The biggest ummm problem if you will is the lack of flying body parts and blood. N’Lightning makes no apologies for this either. It’s their view that many computer games have just become too violent. To that end N’Lightning has developed Catechumen. While you still get to kill things you do so without all the stuff that Quake has brought into the picture.
Catechumen has 18 large levels but the replay value is limited because there is neither a map editor nor is there any online play. In today’s gaming environment the exclusion of these two elements is inexcusable. Gamers expect both of those things and if N’Lightning is hoping to crack the hardcore game market they had better address these shortcomings in the future.
Graphically Catechumen is a treat. While it does not employ the latest dazzling 3D technology that you might find in other shooters being released now it does manage to keep up with the best of them. Although I had some problems with the modeling of characters and such I was very impressed by the architecture throughout the game. It truly captured the spirit of ancient Rome. Very well done. It’s a game that can be played on a lesser computer, you don’t need the fastest 64 meg GeForce card to enjoy this puppy.
Sound effects are average save for the voice-overs. The voices of the angels were overblown. I know the designers were aiming for something regal and holy but they just went a little over the top.
Catechumen offers 5 difficulty levels. Ranging from Fledgling to Impossible. Being an experienced first person shooter specialist, I go back to Wolf 3D, I first attempted the game on Hard but before long I had backed down to Normal then Easy. Later I found out that even Fledgling offers quite a challenge.
I was disappointed to see that this game will not be available in the usual retail outlets nationwide until December and January. It will be available in a few religious specialty stores and online until that time.
The bottom line with this game is: TRY THIS GAME! Visit the site (http://www.catechumen.com/) and download the demo. If you give Catechumen a fair chance you’ll truly enjoy the experience even if you have different religious views or have no particular religious views. Catechumen stands tall among first person shooters doing something different and doing it well. I am waiting with baited breath for an add-on disk.
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