HERETIC II
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Magic abounds in this epic tale

By DAVID SCULLEY


"Darkness has descended upon Parthoris again. I fear that this time there shall be no one to lift the damp veil that has blanketed my beautiful homeland."

Like heck there ain't.

Heretic 2 is a great step forward in the use of the Quake 2 engine with the gamer (you and me) being given a third-person view of the action.

We actually look at Corvus, Sidhe warrior from Heretic, as he moves through his village and beyond on a quest to save his people and his world.

Heretic 2 goes beyond the usual shoot 'em ups in that rather than just slashing and burning your way through a game you are required to use your brains.

And believe me they come in handy.

Often I would find myself at, what appeared to be, an impasse and would head back through passages and corridors searching for a false door or clue I might have missed only to discover I had not concentrated enough at what I thought was a dead-end.

What appear to be insurmountable obstacles can often fall away by ensuring you have at least read the instructions on how to move Corvus about _ here's a hint: the pole vaulting manoeuvre is a beauty.

Through the use of special spells you can open doors and hurl mighty meteors at your opponents. But be cautioned, save your ammunition, do not expend it unwisely or you will find yourself with depeleted defences when the need is most.

The graphics on Heretic 2 are stunning. Move the mouse around and you get 360-degree views of Corvus's home allowing you to search for hidden passages, sharks in the water and clues on the ceiling.

You can even drop the camera and watch the action from the side of the courtyard or room rather than in the thick of it.

Corvus has a number of outstanding weapons and spells at his disposal, once he has located them, and at times can fight hand to hand with nothing but a lance or hurl fireballs at an enemy who insists on becoming invisible when the mood takes him.

This is an excellent game that satisfies those who enjoy the combat element and those who enjoy the mystery-solving aspect.

Me, I loved them both.

ORIGINALITY 85%
SOUND/GRAPHICS 95%
PLAYABILITY 90%
ADDICTION 95%
ENJOYMENT 90%