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| Oh, take the girl. Her butt looks better in breeches than mine. |
All knowledge of this unspeakable evil had been wiped out with the exception of Pepys’ meticulous diary. 170 years later a disrepute scientist finds said diary and proceeds to gather funding and powerful allies allowing him to re-create the Brotherhood’s abominations. Only through the efforts of Father Ignatius Blackward and Nadia F, London and the world itself, stands a chance against the nightmarish creatures.
While this game was originally formatted for Windows 95, 7 handles it rather well. Mind you I had to use a CD-RW to even install the antiquated game but hey at least I didn’t need a SCUMM drive. After testing this older game out again I am certain to enjoy jumping back into this particular horror but with the lights on. Yes I am a sissy and I live with it quite well. But, today we are on the 64 version so I will give the highlights of creatures, offensive weapons, healing and general gameplay.
Monsters
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| COMIN' THROUGH!!! |
Okay so this is a horror based action/adventure game. Defeat the creatures and move on to the next level after trouncing the level boss right? How bad could they be? Well I am glad you asked. Let’s get started shall we?
Zombies
You have two types of zombies. One is the standard slow shambling creature and the other moves faster and is stronger by far. A real Romeo or Synder package deal. They usually travel in duo so stay alert. Save the slow one for last kiddies. Did I mention they are just out and about for a quick meal of brains? Hmm, must have skipped my mind.
Werewolves
Lycanthrope. Loup Garou. Call it what you will but know this, they are mean, fast and damn impressive fighters. Defending against your best strikes, they can also counter-strike back and bound after you rather well. A series of slight kicks and roundhouse sweeps about all that can take them down.
Demons
Yes winged, fire breathing creatures from Hell. Swoop attacks from above and fire breath seems to be their cup of tea, assuming you have the nerve to serve them one. Surprise, surprise they are resistant to fire attacks.
Pepys’ Monsters
No true definition of these behemoths other than they stand about nine feet tall, have three heads as well as 3 arms, equipped with razor sharp talons and have more teeth than the entire Osmond family. By far, the ugliest creature you can encounter and one of the deadliest. Hope you have a freeze spell handy for this bugger.
Docker
Strong as an ox and as bright as one, this creature prefers to bash the victim severely with its massive fists or pound hands into the ground creating a miniature quake. Not particularly fast so slash or strike as quickly as possible.
Insects
Bugs? Who is worried about a bug? Well mate this bug is armor plated, about 3 feet tall and lightning fast with its stinger. Put your can of Raid and fly swatter down, grab a pistol or better still a good blade.
Thames’ Monsters
These foul octopi would put Jacques Cousteau off his lunch. With a reach of almost 50 feet, razor sharp teeth and dwelling down by the docks. Late night swim could be one’s last. Dynamite or a proximity mine are about the best course of action here.
Harpies
Fast flying winged wenches with a shrilling voice so loud it could rival Mariah Carey. Using fly-by attacks or banshee like wail they are quite difficult to defeat. Aim carefully with a pistol.
Faceless Men
Shrouded in long coats and armed with knives, these men are whispered to being original members of the Brotherhood of Hecate mutated by the viral agent against their will. Standard beat down with punches and kicks will do the trick
Spiders
Remember the bugs and do not judge it solely by its name. Approximately 9 feet tall and barely in the rear as ugliest creature of this game, the six-legged monsters dwell in tunnels and passageways but look around town. You will find more than one web or two. Fire is a pet peeve of theirs but use it sparingly. The webs are quite flammable
Giant Rats
R.U.S.’s? In London? I don’t believe in their existence either. Just to be on the safe side you will spot one of these brutes rather easily. They are about the size of a mini-coop. Dislike fire a lot.
Gargoyles
Composed of living stone, pretending to be statues these monstrosities wait for the right moment to catch their prey unaware and swoop down and back killing very effectively. They are also pack hunters. Repulsive smoke is a handy one so you can get your bearings and take a few pot shots at them.
Hellhounds
Not meek little puppies that just need a hug. These fire-breathing demon dogs need a fire extinguisher and a serious neutering. Of course good luck finding suppressant foam that puts out hellfire, let alone a vet willing to clip them. Incredibly agile, vicious and just all around nasty, hellhounds are a force to be reckoned with. By some miracle you do not get slagged from a column of flame, mauled by claws or fangs you clearly just annoyed a Rottweiler and will have to explain yourself to the owner. Rumor has it, hell hounds are invulnerable to fire and ice.
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| I'm voguing! |
Powerups
Hey, where are you running off to? Oh relax, you didn’t think we were going to arm you with a rapier or a fighting staff and say, “have at it, kid.” Did you?
This is a complete list of all the power-ups you can find throughout the game.
Proximity mines are dropped on the floor and will explode and do severe damage to anything that gets too close.
Repulsive smoke will keep monsters at bay.
Freeze spell will deep freeze all monsters in sight.
Dynamite will damage and create knock back to all monsters in sight.
Flash will confuse and blind monsters for about 10 seconds or so.
Firebombs will roast any nearby monsters
The Gun allows you to pick off a single target from long range
The Multi-gun can be used several times at several monsters
Berserker allows you hack your monsters into pieces
Healing gives back a bit of life to your character
Super-Healing restores all health lost
Chaos turns monsters against one another
Heart gives you an extra life
Now on to the downside. Like Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire and Spider-Man 64, the 360 spin around and viewing of 3D environment can take a toll on your eyes and character as you cannot automatically spin and face danger. The standard A B button combo does solve most of these issues but the Z button will spin you around faster and target the closest creature. This can be a disadvantage if it is a shambling zombie versus the breakneck speed of the werewolves. Cycling through additional weapons is D pad right and it can take a few but it will be quicker than the analog stick for similar games as the analog is completely for movement in this game. I stressed this in my upcoming podcast that Nadia (accidentally calling her Sonja) is a faster weapon based attack with her rapier but less strength. Ignatius' attacks are much stronger with his quarterstaff but significantly slower. Too much upper body strength I guess.
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| Keep an extra pair of shorts to change in.... kidding.... or am I? |
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