A solid FPS experience
The story unfolds in chapters and much of the gist is delivered by NPC's. Overall the voice acting isn't bad, and there is a lot of it as some characters have a lot to say. After completing a chapter you are given the opportunity to play a separate challenge level. Successfully completing the challenge adds a piece of equipment to your permanent inventory. Most of what you get can also be scrounged from the battlefield, but beating the challenge makes them available at the start of each level. It was my experience that these challenges where quite difficult, usually involving killing many enemies in a very short time with limited means. I ended up ignoring them but I can see how some would be determined to beat them all.
The developers have done a good job creating a unique atmosphere, caught somewhere between actual history and the twilight zone. The game has a dreamy, surreal quality and at times it is quite humorous. The levels are fairly linear, but there is some room to roam about the brooding, doomsday tinged maps. Each level is peppered with assorted enemies that do a fair job of making your life difficult. They also tend to come to grips at close quarters, so being able to kick them in the chest and then drive a bayonet home comes in pretty handy. In fact, this sort of thing is one of the signature aspects of the game. NecroVision is one of the few FPS games that lay emphasis on melee combat. By executing combo attacks like the one above you build up your fury level which can then be unleashed with devastating effect. There are many combo possibilities but most are geared toward close combat so there is incentive to mix it up face to face. The concept is done well and makes for some interesting game play.
The fury itself isn't really anything new, time slows down while you move faster and you deliver amplified damage to enemies who are temporarily handicapped by the time vacuum. It's effects are fleeting but no less satisfying. You can also increase your fury level as the game progresses, both through your actions and by finding artifacts. Increased fury levels give you even greater damage potential and a bit more endurance.
The weapons run a fairly typical gamut of semi-historical designs and features one of the best bolt action rifles, a personal favorite. To further emphasize close combat automatic weapons seem a bit underpowered and ammo may not be plentiful.
There are periodic Boss fights as the game progresses, and some of these are rather difficult. Fortunately you can save the game whenever you want. As Boss fights go they are fairly typical. I'm not a big fan of Boss fights so these parts where a chore for me, but I'm sure others will enjoy the challenge.
Graphically the game looks just fine. Some may consider the graphics engine to be dated but I found the visuals immersive and crisp. Lighting and effects are especially noteworthy. The game is optimized for Direct X 10 but my machine had trouble using it so I used the DX9 exe.
To sum up NecroVision is a competent shooter that provides an enjoyable ride. It's old school in it's approach and doesn't aspire to be a ground breaking blockbuster. It features simple game play that is engaging nonetheless. If you keep that in mind you'll not be disappointed.