Hands of Necromancy 2

Hands of Necromancy 2 is a first-person shooter with a dark fantasy theme. In this latest evolution of the game, players can choose between two characters this time. They can either select the brash Necromancer from the original game, or a new female character.

The developers brought back many old favorite spells from the previous game, as well as new spells associated with the new character. The new character has a life-draining dagger and a fireball spewing bracelet. Choose carefully. Unlike many games that let you swap between characters as needed, the character you choose at the beginning of the game is the character you will use for the entire playthrough.

Strange Movement

Since Hands of Necromancy 2 is an FPS, the camera view is first person with the weapon held out in front of them. The movement during gameplay doesn’t feel natural, however. The staff is held exactly in the middle as if the player is straddling it, and the camera dips oddly back and forth in an unnatural way. Aiming with the weapons can also be challenging since the movement is so awkward. The graphics are about on level with the very first Wolfenstein, but even Wolfenstein’s movement was smoother. This may be intentional, many fans of games like Hexen like the retro graphics and unnatural movement. It’s possible that it is a nod to games like this rather than simply a problem with the game.

Improved Necromancy System

In the original Hands of Necromancy, there wasn’t a whole lot of necromancy to begin with. Players could transform into different monsters, but raising the dead caused significant issues such as friendly fire, or simply losing your minions. Fortunately, the Necromancy System has been reworked for the second game. Undead minions will teleport to your area if you get too far away, and can no longer cause friendly fire in the game. Interestingly, they’ve also moved away from the hub system they used in the first game.

Expansive Game

Hands of Necromancy 2 features 24 generously sized maps to explore, over the course of 3 chapters of the game. There’s also a huge number of different enemy types, including 4 boss battles. The goal is to rise above all to become the best Necromancer in the world, and the master of death itself.

Achievements Not Possible

Hands of Necromancy 2 uses the GZDoom port to make its own game. Because of this, the developers will not be adding steam achievements now or in the future.

Pros:

• Retro gamers may appreciate the old school vibes
• Decent sound

Cons:

• Poor movement
• Poor graphics