Hands of Necromancy II is a confident continuation of an old-school design philosophy that embraces the DNA of classic 1990s fantasy shooters while expanding its systems enough to feel like more than a nostalgic exercise. Developed by HON Team and published by Fulqrum Publishing, the game doubles down on its identity as a spell-centric first-person action adventure, blending fast movement, projectile-heavy combat, and labyrinthine exploration with a strong necromantic theme. It is unapologetically retro in structure and tone, yet thoughtfully refined in ways that reward curiosity, experimentation, and mastery.
From the outset, the game distinguishes itself through meaningful character choice. Players can select between two distinct protagonists, each with their own weapons, spell sets, and transformation abilities. This choice has a tangible impact on how the game plays, not just cosmetically but mechanically. One character leans toward aggressive, close-range dominance with brutal magical tools, while the other emphasizes precision, mobility, and control through a different spell arsenal. This dual-character structure significantly enhances replayability, as levels and encounters feel subtly different depending on who you control, encouraging multiple playthroughs to fully appreciate the game’s systems.
Combat is built around a satisfying blend of traditional shooter fundamentals and magical versatility. Instead of firearms, players rely on spells, enchanted weapons, and supernatural abilities, all of which feel distinct and impactful. Enemy design reinforces this variety, throwing a steady stream of monsters at you that demand movement, positioning, and quick decision-making rather than passive shooting. Encounters often become chaotic, with projectiles filling the screen and enemies attacking from multiple angles, evoking the frantic energy of classic fantasy FPS titles while maintaining modern responsiveness.
One of the game’s defining features is its transformation system, which allows players to temporarily become different creatures with unique abilities. These transformations are not gimmicks; they are deeply integrated into both combat and exploration. Some forms excel at navigating tight spaces, others at breaking obstacles or overwhelming enemies, and knowing when and where to use each form becomes a key part of progression. This mechanic adds a puzzle-like layer to level design, turning environments into spaces that must be read and revisited with newly unlocked capabilities in mind.
Necromancy itself is more than a thematic flourish. The ability to resurrect fallen enemies as temporary allies reinforces the game’s identity and introduces tactical considerations during larger encounters. While not every situation demands the use of undead minions, the option to turn the battlefield in your favor through resurrection adds flexibility and reinforces the feeling of being a true practitioner of dark magic. It also encourages experimentation, as players learn when summoning allies is more effective than relying solely on raw spell damage.
Level design is one of Hands of Necromancy II’s strongest aspects. Stages are sprawling, interconnected, and filled with secrets, keys, and alternate paths that reward exploration. Environments range from grim fortresses and cursed ruins to hostile wastelands, each with its own visual identity and traversal challenges. Progression often requires backtracking after unlocking new transformations or abilities, which reinforces the sense of a cohesive world rather than a linear sequence of combat arenas. This approach may feel demanding to players accustomed to modern waypoint-driven shooters, but it will feel immediately familiar and satisfying to fans of classic FPS exploration.
Visually, the game strikes a careful balance between nostalgia and clarity. Its art direction evokes the gritty charm of retro fantasy shooters without sacrificing readability or modern comfort. Enemy silhouettes are clear, spell effects are bold, and environments are detailed enough to feel atmospheric without overwhelming the player. The sound design complements this well, with impactful spell effects, ominous ambient audio, and a soundtrack that underscores the dark fantasy tone without dominating the experience.
The pacing of Hands of Necromancy II is deliberate and demanding. Difficulty can spike unexpectedly, especially during dense enemy encounters or boss fights, and success often depends on understanding enemy behavior and managing resources effectively. Movement has a slightly floaty feel characteristic of its inspirations, which may take adjustment for players used to heavier modern shooters, but once mastered it contributes to the game’s fast, aggressive rhythm.
While the game does little to accommodate players seeking streamlined navigation or extensive hand-holding, this is clearly an intentional design choice. There is a strong sense that Hands of Necromancy II is built for players who enjoy learning systems through experimentation and who find satisfaction in uncovering secrets rather than being guided toward them. Its retro sensibilities may not appeal to everyone, but for its target audience, these choices feel cohesive rather than dated.
Ultimately, Hands of Necromancy II succeeds by fully committing to its vision. It expands on its predecessor with deeper mechanics, more varied environments, and greater player agency while remaining faithful to the genre it celebrates. It doesn’t attempt to modernize itself beyond recognition, instead trusting that tight combat, clever level design, and a strong thematic core are enough to carry the experience. For fans of dark fantasy shooters, classic FPS exploration, and spell-driven combat systems, it offers a rich and rewarding journey that respects its roots while confidently standing on its own.
Rating: 6/10
