When I first heard about Witchfire, I had a feeling it would be a game I’d enjoy. What I didn’t expect was just how quickly I’d become hooked. To put it another way, it’s not just my cup of tea – it’s the whole teapot.
What is Witchfire?
Witchfire is an action shooter similar to Shadow Warrior, mixed with elements from the Soulsborne games and a touch of dungeon crawling. Imagine Bloodborne but from a first-person perspective.
The Dark World of Witchfire
The setting of Witchfire is as dark and grim as it gets. A coven of witches launches a war against humanity, which is defended by the Church and the Papacy. Despite their numbers, humans are losing because the witches’ dark magic is overpowering.
Your Role as a Preyer
Enter your character – a “Preyer,” a special agent of the Church chosen by the Pope. Unlike ordinary people, Preyers can harness Witchfire, the same magic the witches use. With just a revolver and a determination to fight, you embark on a mission to find an artifact on an enemy ship. This artifact supposedly has the power to turn the tide of the war and save humanity.
Masterful Gothic Art
I’m a big fan of Gothic themes, whether it’s architecture or culture, and Witchfire captures that perfectly. It’s a staple in Soulslike games, and Witchfire isn’t an exception. Despite the chaos and destruction, there’s a certain beauty and order in the world’s finest details, whether in the architecture, nature, or the craftsmanship of the weapons.
Your Arsenal
As a Preyer, you have a wide range of tools. You can equip two regular weapons that fire enchanted bullets and one Demonic weapon that uses Demonic ammunition. You also have two spell slots: one for Light Spells, good for single targets, and one for Heavy Spells, ideal for large groups. Additionally, you have three ancillary slots for Relics, Fetishes, and Rings, each giving you special powers. However, the primary way to enhance your abilities is through Witchfire crystals.
Gameplay Mechanics
Witchfire doesn’t have an open world. Instead, it uses portals to transport you between areas, much like Chernobylite. The first area, the Scarlet Coast, is where you’ll spend a lot of time. Each area has random loot and enemy camps, and underestimating enemies is a grave mistake. I learned this the hard way during my first trips to the Scarlet Coast, leading to numerous respawns.
Eventually, I improved. It was either me beating Witchfire or Witchfire defeating me, and I refused to let the latter happen.