FPS titles to feature an alternate firing mode for its weapons, adding new depth to the gameplay and letting players enjoy a dark, sinister title that was dripping with atmosphere. It’s easy to see whyBlood: Fresh Supply,a remaster of the original game,became a reality since so many fans would’ve obviously jumped at the opportunity to experience this title for themselves.
The idea of combining reliable FPS gameplay with supernatural powers that can absolutely tear through enemies is a winning combination that helpsThe Darknessstand out as one of the best titles released on the seventh generation of consoles. It’s a shame that this title wasn’t ported to PC since players would love the opportunity to revisit this brilliant game and understand why so many people are completely enamored by its brilliance.
The Darknesslooks and feels good to play, which holds true even now. There’s something oddly cathartic about decimating enemies with Jackie Estacado’s supernatural serpentine appendages that stop at nothing to tear foes to smithereens.The fact that the game also has a riveting storymakes for the perfect combination of gameplay, narrative, and graphics that so many games still struggle to nail even now.
David Szymanski is one of the more notable indie developers around whose voice carries a lot of weight in the gaming community. He’s developed several amazing games that deserve a mention in their own right, withDuskconsidered by many to be the title that made this indie developer so popular in the first place.
The game combines retro FPS gameplay with Lovecraftian elements to make for a delectable dark fantasy shooter that is dripping with atmosphere.Fans of old first-person shootersshould definitely giveDuska shot. They won’t be disappointed!
