Info about Hands of Necromancy:

Official game description:
Play the sequel now!
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About the Game
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You are a Necromancer: a lone sorcerer who seeks to grow ever more powerful and learn new forms of dark magic. You spend your days searching for challengers to fight, so you can hone your wicked craft. But while you destroy myriads of monsters, none of them seem truly worth the fight...  
Until one day, all of a sudden, more and more dangerous creatures start entering your world. You know something is wrong; however, this might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for! It’s time to prove your might and show everyone you truly are the fearsome mage you always knew yourself to be!  
Explore varied and wonderfully detailed environments - from lush countryside, deep forests, haunting cemeteries, vast castles, ice caves, smoldering volcanoes, and more - all teeming with danger to prove yourself against, as their denizens try their best to destroy you.  
Wield devastating weapons, cast powerful spells and undergo gruesome transformations to vanquish your foes, using their own powers against them and bending nature itself to your will - don’t let your slain enemies rest, but curse them with undeath and make them serve you, Necromancer!  
Use the Tornado Spell to toss your enemies aside, the Ring of Ice to freeze them solid, or even the Unholy Hand Grenade to blow them to smithereens!  
Learn new transformations as you grow in power - become the Swamp Serpent to slither through tight spaces and breathe underwater, the Stone Breaker Golem to smash walls into tiny bits, the Hell Burner Demon to safely walk on lava; or even a Wyvern to soar through the air!  
You will need to utilize all the abilities at your disposal to defeat the countless, sinister creatures in this metroidvania FPS, as you explore 21 varied maps split between 3 giant, exciting hubs!

Release date: Jun 20, 2022

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Metroidvania, Boomer Shooter, Shapeshifting, Necromancy, Fantasy, Exploration, Necromancer Skeleton Army


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $15.00
  - Reasoning: The reviews are mostly positive about value at the full base price, with multiple comments calling it dirt cheap, worth the money, or cheap for the quality. One negative review calls it overpriced relative to free GZDoom mods, and another suggests waiting for a sale at a couple of dollars, which prevents a higher premium range. The sale references to $1-$2 and full-price endorsements suggest the community sees a fair base price as a low-tier indie range, roughly $5-$15, with around $10 as the likely anchor.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 14.0h
  - Story completion: 10.0h
  - Session length: 0.8h
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: gameCompletion: the reviewer reporting 'Took me about 14 hours to complete' supports a roughly 14-hour full-game completion estimate. storyCompletion: one reviewer beat the campaign in '~9 hours' and another completed 'all three episodes in about 10 hours', supporting a 10-hour story/episode completion estimate. sessionLength: the same reviewer plays '30-60 minutes at a time', so the midpoint is about 0.75 hours per session. endgame: no review provides a distinct post-game or endgame playtime, so this metric is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reports suggest a delayed click: early confusion, slow pacing, and missing guidance often block enjoyment, but players who stick with it cite less cryptic progression and monster transformations as points where combat and pacing improve. A substantial minority never reaches that point or later finds the game repetitive.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: Unlocking monster transformations
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Unclear progression and confusing, mazey map layouts; No tutorial or in-game guidance on where to go; Tutorial messages vanish too quickly; Misleading starter sword tutorial; Deflect lacks required ammo; Slow pacing with slow projectiles and sparse enemies; Transformations are teased in the tutorial but absent for a while
  - Unlock drivers: Unlocking monster transformations adds two-fire-mode weapons and combat depth; Progression in finding switches and keys becomes less cryptic; Game picks up the pace later and tests spatial awareness; Gentle progression gives players chances to practice skills; Balanced mix of fast-paced exploration and combat
  - Conditions: Higher difficulty turns enemies into massive bullet sponges; Map progression hints are sometimes present and sometimes absent; Hub-based progression may only satisfy players who prefer it over linear levels; High verticality can make maps feel like unusable spaghetti; Tutorial clarity and message duration affect early understanding; Weapon impact and enemy variety affect combat engagement
- Player Archetypes:
  - Retro FPS Nostalgist (buy)
    - Motivation: Reliving and celebrating classic 90s FPS action and fantasy atmosphere.
    - Playstyle: Run-and-gun through retro shooter levels, leaning on reflexes and genre familiarity.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fantasy FPS junkie
    - Reference games: Doom; Quake; Hexen; Heretic
  - Hexen-style Metroidvania Explorer (buy)
    - Motivation: Uncovering key-gated paths, solving spatial puzzles, and mapping interconnected levels.
    - Playstyle: Methodical exploration, key hunting, inventory management, and backtracking through mazes.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Hexen
  - Combat-Focused Resource Manager (buy)
    - Motivation: Enjoying enemy-dense fights and mastering skill-based combat under resource pressure.
    - Playstyle: Aggressive dodging and non-hitscan shooting, using shapeshifting forms to conserve ammo.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Heretic
  - Maze-Averse Direction Seeker (no buy)
    - Motivation: Wanting clear, guided progression and steady momentum rather than cryptic navigation.
    - Playstyle: Prefers linear or readable levels; becomes frustrated and disengaged when lost or forced to backtrack.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Excellent level design (weight 0.6): Levels are consistently praised for being well-constructed, varied, and fun to explore. The design often features complex, vertical, and interconnected areas that enhance the experience.
- Varied and unique weapons (weight 0.53): The weapon arsenal is diverse, with many weapons featuring secondary fire modes and distinct mechanics. This adds tactical depth and keeps combat engaging.
- Solid old-school FPS (weight 0.36): Reviewers consistently describe the game as a great old-school first-person shooter with solid action. It successfully captures the essence of classic FPS games.
- Shapeshifting and resurrection mechanics (weight 0.33): A standout feature is the ability to resurrect monsters and transform into them, granting new attacks and enabling secret discovery. This mechanic is frequently highlighted as innovative and fun.
- Generally well-received (weight 0.29): The game receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many calling it excellent, well-balanced, and worth playing. It resonates well with its target audience.
- Good enemy variety (weight 0.18): Enemies come in a good range with diverse attack methods and powers. This variety keeps combat interesting and challenging.
- Balanced exploration and combat (weight 0.15): The game strikes a great mix between exploration and combat, with a nuanced system that rewards both. This balance is praised for keeping the gameplay engaging.
- Challenging and satisfying (weight 0.14): Many find the game challenging in a fair and rewarding way, providing a satisfying experience. The difficulty is often described as fun and well-tuned.
- Great soundtrack and sound effects (weight 0.14): The music and sound effects are highly praised for being well-done and enhancing the overall atmosphere. This contributes significantly to the game's immersive quality.

Common complaints:
- Weapons feel weak and unsatisfying (weight 0.53): Many players report that weapons lack power and impact, making combat feel unsatisfying. This is a recurring complaint across multiple clusters.
- Level design is confusing and mazey (weight 0.48): Players frequently get lost due to complex, labyrinthine level layouts with unclear progression. The maps often require excessive backtracking and searching for keys.
- Necromancy mechanics feel tacked on (weight 0.31): The necromancy system is underutilized and poorly implemented, with dumb minion AI making it borderline useless. Players feel it doesn't integrate well with the core gameplay.
- Weapons use slow projectiles only (weight 0.22): Most weapons fire slow-moving projectiles with no hitscan options, which players find frustrating. This contributes to the overall feeling of weak combat.
- Map is unreadable and navigation poor (weight 0.22): The in-game map is difficult to read, and navigation is overly complex, leading to frustration. This exacerbates the confusion caused by the level design.
- Enemies are bullet sponges (weight 0.18): Basic enemies take many shots to kill, even with powerful attacks, making combat feel tedious. This is especially noticeable on higher difficulties.
- Ammo and health pickups inconsistent (weight 0.18): Players often run out of ammo, especially in later episodes, while health potions can be too plentiful or too stingy. This creates uneven difficulty spikes.
- Game feels less polished than PowerSlave (weight 0.18): Shooting, graphics, enemies, and overall polish are considered inferior to PowerSlave. This comparison highlights shortcomings in the game's execution.
- Disappointing compared to Heretic/Hexen (weight 0.17): The game lacks puzzle elements and visual polish compared to classic Heretic and Hexen titles. It feels amateurish in comparison.
- Attacks lack reliable feedback (weight 0.1): Players report that hits and attacks don't provide consistent feedback, making combat feel unpredictable. This reduces the sense of impact and satisfaction.
- Scythe has range and sound issues (weight 0.1): The scythe weapon has poor range, weird sounds, and enemies can reflect its projectile, causing self-damage. This makes it frustrating to use.
- Levels are too dark with rare torches (weight 0.1): Some levels are extremely dark, and the torch item is rare, making navigation difficult. This adds to the overall frustration with level design.
- Game drags near the end (weight 0.1): Players feel the game runs a bit long and loses momentum towards the end. This pacing issue affects overall enjoyment.

Gameplay feedback:
- Hexen and Heretic inspiration (weight 0.85): The game draws heavily on Hexen and Heretic for its structure, tone, and overall design. Many reviewers describe it as a spiritual successor or hybrid of those classic titles.
- GZDoom engine foundation (weight 0.59): The game runs on the GZDoom engine and is frequently described as a Doom total conversion or standalone GZDoom project. Its technical roots are a defining characteristic for players.
- Metroidvania exploration elements (weight 0.41): The game incorporates Metroidvania-style progression, where new powers allow revisiting and accessing previously blocked areas. This gives the level design a nonlinear, exploratory feel.
- Magic weapons and spells (weight 0.38): The arsenal includes a variety of magical weapons and spells, such as fireballs, ice rings, and tornado magic. Combat blends spellcasting with traditional shooter weapons.
- Hub-based level progression (weight 0.32): The game uses a hub-based structure similar to Hexen, but often more accessible and streamlined. This allows for nonlinear exploration and revisiting of areas.
- Alternate fire modes (weight 0.3): Each weapon features a secondary fire mode, and some transformations even have tertiary attacks. This adds tactical depth to combat.
- Transformation abilities (weight 0.27): Players can transform into various creatures, such as a serpent, golem, devil, and wyvern. These transformations are used for combat and for reaching new areas.
- Vertical and complex level design (weight 0.21): Levels are praised for their verticality, complexity, and nonlinear layouts. This design encourages exploration and back-and-forth traversal.
- Backtracking for progression (weight 0.14): Players frequently backtrack through levels to unlock new paths using acquired abilities. This is a core part of the exploration and progression loop.
- Built-in inventory system (weight 0.14): The game features an inventory system for managing items and pickups. This is reminiscent of classic shooters like Hexen.
- Ice-based magic ring (weight 0.12): An ice spell ring is a notable weapon, effective against certain enemies like the Ice Golem. It adds elemental variety to combat.
- Golem transformation utility (weight 0.12): The golem transformation allows players to punch through cracked walls and cause area-of-effect earthquakes. It serves both combat and puzzle-solving purposes.

Performance notes:
- Boss fights cause severe lag (weight 0.15): Boss encounters spam arenas with effects and enemies, leading to massive framerate drops. Episode 1 boss is specifically called out as causing severe performance issues.
- Lava level performance problems (weight 0.15): A massive lava level causes long load times and framerate dips into the 40s. Some note this may be an engine limitation affecting everyone on that level.
- Extremely resource-heavy for GZDoom (weight 0.11): The game is reported to be very resource-heavy compared to typical GZDoom titles, with performance dropping to 20fps on hardware that runs 2016 Doom better.
- Game-breaking progression bug on Earthen Depths (weight 0.11): Users report a consistent, reproducible crash and soft lock on the map Earthen Depths. This prevents progression and requires reloading a save.
- Ultrawide performance is excellent (weight 0.05): The game runs beautifully on 1440p ultrawide without any framerate issues or stuttering, even on the biggest maps. This highlights that performance issues are not universal.
- Audio glitching requires driver upgrade (weight 0.05): Audio glitching issues were reported that required upgrading audio drivers to resolve. This suggests compatibility problems with certain audio setups.

Recommendations:
- Ideal for Hexen veterans (weight 0.55): Many reviews recommend the game specifically to fans of Heretic and Hexen. It is frequently described as a true successor to those classic titles, appealing to players nostalgic for their design.
- Great value for money (weight 0.41): Numerous reviewers highlight the game's low price and high value, stating it is well worth the money even at full price. Some suggest waiting for a sale for an even better deal.
- Appeals to retro shooter fans (weight 0.39): The game is widely recommended for enthusiasts of retro FPS games and boomer shooters. Reviewers often compare it to classic Doom and other 90s shooters.
- Not for everyone (weight 0.23): Several reviewers note that the game may not appeal to all players, particularly those who dislike Hexen-style gameplay or want simple run-and-shoot action. A few negative reviews cite low effort compared to free mods.
- Requires patience for maze exploration (weight 0.18): The game features complex, mazey maps that can be frustrating for some players. It is recommended for those who enjoy getting lost and backtracking to find key doors and paths.
- Positive but with reservations (weight 0.17): Many reviews recommend the game but with caveats, such as the need for patience or a preference for the genre. Some reviewers express mixed feelings or only conditionally recommend it.
- Recommended for fantasy FPS fans (weight 0.17): The game is recommended for players who enjoy fantasy-themed first-person shooters. It combines Doom-like shooting with a dark fantasy setting.
- Suggested for newcomers to Hexen-likes (weight 0.15): A few reviews suggest the game is a good entry point for players new to Hexen-style games. It offers a fresh experience for those unfamiliar with the subgenre.
- Action mode praised with one key (weight 0.09): One reviewer recommends playing on Action mode with only one key per level, suggesting a streamlined experience. Another prefers Explorer selection over Action mode.
- Positive pure pleasure (weight 0.05): A reviewer gives a resounding '100% Yes, pure pleasure'. This indicates a highly positive experience for some players.
- Keyboard and mouse recommended (weight 0.05): A reviewer advises playing with a keyboard and mouse for the best experience. This is likely due to the game's classic FPS controls and precision aiming.
- Item management issues (weight 0.05): One review mentions problems with the amount of items given to the player. This could affect gameplay balance and inventory management.
- Fantasy wizard power fantasy (weight 0.05): A reviewer notes that if you want to feel like a wizard, this is the game for you. It appeals to those seeking a power fantasy in a fantasy setting.
- Enjoyable on higher difficulties (weight 0.05): A reviewer recommends it for those who enjoy higher difficulties. This suggests the game provides a good challenge for skilled players.
- Lava level too large (weight 0.05): A reviewer suggests the massive lava level should have been split into two smaller levels. This indicates a potential pacing issue in one of the game's areas.
- Try demo before buying (weight 0.05): One reviewer recommends trying the demo that includes the first hub to decide if you like it. This is practical advice for potential buyers.
- Comparisons to PowerSlave remake (weight 0.05): One reviewer recommends PowerSlave instead if you like this game. This suggests that while similar, some players prefer other titles in the genre.
- Use cheats to avoid boredom (weight 0.05): One reviewer suggests playing a bit, then using cheats to spawn items if bored. This implies the game may lose its appeal over time for some players.
- Similar to Arthurian Legends (weight 0.04): A reviewer suggests checking out Arthurian Legends for something similar with more low fantasy and melee. This indicates a niche recommendation for fans of that specific style.

Other player notes:
- Level Design and Hub Structure (weight 0.47): The game features complex, hub-based levels inspired by Hexen, with some describing them as labyrinthine or Dark Souls-like. Opinions on level design vary, with some finding them overly long.
- Lengthy Campaign and Good Value (weight 0.44): The game offers over 10 hours of gameplay, with some reporting 20+ hours to complete. Many consider it a great value, especially at its low price.
- Comparison to Doom and Quake (weight 0.39): Reviewers compare the game to classic Doom and Quake, noting similarities in style and gameplay. Some find its weapons feel weak compared to Doom's starting pistols.
- Compared Unfavorably to Other Retro Shooters (weight 0.37): Some reviewers compare it negatively to games like PowerSlave, Amid Evil, DUSK, CULTIC, and others, citing better combat, variety, or polish in those titles.
- Perceived as Paid GZDoom Mod (weight 0.36): Several reviewers feel the game is essentially a WAD or mod sold for money, comparing it to free community mods. Others defend its quality and content relative to price.
- Price and Discounts (weight 0.35): The game is often on sale for around a dollar or a few dollars, and many consider it a reasonable price for the content. Some bought it in bundles or with discounts.
- Expansion and Bonus Content (weight 0.31): The base game includes three episodes and a bonus expansion with nine extra levels. The expansion is more linear without a hub, and some note it reuses music.
- Graphics and Spritework (weight 0.3): The visuals are intentionally retro, with pixelated sprites and environments reminiscent of 90s shooters. Some note the spritework is worse than Heretic's, while others appreciate the art direction.
- Sequel and Future Plans (weight 0.27): A sequel, Hands of Necromancy 2, exists and some reviewers plan to play it. The developer encourages buying the sequel, and some hope it improves on flaws.
- Necromancy and Transformation Mechanic (weight 0.24): A unique feature is the ability to transform into monsters, which sets it apart from other retro shooters. This mechanic was added in a patch and has a cooldown.
- Developer Support and Updates (weight 0.24): The developers are active in the GZDoom community and regularly update the game. They added features like necromancy and Russian language support post-launch.
- Mixed or Negative Reviews (weight 0.24): Some reviewers give lower scores or criticize aspects like level design, weapon feel, or overall polish. Others find it just okay or not as good as similar games.
- Performance and Technical Aspects (weight 0.19): The game runs well on various systems, including Linux via GZDoom, and is lightweight (under 300 MB). However, some encountered issues like needing audio driver upgrades.
- Reviewer Feedback on Specific Mechanics (weight 0.18): Specific mechanics like companion AI, head bob settings, and transformation cooldown are mentioned. Some find companion AI lacking, and head bob is hidden by default.
- Comparison to Witchaven and Other Games (weight 0.18): A few reviewers compare the game to Witchaven, noting it lacks the charm of that title. Others mention similarities to Wizordum, Blood West, and others.
- Audio and Music (weight 0.17): The music, composed by Luke Jansen, is often praised as superb and reminiscent of Kevin Schilder's work. However, some note a limited number of tracks and reuse in the expansion.
- Difficulty and Accessibility (weight 0.14): The game offers three difficulty options, with normal being challenging but doable. It is noted as more accessible than classic Hexen, and some find it not too difficult.
- Story and Lore (weight 0.09): The story is fairly simple with not much lore, focusing on a necromancer in a dark fantasy setting. Some appreciate the atmosphere, while others find it lacking.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.35): Weapons feel underpowered, unsatisfying, and redundant, with slow projectiles and random damage that make combat a chore. Necromancy is underutilized and often broken, while level design, boss fights, and progression become repetitive and unpolished. Many players hoped for a spiritual successor to Heretic/Hexen but found the game amateurish, unimaginative, and inferior to its inspirations.
- Frustration (weight 0.35): Confusing, maze-like level design with poor signposting causes constant getting lost, backtracking, and long periods of aimless wandering. Combat is hampered by untelegraphed enemy attacks, weak weapons, scarce ammo, and resource imbalances that make encounters feel unfair. Game-breaking bugs, crashes, and missing hints further block progress and force players to quit or waste hours searching for hidden keys.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.25): The transformation and necromancy mechanics are fun and add a unique twist to classic first-person shooter combat. Well-designed, atmospheric levels encourage exploration with many secrets and varied enemies. The overall experience is a satisfying, challenging boomer shooter with appealing music, art style, and engaging gameplay.
- Annoyance (weight 0.12): Clunky transformation activation and problematic level design lead to frequent deaths and getting lost. Companion AI is useless or actively harmful, walking into walls and friendly-firing, while environmental annoyances like fall damage and overly dark maps compound the irritation. Bugs, texture glitches, and excessive enemy encounters with limited resources make the experience needlessly aggravating.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.12): Smooth progression, solid controls, and well-tuned difficulty create a rewarding experience. Excellent level design, weapon pacing, and resource management keep the action engaging throughout its roughly 25-hour campaign. The game successfully blends Hexen-style exploration with challenging but fair combat, making it a worthy successor to classic shooters.
- Appreciation (weight 0.1): The game refines the Heretic and Hexen formula by fixing spongy enemies and obscure puzzles while preserving Hexen-style complexity without frustration. Excellent level design, distinct art, and careful craftsmanship make each level feel unique. It offers a solid, authentic old-school shooter experience at a low price, with improved progression and balanced weapons.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Transformation and revive mechanics are innovative and fun, offering fresh twists on classic FPS gameplay. Huge, well-designed levels and smooth run-and-gun action create a blast to play through. The potential for future updates and more transformations adds to the excitement.
- Boredom (weight 0.05): Combat is monotonous with spongy enemies and time-consuming fights, set in small, dull corridor maps. Wandering through complex maps looking for keys becomes tedious, and the game grows repetitive due to beefy enemies and boring weapons.
- Fun (weight 0.05): Most weapons feel good to use and the game is fair and fast-paced. Figuring out spell weaknesses and enjoying the shapeshifting mechanics adds to the fun. It evokes the feel of mid-90s first-person shooters while being extremely enjoyable and funky-looking.
- Admiration (weight 0.04): The craftsmanship is exquisite with a strong atmosphere, making it a contemporary jewel and authentic homage to 90s FPS. The mix of exploration and combat is spot-on, and abilities like transforming into a stone golem to punch ghosts are a delight.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.03): Weapons feel flaccid and impotent, making combat feel like throwing cotton balls. Eliminating enemies brings no joy, and simplified mechanics fail to create a sense of earned victory because the AI never swarms effectively.
- Discomfort (weight 0.03): Exploring the Factory area causes motion sickness. The inventory system is a pain to use during fights, and the game is very dark on screen, hurting the eyes until lighting is adjusted.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.03): The metroidvania-like exploration is very good and the game is a fantastic evolution of Hexen 2. Amazing spells, level design, and transformations inspire players to start modding projects on day one.
- Love (weight 0.03): The quality soundtrack, solid mechanics, and gorgeous atmosphere make the game lovable. The nuanced and clever combat system, especially for fans of old-school FPS like Hexen and Heretic, is deeply appealing.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Unclear objectives and difficult inventory navigation leave players unsure of where to go. The backtracking map system and lack of explanations or guidance make it hard to determine what to do next.
- Slight disappointment (weight 0.02): Only one music track is used for all levels, which quickly becomes repetitive. Weapons feel a bit flaccid, and attacks do not feel powerful enough, slightly diminishing the overall experience.
- Impatience (weight 0.02): Towards the end, the game feels like it is running a bit long, prompting thoughts of 'ok, let's get this over with.' Slow pacing and excessive walking around looking for places exacerbate the impatience.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.02): The game brings back memories of playing Hexen as a kid and is a welcome return to Heretic and Hexen. Retro graphics and gameplay make the reviewer feel like a kid again.
- Surprise (weight 0.02): Bought in a bundle with low expectations, the reviewer found a very solid old-school FPS. The rich content was unexpected for the price.
- Reluctance (weight 0.01): The reviewer did not enjoy the game much at the very beginning, making them hesitant to continue.}