Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is an excellent example of shareware can become popular and worthwhile enough to garner looks from more popular developers. Shadow of the Serpent Riders was originally introduced as shareware and is the first installment in what was to become the popular Hexen series. After its positive initial reception, it was reworked for retail sale, and companies such as GT Interactive, ID Software Incorporated, and the Raven Software Corporation all had their fingers in its release for the personal computer in the DOS format.
Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is an excellent example of shareware can become popular and worthwhile enough to garner looks from more popular developers. Shadow of the Serpent Riders was originally introduced as shareware and is the first installment in what was to become the popular Hexen series. After its positive initial reception, it was reworked for retail sale, and companies such as GT Interactive, ID Software Incorporated, and the Raven Software Corporation all had their fingers in its release for the personal computer in the DOS format. Heretic is a classic first person shooter, similar to DOOM, except that it features a much different story line and great medieval themes.
Heretic begins when three Serpent Riders begin taking over the command of the kingdoms of
the world. While they possess great powers and control the ancient magics, they are given control because they bring great peace and prosperity to the lands and the people believe in them. The rulers have no choice but to follow them, literally. Force would certainly come into play if these peaceful measures had failed. The riders are mysterious, charming and hypnotic, but hold no sway over the elves of the Sidhe. Because the elves do not follow the religion of these magnetic riders, they are termed heretics, and are warred upon by the followers of the Serpent Riders. There are many against few, and the Sidhe elders are desperate. They hold magical candles that give power to the seven kings of the seven lands, and they blow out these candles…eradicating the approaching armies, but destroying themselves in the process. The Sidhe are still hated and have no elders to lead them. They scatter to protect themselves. But one decides to stand against the Serpent Riders. He targets the weakest of the Riders and begins his quest to find and destroy him.
The game uses a modified DOOM engine, and the user will have to guide his Sidhe warrior through many shattered ancient lands and face hordes of undead minions. He will eventually find himself in the stronghold of the Serpent Rider, and he will face this great evil in a final battle. There will be many interesting weapons for the user to locate and wield along the way, not just big guns, then bigger guns such as those in DOOM. There is actually an inventory system where the user can store these items and use them at his discretion, which is very cool and somewhat RPG-like. It is one of the greatest additions to this popular but mundane engine style.
Overall, Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders is a decent shooter that is based around a gripping story line, good enough to spawn a series. The excellent inventory system and tons of unique weapons makes the treasure hunting aspect very fun, and there is never a shortage of baddies to face. It is a satisfying play, and is recommended for download.
