Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Necromancer delivers a unique three-stage gameplay loop that blends fast-paced action with strategic resource management. In the initial overworld phase, you control Illuminar the wizard—locked in the center of the screen—and wield your Wisp weapon to spawn glowing orbs of pure light. These Wisps become your frontline army, fending off lumbering Ogres and swarms of venomous Spiders, while you simultaneously protect your budding Tree seedlings. This constant juggling act keeps the adrenaline high and the tension palpable.

Once you’ve nurtured a healthy grove of trees, the action shifts into the Vaults, comprised of five ever-more-challenging layers. Here, the focus changes from combat to precision and timing: you must activate each tree with a blast of your Wisp, then guide the sapling into the lurking Spider larvae. Successfully encasing a larva causes the tree to grow rapidly, ready for re-deployment. A failed attempt means a deadly Sith Spider hatches, bringing mayhem to your carefully cultivated forest.

The final stage is the assault on Tetragorn’s Lair, where you dismantle enchanted headstones to draw out the Necromancer himself. This climactic encounter spans five levels of escalating difficulty, forcing you to weave between ranged Wisp attacks and nimble dodges. Contact with Tetragorn spells instant defeat, so mastering movement and timing becomes as critical as offense. The blend of overhead arena combat and strategic vault phases sets Necromancer apart from typical hack-and-slash titles.

Graphics

Graphically, Necromancer opts for a stylized, high-contrast palette that emphasizes the dichotomy between Illuminar’s radiant light and the dark, twisted aesthetic of Tetragorn’s minions. Wisps glow with soft halos, casting realistic shadows across jagged dungeon walls. Ogres and Hammerfists are rendered with chunky, exaggerated proportions, making each enemy type instantly recognizable even in the midst of chaotic skirmishes.

The environmental design shines in the Vaults, where stone corridors and moss-covered chambers feel distinct from the open overworld forests. Subtle particle effects—like drifting spores when you activate a tree or splintering wood when a Sith Spider bursts free—add depth to every encounter. Even on mid-range hardware, frame rates remain smooth, ensuring that split-second decisions aren’t hampered by graphical slowdown.

Lighting plays a crucial role in conveying the game’s mood. In the lair levels, flickering torches and swirling necromantic sigils cast eerie glows, heightening the sense of impending confrontation. UI elements are minimalistic yet informative, with health and Wisp energy meters subtly integrated around Illuminar’s silhouette. Overall, the visual presentation succeeds in immersing players in a dark fantasy world teetering on the brink of magical collapse.

Story

At its core, Necromancer is a tale of balance—light versus dark, life versus undeath. You assume the mantle of Illuminar, a guardian wizard drawn from the Order of Verdant Light. His mission is clear: thwart the ambitions of Tetragorn, a power-hungry Sorcerer who commands an army of unholy denizens. This high-stakes conflict provides a satisfying narrative framework for the game’s varied encounters.

Throughout the three stages, environmental lore—etched runes, shattered altars, and whispered NPC dialogues—gradually unravels the history of Tetragorn’s ascendancy. The eye-Pod devices hidden in the overworld serve as a clever nod to modern culture while deepening the backstory: each canister contains seeds of long-forgotten tree spirits, hinting at a deeper synergy between technology and nature. These narrative touches keep players engaged between boss battles.

While the plot follows a relatively straightforward hero-versus-villain arc, character interactions and world-building moments lend emotional weight to Illuminar’s quest. The occasional scripted encounter with friendly dryads or spectral guides offers respite from the bloodthirsty horde, reminding players why the forces of life must prevail. By the time you reach Tetragorn’s sanctum, you’re invested not only in vanquishing evil but in restoring harmony to a world on the brink of decay.

Overall Experience

Necromancer stands out thanks to its seamless fusion of action and strategy. Each play session feels fresh: you might spend one minute dodging Ogre clubs and the next carefully shepherding a sapling through a maze of Larvae. Difficulty ramps at a steady pace, rewarding patient planning as much as quick reflexes. The three distinct stages ensure variety, preventing the core loop from feeling repetitive.

The learning curve is approachable yet satisfying for seasoned players. Tutorials and early levels introduce mechanics gradually, while later Vault challenges demand precise execution. Randomly dropped Mysteries—power-ups with unpredictable effects—add an extra layer of risk and reward, ensuring that no two runs are exactly alike. Collectible rings and upgradeable Wisps give a sense of progression that keeps you coming back for more.

For fans of action-strategy hybrids and dark fantasy settings, Necromancer offers a memorable journey. Its polished visuals, compelling narrative, and depth of gameplay create a well-rounded experience. Whether you’re striving to optimize your Wisp army or simply enjoying the spectacle of light clashing with shadow, Illuminar’s quest to dethrone Tetragorn is worth every moment.

Retro Replay Score

6.5/10