Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Catechumen offers a traditional first-person shooter experience with a faith-based twist, tasking players with wielding a holy sword that fires scripture against legions of demonic foes. The core loop involves navigating maze-like Roman ruins, churches, and catacombs while dispatching enemies with both melee strikes and ranged “Word of God” projectiles. The pacing remains brisk, with tension ramping up as demon hordes swarm corridors and courtyard arenas.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

The game’s weapon progression is straightforward but satisfying: you start with a basic “Sword of the Spirit,” and over time unlock enhancements that imbue your blade with heavier Scripture bolts, explosive holy light, or temporary shields. Ammo—in the form of Bible verses—is plentiful but strategically placed, encouraging players to search for hidden alcoves and secret chambers. This scavenging aspect adds an exploration element that rewards curiosity.

Enemy variety keeps encounters fresh. Early levels introduce standard possessed centurions and spectral hounds, while later stages unleash flying demons, giant armored foes, and boss battles against corrupted Roman commanders. Each enemy type requires a slightly different approach—close-quarters swings for grunt demons, timed ranged attacks for flying specters—ensuring the gameplay doesn’t stagnate. The difficulty curve is fair, though players new to retro-style shooters might find some sections challenging without frequent saves.

Graphics

By modern standards, Catechumen’s visuals are dated, reflecting its late ’90s heritage. Textures are low-resolution, polygon counts are modest, and environments lack the dynamic lighting and high-fidelity detail seen in contemporary titles. Yet, there’s a certain nostalgic charm to the blocky architecture of Roman catacombs, the flickering torchlight, and the stylized demon designs. Fans of classic shooters often appreciate this straightforward, no-frills presentation.

Level design leans on dark, claustrophobic corridors contrasted by open courtyard set-pieces. The muted color palette—stone grays, deep reds, and shadowy blacks—reinforces the grim atmosphere of an occupied Rome under demonic siege. Occasional stained-glass windows and dilapidated frescoes add a splash of color, hinting at the spiritual beauty that once thrived in these halls. Environmental diversity isn’t vast, but carefully placed altars, statues, and broken pews help each stage feel distinct.

Animations are serviceable if simplistic: demon creatures lunge with jerky movements, and your sword swings follow a rigid arc. Projectile effects for Scripture bolts and holy fire are basic sprites that flash upon impact. While today’s gamers may expect more fluid motion and dynamic particle systems, Catechumen’s graphical style remains coherent. If you approach it as a piece of gaming history rather than a next-gen spectacle, the visuals can still be appreciated for their retro appeal.

Story

The narrative framework of Catechumen is direct and purpose-driven: you assume the role of a Christian-in-training in Ancient Rome, determined to free your fellow believers from possession and thwart the devil’s invasion. There’s little in the way of branching dialogue or moral choices—progression is linear, with key story beats delivered via brief on-screen text scrolls and occasional chapel cutscenes.

Despite its simplicity, the story taps into powerful themes of faith, redemption, and spiritual warfare. You witness the fall of Roman legions to demonic corruption, the sorrow of locked-away comrades, and the triumph of light over darkness. Boss encounters—culminating in a showdown with Satan himself—are portrayed as epic confrontations between holy virtue and unholy evil, providing satisfying narrative milestones between action set-pieces.

Character development is minimal, focusing more on atmosphere and biblical motifs than on personal arcs. You remain an archetypal hero of faith, your motivation clear: wield the Word of God to free lost souls. While some players might crave deeper storytelling or richer character interactions, Catechumen’s plot succeeds in keeping the momentum moving forward, punctuating each level with a sense of spiritual purpose.

Overall Experience

Catechumen stands as a unique entry in the FPS genre, offering a Christian-themed adventure that sidesteps common sci-fi or military tropes. Its blend of sword-and-sorcery imagery with scripture-based weaponry creates a novel combat experience. The game’s moderate length—typically around six to eight hours for a full playthrough—makes it accessible for players seeking a concise, thematic journey rather than a sprawling epic.

Performance on modern systems can require some tinkering, but thanks to fan-made patches and source ports, Catechumen runs smoothly without major technical hiccups. Multiplayer isn’t present, so this is strictly a single-player affair; however, some speedrunners and hobbyist communities have kept the title alive through custom maps and timed challenges, adding replay value for enthusiasts.

In the end, Catechumen is best appreciated by those with an interest in retro shooters, historical settings, or faith-based narratives. It may not compete visually or mechanically with today’s blockbuster titles, but its earnest storytelling, creative weapon concept, and challenging enemy encounters offer a rewarding trip back to the golden age of FPS gaming. Potential buyers looking for a short, thematic adventure steeped in biblical lore will find Catechumen’s campaign a memorable pilgrimage.

Retro Replay Score

5.6/10