NecroVisioN / NecroVisioN: Lost Company

NecroVisioN is a first-person shooter set in an alternate history of World War I, where American soldier Simon Bukner battles both German forces and supernatural horrors like vampires, demons, and zombies. The game’s narrative unfolds across the Battle of the Somme, underground vampire realms, and the depths of Hell, revealing a sinister plot orchestrated by Jonas Zimmerman.

NecroVisioN / NecroVisioN: Lost Company: Review

Introduction

Welcome to a harrowing journey through the trenches of World War I and the depths of hell. NecroVisioN and its prequel NecroVisioN: Lost Company form a unique FPS duo that blends historical conflict with supernatural horror. These games, developed by Poland’s The Farm 51, offer players the chance to wield both period firearms and dark necromancy, creating an experience that’s both innovative and deeply flawed.

Development History & Context

The Farm 51, known for their commitment to immersive worlds and unique game mechanics, embarked on creating NecroVisioN in the late 2000s. Released in 2009, the game was followed by Lost Company in 2010. Using a modified version of the Pain Engine (from the Painkiller series), these titles aimed to capture the escalating horror of the Western Front as demonic forces infiltrated the battlefield. During a time when many FPS games focused on modern or sci-fi settings, NecroVisioN stood out with its World War I backdrop and zombie-infested trenches.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

At the core of NecroVisioN is the story of Simon Bukner, an American soldier thrust into the chaos of the Somme offensive. Initially facing German forces, he soon discovers an even darker enemy: the undead hordes spawned by Jonas Zimmerman’s experiments. The narrative delves into themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between hero and villain.

Lost Company flips the perspective to Zimmerman himself, revealing the events that shaped his descent into villainy. As players control the man who would become Bukner’s nemesis, they witness the spread of the supernatural plague and the birth of necromantic powers.

The games’ multiple endings based on difficulty level further enrich the narrative, offering both closure and moral ambiguity. TheshiTriti in the GOG forum provides a concise plot summary:

“For NecroVisioN: You play as Simon Bukner, an American soldier in World War I. You get turned into a zombie and then gain necromantic powers. You fight through the trenches, hell, and the vampire realm. There are different endings based on difficulty. For Lost Company: You play as Jonas Zimmerman, a German officer who becomes the first necromancer. Your actions ultimately lead to the events of the main game. The story has elements of horror, war, and the supernatural.”

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

The combination of traditional World War I-era firearms with necromantic powers creates a dynamic combat system. Players can dual-wield weapons, perform combos for adrenaline boosts, and resurrect fallen enemies as temporary allies. Vehicles like tanks and planes add variety, though their controls are sometimes criticized. The health system features limited regeneration, forcing players to conserve resources.

The multiplayer modes, including Deathmatch and Capture the Artifact, maintain the series’ signature necromantic twist. However, reviews mention AI companions that can be hindering rather than helpful, and some vehicle sections feeling unpolished or overly lengthy.

World-Building, Art & Sound

The games excel in creating atmospheric environments. The art direction flawlessly merges World War I realism with steampunk vampire lairs and hellish landscapes. Visual effects like imposing gas masks, effects of the “strange oil” plague, and detailed weapon models enhance immersion.

The sound design is equally commendable, with authentic battlefield sounds melding with eerie ambient noises. The score by Immediate Music and Orchid of Mines contributes to the tension, while voice acting, though sometimes uneven, adds to the narrative’s weight.

Reception & Legacy

Critical reception for NecroVisioN and Lost Company is mixed. Metacritic scores for the original are in the low 60s, reflecting a blend of positive and negative reviews. Players praise the unique setting and intense action but criticize technical issues and repetitive enemy design. The German version’s censorship changes (like removing blood effects) were noted by some fans.

Despite these challenges, the series has a loyal following and influenced later titles through its combination of genres. Its inclusion in MobyGames’ collection attests to its historical significance in the video game industry.

Conclusion

NecroVisioN and NecroVisioN: Lost Company are flawed masterpieces that achieve something few games have: a seamless blend of World War I history and supernatural horror. Their unique setting, necromantic gameplay systems, and atmospheric worldbuilding make them essential experiences for fans of both FPS games and horror fiction. While their technical limitations and some gameplay imperfections may detract from a flawless experience, the overall journey remains unforgettable. These games stand as testaments to The Farm 51’s imagination and the genre-pushing potential of video games.