Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance

“More of the same” isn’t always a bad thing & this sequel proves that. It picks up right where the first left off, same gritty sword & sorcery vibe, same claustrophobic dungeons - but everything hits a little harder. While its more famous contemporary, Hexen, leaned into spellcasting and mystical firepower to feel like a dark fantasy shooter, Witchaven II doubles down on the melee brawler side of the formula. You’re still hacking, slashing & crunching through enemies up close, which gives it a raw, visceral charm missing from its peers. The combat is crude but satisfying & the grimdark heavy metal album atmosphere remains intact. It’s not as elegant or ambitious as Hexen, but as a continuation of Capstone’s blood-soaked vision, it’s a solid, brutal dungeon crawler that stays true to its rough-edged roots. I f'n love these games.

通关，2代只有15关卡，但依旧很有意思，前期攒了一堆法术卷轴临近通关的时候到处丢核弹很爽，尤其是打最终BOSS的时候，一个核弹魔法给她召唤的一堆骑士全秒了的时候。想轻松通关得留好火焰药水和飞行卷轴，不过一般都不缺。

Одна из первых игр на пк в которую играл - еще в 98 году, будучи в армии. Ностальгия eбeна мать. Тогда казалась просто оxyuтельной. Сейчас никому не советую.

Хуже первой части, что даже в некотором роде странно, ведь на моей памяти тенденция была всегда такая, что в сиквеле оставляют лучшее из приквела, добавляют что-то новое и предлагают игрокам ознакомиться. Здесь же зачем-то внедрили ещё больше ловушек, которые только раздражают; создали уровни, фрагменты которых нужно правильно пройти с первого раза (иначе придётся загружаться, потому что, например, открыть ворота заново никак не получится); а большое количество сильных противников попытались нивелировать увеличением количества разбросанных по карте заклинаний (теперь можно почти с самого начала бегать и швыряться во врагов огненными шарами и заморозкой), что, как я думаю, лишило игру грамотного баланса первой части, где заклинания служили лишь поддержкой, а основной геймплей заключался в битве с холодным и метательным оружием. В добавок ко всему вторая часть у меня вылетает в конце каждого уровня. Ну это я так, к слову

A fun game where anything weird that happens it's 50/50 whether it's a bug or intentional. Weapons will miss. Menu lag. Dead ends on maps. Unbalanced. Glitches. Practically invisible death pits. For some reason a fatal arrow deathtrap was avoided with a fire resistance potion. Still, the entire design is positively retro and fun if you don't take it seriously. Witchaven 1 was a wee bit better overall but this time you can have super weapons and humans have replaced a lot of the monsters.

Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance, developed by Capstone Software and published by SNEG, is a first-person action game that merges the mechanics of classic shooters with a dark fantasy setting. Serving as a sequel to the original Witchaven, the game follows the knight Grondoval as he seeks to defend his homeland of Stazhia from the wrathful witch Cirae-Argoth, who seeks vengeance for her sister’s death. Utilizing the Build engine, known from titles like Duke Nukem 3D, the game places players in a medieval world filled with dungeons, castles, and eerie forests, combining the exploration elements of fantasy RPGs with the fast-paced action of 90s shooters. Combat in Witchaven II forms the core of the gameplay, offering a mix of melee and ranged options. Players can wield swords, axes, and magical staffs, and the game introduces mechanics such as dual-wielding and carrying a shield alongside a weapon, which adds tactical depth to engagements. Despite these options, some players find the controls cumbersome and occasionally unresponsive, which can make battles feel frustrating rather than thrilling. Enemy AI, while functional, often falls into predictable patterns, resulting in repetitive encounters that emphasize sheer numbers over strategic challenge. The game’s aesthetic contributes significantly to its atmosphere. Its dark, gritty environments, from dimly lit dungeons to crumbling fortresses, immerse players in a foreboding medieval world. While the graphics were impressive for the mid-1990s, they appear dated by modern standards, though this adds a nostalgic charm for fans of retro games. Sound design complements the visuals with effects that enhance the tension and drama of combat, including clashing weapons, distant screams, and the ambient hum of magical spells, helping to reinforce the game’s grim tone. Storytelling in Witchaven II is present but secondary, primarily serving to frame the action. Grondoval’s quest against Cirae-Argoth provides motivation for progression, but narrative development is limited and often conveyed through short cutscenes or in-game text. While the plot offers continuity for players of the first game, new players may find the story less compelling compared to the emphasis on combat and exploration. Still, the overarching theme of revenge and supernatural threat gives context to the battles and environments, maintaining engagement throughout the campaign. Despite its flaws, Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance remains a noteworthy entry in the era of 90s first-person shooters. Its combination of melee-focused combat, dark fantasy aesthetics, and the retro charm of the Build engine creates a distinct experience that stands apart from conventional shooters of its time. While it may not satisfy players seeking fluid mechanics or advanced AI, it provides nostalgic value and a unique blend of action and fantasy that will appeal to fans of classic gaming and those interested in exploring a darker, medieval-inspired world. Rating: 7/10

[i]Vai sair da loja 15 de junho. E está com desconto (quase dado) até 5 de junho! É uma excelente recomendação pra você conferir! 😉 [/i] ................... Jogo antigo do tempo dos dinossauros, segue formato de outros famosos como Doom e Heretic. É no estilo de Heretic pra ser mais específico, contando com mundo de fantasia e monstros. Aqui também o ritmo é frenético. Aproveite! [spoiler]Leve o 1 igualmente, pois ambos vão ser retirados[/spoiler]

The first one wasn't as bad as I expected. Still kinda bad, but playable. This one? Can't even pass the first level on the easiest setting.

3/10 hasnt aged well at all