Hands of Necromancy

Hands of Necromancy is a dark fantasy first-person shooter built on the GZDoom engine, drawing heavy inspiration from classic Raven Software titles like Heretic and HeXen. Players take on the role of a powerful Necromancer defending his world from hostile invaders, utilizing an arsenal of weapons, spells, and transformations—including the ability to resurrect fallen enemies as allies. The game features a hub-based structure with interconnected areas, a diverse roster of Gothic-inspired enemies, and a visually striking art style that blends retro aesthetics with modern enhancements like dynamic lighting and room-over-room design.

Hands of Necromancy: A Modern Homage to Classic Fantasy Shooters

Introduction

In the pantheon of retro-inspired first-person shooters, Hands of Necromancy stands as a bold and loving tribute to the golden age of fantasy FPS games. Released in 2022 by Frechou Games and developed by the HON Team, this game is a spiritual successor to Raven Software’s Heretic and Hexen, blending the fast-paced action of classic shooters with the exploratory depth of a Metroidvania. With its dark fantasy aesthetic, innovative mechanics, and meticulous attention to detail, Hands of Necromancy is not just a nostalgic throwback but a modern evolution of the genre.

Development History & Context

Hands of Necromancy was born from a deep admiration for the fantasy shooters of the 1990s, particularly Heretic and Hexen. The development team, composed of veteran modders and members of the Bloom Team, sought to create a game that captured the essence of these classics while leveraging modern technology. Built on the GZDoom engine, the game benefits from advanced rendering, scripting, and modding capabilities, allowing for dynamic lighting, room-over-room designs, and underwater areas.

The game’s development was a labor of love, with the team drawing inspiration from Raven Software’s iconic titles. The result is a game that feels familiar yet fresh, paying homage to its predecessors while carving out its own identity. The soundtrack, composed by Luke Jansen, further enhances the game’s atmosphere, blending retro and modern elements to create a hauntingly beautiful score.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Hands of Necromancy places players in the role of a necromancer, a lone sorcerer seeking to grow ever more powerful by honing his dark magic. The narrative is simple yet effective, with the necromancer setting out to destroy the intruders invading his world and prove his powers as a formidable sorcerer. The game’s story is minimal, focusing more on the gameplay and exploration, but it effectively sets the stage for the necromancer’s journey.

The game’s themes revolve around power, transformation, and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The necromancer’s ability to transform into various creatures, such as a swamp serpent, stone golem, or hell burner demon, adds a layer of depth to the narrative, allowing players to experience the world from different perspectives and gain new abilities necessary for advancement.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

At its core, Hands of Necromancy is a first-person shooter with a strong emphasis on exploration and progression. The game features three hub worlds, each consisting of numerous interconnected maps that encourage backtracking and discovery. Players must acquire new abilities and items to access previously unreachable areas, a hallmark of the Metroidvania genre.

The combat system is robust and varied, with a wide arsenal of weapons and spells at the player’s disposal. From the standard fire wand to the powerful scythe and the versatile gun, each weapon has its own unique mechanics and alt-fire modes. The game also introduces the “Hands of Necromancy,” a unique item that allows players to resurrect slain enemies as allies, adding a strategic layer to the combat.

The transformation system is one of the game’s standout features, allowing players to turn into various enemy types, each with its own set of abilities. These transformations are not just for combat but also serve as tools for puzzle-solving and exploration, making them an integral part of the gameplay experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The world of Hands of Necromancy is a dark and atmospheric realm, filled with medieval castles, chapels, graveyards, and abandoned villages. The game’s art style is reminiscent of Raven Software’s creations, with a focus on Gothic dark fantasy. The pixel art on the creature designs is fantastic, and the environments are detailed and immersive, despite the game’s 2.5D perspective.

The sound design is equally impressive, with a haunting soundtrack that complements the game’s dark fantasy aesthetic. The sound effects are well-crafted, adding to the immersive experience and enhancing the game’s atmosphere.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release, Hands of Necromancy received critical acclaim for its innovative mechanics, engaging gameplay, and faithful homage to classic fantasy shooters. Critics praised the game’s hub-based level design, unique transformation system, and the ability to raise fallen foes to fight alongside the player. The game was described as “a game so good it could have been Hexen III” by Kotaku, highlighting its standing alongside Raven Software’s mid-90s fantasy shooters.

The game’s legacy is further cemented by the release of Hands of Necromancy II in 2024, which introduced two playable characters with distinct weapons, spells, and transformations. The sequel’s soundtrack, composed by Spanish musician ASCIIMOV (Oscar Martín), continues the tradition of blending retro and modern elements to create a hauntingly beautiful score.

Conclusion

Hands of Necromancy is a triumphant return to the golden age of fantasy shooters, offering a modern take on the classic formula. With its engaging gameplay, innovative mechanics, and meticulous attention to detail, the game stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre. Whether you’re a fan of retro shooters or a newcomer to the world of fantasy FPS games, Hands of Necromancy is a must-play experience that captures the spirit of the classics while forging its own path.