Belgium may be famous for its chocolates, waffles, and Baldur’s Gate 3 but today, we’re diving into a homegrown gem of a different flavor; one that tastes like necromancy. Enter Necro Story, a game that reminds us that even in the afterlife, there’s no rest for the wicked, or the humorous. If you’re ready for a journey filled with ghostly companions, sarcastic spirits, and puzzles that’ll twist your brain like a serving of Belgian stoofvlees, grab your scythe, and let’s jump in.
A story to die for
The narrative in Necro Story is as dark as it is hilarious, striking a delicious balance between doom and humor. You play as a Jaimus, a necormancer who’s been drafted into a rather peculiar predicament, teaming up with a ghostly companion to take down an overlord who seems a little too fond of collecting souls. But unlike most afterlife adventures, Necro Story doesn’t fall into the typical trope of eternal despair; instead, it’s packed with an almost Monty Python-esque charm. The characters are vibrant, with dialogue that ranges from sinister to side-splitting.
It’s clear the devs had a lot of fun here, as even the most minor NPCs have enough personality to make you care about their oddly specific post-life issues. Whether it’s a ghost complaining about not having the right shade of white for their haunting cloak or a skeleton tired of putting their bones back together every morning, Necro Story embraces its quirks and runs with them. And as a player, you’re in for a treat, just be careful not to laugh yourself to death…
When death gives you limbs, use them
Gameplay in Necro Story is a lovely mix of classic action RPG mechanics, puzzles, and enough necromancy to make even the Grim Reaper a bit envious. The game encourages you to make the most of your dearly departed state, raising skeletons to do your bidding, interacting with all sorts of spectral misfits, and generally being a ghostly menace to the powers that be.
The combat is straightforward but satisfying, offering just enough depth to keep things interesting. You’ve got spells, melee attacks, and a trusty companion who’s as useful as they are chatty. The undead minions you summon add a fun strategic layer, sometimes it’s better to send in the skeletons while you hang back and figure out the weak points of enemies. And who doesn’t like a good minion? It’s like Pokémon, but instead of cuddly creatures, you’ve got reanimated skulls that really know how to throw a bone.
The puzzles are a highlight here as well. They’re designed to challenge but not frustrate, usually requiring you to think like a ghost (a bit of floating here, a bit of possessing there). It’s refreshing to play a game that gives you the freedom to solve its puzzles creatively rather than holding your hand all the way through. However, every so often, the difficulty spikes a bit randomly, almost as if the developers threw in a tough one just to keep us humble. But when the puzzle pieces fall into place, it’s oh-so-rewarding.
Strong visuals and sound
Visually, Necro Story is a charmer. The game adopts a colorful, almost cartoonish art style that keeps the darkness from ever feeling too heavy. It’s like a Tim Burton movie had a baby with Saturday morning cartoons, with plenty of gothic vibes but without any of the “gory glory.” The environments are packed with detail, each corner of the underworld feels like it has a story to tell, whether it’s an abandoned ghost tavern or a graveyard filled with snarky headstones (seriously, read them, you won’t regret it).
The color palette, though leaning towards the dark and broody, isn’t afraid to splash in purples, greens, and even some unexpected pastels. It’s a world that feels alive, even though everyone in it is, well, dead. The animations are fluid, and the attention to detail, like the way skeletons rattle when they walk or the satisfying glow of a completed ritual, adds a layer of polish that makes Necro Story a joy to look at.
What’s a necromancer without the right soundtrack? The music in Necro Story is a delightful mix of eerie tunes and upbeat rhythms. It’s the kind of soundtrack that would make sense at a ghostly jamboree, a perfect balance of haunting and toe-tapping. Whether you’re sneaking through shadowy crypts or battling an irate spirit, the music keeps the atmosphere on point, setting the tone without overwhelming the action.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, if you’re in the mood for a lighthearted take on necromancy that’s full of charm, clever writing, and just enough skeletons to keep your bones rattling, Necro Story is a no-brainer. An 8 out of 10 from us, and a glowing recommendation for those who enjoy their RPGs with a side of the absurd. After all, death is just the beginning… of a fantastic Belgian adventure.
