Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The Towers of Darkness compilation brings together three of Raven Software’s most iconic fantasy shooters, each built on id Software’s venerable Doom engine. From the moment you step into the torch-lit halls of Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders, you’re plunged into a world of dark sorcery and brutal combat. The straightforward run-and-gun mechanics are enhanced by the series’ signature inventory of magical items, turning each firefight into a strategic dance of spellcasting and projectile dodging.

HeXen: Beyond Heretic expands on this formula with a class-based system, allowing players to choose from Knight, Cleric, or Mage archetypes. Each class has its own strengths, weaknesses, and unique arsenal, which encourages multiple playthroughs and lends a fresh tactical layer to familiar Doom-style corridors. The introduction of environmental puzzles and switch-based keys keeps the momentum brisk, yet allows for moments of exploration and discovery.

Deathkings of the Dark Citadel, originally released as an expansion to HeXen, adds new levels, enemy types, and secret passages that push your mastery of the engine’s physics and traps to the limit. Combined in Towers of Darkness, these titles form a cohesive trilogy that steadily increases in complexity and challenge. Whether you’re backtracking through haunted keeps or uncovering hidden runes in labyrinthine temples, the compilation’s gameplay remains engaging and varied.

Graphics

Although these titles date back to the mid-’90s, Raven Software’s tweaks to the Doom engine still hold up remarkably well. Heretic’s gothic architecture, dripping with moss and imbued with flickering flames, sets an atmospheric stage that belies the gritty pixel count. Enemies are rendered with bold, memorable designs—from seraphim knights to skeletal warlords—and the effects-heavy spells erupt in vivid bursts of color.

HeXen pushes the engine further with dynamic lighting and voxel-based decorations, casting ominous shadows that heighten the tension in dimly lit crypts. Textures remain sharp, and the occasional transparency effects on spectral foes impressively mimic early attempts at real-time translucency. The expansion levels in Deathkings introduce darker palettes and more complex geometry, adding new visual flourishes without sacrificing performance.

The Acorn platform release is faithful to the original Windows 95 and DOS versions, preserving the crispness of the textures and the fluidity of the framerate. Whether you’re playing on classic hardware or modern emulations, the compilation offers options to toggle between fullscreen and windowed modes, ensure compatibility, and maintain the authenticity of Raven’s original artistic vision.

Story

Heretic’s narrative centers on Corvus, the last of a soldier caste fighting to overthrow the evil Loremaster D’Sparil. This dark fantasy tale is conveyed through haunting in-game texts and cryptic boss encounters, creating a sense of urgency without overwhelming exposition. The storyline unfolds gradually, motivating each descent into monster-infested catacombs and ethereal battlegrounds.

HeXen picks up the thread by introducing the Serpent Riders’ broader plot, casting players as one of three champions tasked with defeating the monstrous sorcerer Mordred. The class system is woven into the narrative, as each hero’s unique background explains their access to certain spells and weapons. Environmental storytelling abounds, with rune-inscribed walls and ominous murals hinting at the Riders’ dark rituals.

Deathkings of the Dark Citadel extends the saga, exploring the aftermath of Mordred’s fall and the lingering curses that plague the land. The expansion’s design encourages players to piece together lore from scattered manuscripts and hidden chambers. By the end of this trilogy, you emerge with a comprehensive understanding of Raven’s grim universe and the sense that this is only one chapter in its ongoing evolution.

Overall Experience

Towers of Darkness: Heretic, Hexen & Beyond is more than a nostalgic throwback; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of fast-paced, magic-infused shooters. This compilation is the first-ever Amiga Acorn release, making it an essential acquisition for collectors and retro enthusiasts. The inclusion of both Windows 95 and DOS executables for Hexen ensures that purists can experience the games just as they were in their golden era.

The installation process is streamlined, with a unified launcher that lets you select your preferred version and platform. Options for saving, adjusting controls, and remapping keys are robust, ensuring smooth play on both vintage keyboards and modern controllers. Multiplayer remains intact via IPX emulation, allowing co-op and deathmatch sessions that recapture the joy of LAN parties from the ’90s.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic shooters or a newcomer curious about the roots of fantasy first-person action, this compilation delivers hours of dark sorcery, challenging puzzles, and frantic combat. Towers of Darkness stands as a comprehensive package that not only preserves Raven Software’s legacy but also invites a new generation to conquer its shadowy realms.

Retro Replay Score

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