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Heidelberg 1693 is a cruel game that twists the narrative of 17th-century Bavaria. With silent movie-inspired cinematic and a tough fantasy story to swallow, this is a grim endeavour that is challenging to complete. Furthermore, you’ll enjoy multiple endings, classic platforming mechanics, and an array of zombies and creepy monsters to hunt and kill. Consequently, this isn’t for the faint of heart, and even hardcore gamers will be tested throughout.
Developed by Andrade Games and published by RED ART GAMES, this is a 2D action title. What’s more, there are minor tactical nuances, a selection of sub-weapons to use, and buckets of blood and gore to endure. In short, it is a disgusting game that’ll make you weep. However, its cruel nature and overpowered bosses ensure that it is rewarding and enjoyable as well. Additionally, its aesthetics are reminiscent of a bygone console era. Accordingly, retro gamers will enjoy the simple side-scrolling approach and the rudimentary, albeit nasty graphics.
Heidelberg 1693 tells a harrowing tale.
You control one of King Louis XIV’s famous musketeers. This battle-hardened warrior is sent on a mission to rid 17th-century Germany of its zombie infestation. En route, you will encounter many historical characters from the era as you try to save the day. However, with branching storylines and tough moments, completing your goal is easier said than done.
Armed with a sword and your powerful musket, you must destroy an increasingly challenging wave of enemies. As you progress, you’ll encounter locked doors, traps, and portals to another dimension. If you activate these swirling gateways to hell, you’ll unleash more demonic beings that must be destroyed. However, with careful planning and an eye for detail, you can avoid unnecessary conflict and live to fight another day.
Carve your path and select your weapon.
What makes Heidelberg 1693 so great is the tactical elements of the gameplay. Consequently, how you wish to deal with your enemies is entirely your choice! You can run in like a headless chicken while flailing your sword like a madman, or you can stand back, take your time, and unleash your powerful musket. However, with limited ammo and a slow reload time, you must be careful how you use your gun.
Alongside this, you will find sub-weapons that can turn the tide of each battle in your favour. Furthermore, you’ll find ways to replenish your health as well as additional ammo for your rifle. As such, you must be flexible in your approach and change your plan according to the enemies you face. On top of this, there are spikes and traps to avoid, as well as demonic beings to destroy. Accordingly, it is a hectic mess that is tough but rewarding to play.
As with most adventure games, you must face plenty of angry bosses en route. Heidelberg 1693 has some of the toughest overlords that I’ve encountered. As such, learning their weaknesses and strengths was a challenge. Luckily, however, the developers were generous with their checkpoints, so death and failure weren’t as harsh as they could have been.
Heidelberg 1693 is dank and grim.
I adored the hectic and challenging gameplay, but the visuals were better still. With excellent stage design and unique backdrops, I never tired of what I saw. Additionally, the grim and sombre colour palette matched the daunting nature of the gameplay. Furthermore, the excellent animation and fantastic sprites added to the variety. Though the basic design and simplicity fail to utilise the power of modern machines, I adored the retro style and the uncomfortable levels of gore.
The excellent gameplay was complemented by some amazing cinematic. Inspired by silent-era films, the drama oozes from each tough cutscene. Furthermore, the story evolves nicely, and you are introduced to a range of historical characters at the same time. Though the cinematic was equally grim and cruel, it was a nice break away from the harsh and relentless gameplay.
The brutality was enhanced by the cruel sound effects and dramatic music. With booming rifles, squelching limbs, and screams of pain, it is bone-chillingly horrific. Thankfully, though, the music drowns out much of the ear-splitting noises. However, during sombre and melancholy moments, you’ll have to endure the chilling nature of the sound effects.
Tricky controls.
Heidelberg 1693 is a thoroughly enjoyable, albeit macabre, title. However, the controls should have been much better. As such, shooting your musket wasn’t as easy as it should have been and this enhances the difficulty. The developers could have made the aiming mechanic much more user-friendly. Yet, they used the wrong analogue stick, and this makes it fiddly. Consequently, the controls aren’t as intuitive as they could have been, and this was frustrating.
With these issues to one side, you’ll enjoy plenty of replay value and longevity. Thanks to the difficult bosses and multiple endings, you are kept busy for hours. Luckily, though, the generous checkpoints ensure that failure isn’t so bad and with some practice, you’ll nail each gargantuan boss in turn.
Heidelberg 1693 is gloriously disgusting.
This is a bloodbath of a game! As such, with claret spurting all over the place, you can’t avoid how gloriously disgusting it is. Furthermore, the challenging combat and excellent stage design enhance the enjoyment factor and how moreish it is. Yes, the controls should have been better, but this isn’t a massive issue. Accordingly, despite this minor setback, I recommend that you buy it here! Can you slay every zombie you face? Grab your musket and sword and defeat anything that stands in your way.
