The 'gunplay' feels good and fast, and the enemies have a pretty decent variety, ranging from the cannon fodder flying gargoyles, and punching golems, to multi-skilled bosses. Those who loved will simply love this too. Of course, all this talk about the visuals is nonsense, because it's the battlefield where this is at its best. The cherry on top? A fine, almost hard rock-like, symphonic assortment of medieval tunes. Furthermore, Heretic is one of the first (if not the first) in the genre that has environmental ambient sounds, whether that's water drops, or distant screams from some unknown horror. Moving on to the sound section, not only every single effect is - pleasantly - loud, but also of insane quality. The bestiary is quite varied, the death animations are awesome, and, finally, the levels range from simple crypts and catacombs, to water-themed 'temples' filled with mosaic murals, and all look beautiful, although the use of lighting is not as imaginative as in Doom. This uses the same exact engine as its source of inspiration, therefore, those who can't stand those pseudo-3D, 256-coloured, and low-resolution-fuelled visuals… better stay put, because, while definitely old, Heretic looks great. The plot? What about it?! It's Doom with a fantasy setting, what is it that you don't get? The 'only' difference? Instead of pistols, shotguns, rifles, and rocket launchers, we have spell-spitting/throwing/shooting staffs, bows, and gauntlets, and instead of a space marine that fights demons, we have an elf that fights gargoyles, golems, undead knights, and… well, more demons.

Let it be mentioned one more time: Heretic is Doom.

Heretic game ii