CULTIC: A Boomer Shooter Review for Fans of 3D Realms and Blood

When you launch CULTIC, your mind recalls the aesthetics of the great Nineties shooters without merely copying them. Developed almost entirely by Jason Smith of Jasozz Games and published by 3D Realms, the game presents itself as a boomer shooter heavily inspired by Blood, but enriched with numerous modern ideas that make it immediately recognizable and surprisingly fresh. 

The story puts the player in the shoes of a detective obsessed with a series of disappearances linked to a mysterious cult. After being captured and left for dead in a mass grave, the protagonist manages to survive and embarks on a brutal revenge against the responsible cult. The plot isn't particularly innovative, but it manages to create an unsettling and engaging atmosphere thanks to documents scattered throughout the scenarios and effective environmental storytelling.

The true strength of the work is its gameplay. The gunfights are fast, violent, and incredibly satisfying. Every weapon conveys a tangible sense of power, from the devastating shotgun to the iconic lever-action rifle that allows for spectacular headshots. Enemies react convincingly to impacts, generating an explosion of blood and dismemberment that recalls the masterpieces of the golden age of FPS games. 

Unlike many retro shooters, CULTIC allows for different approaches to combat. It's possible to burst into a room shooting wildly, or to use explosives, environmental traps, and cover to eliminate opponents more strategically. This freedom makes every combat dynamic and unpredictable.

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The level design is also fully convincing. The maps are large, rich in alternative paths, secrets, and optional areas. Exploration is constantly rewarded with ammunition, upgrades, and lore information. While recalling the labyrinthine structure of classic Nineties shooters, the levels are generally more readable and less frustrating for the modern player. 

From an artistic point of view, CULTIC possesses an extraordinary personality. Three-dimensional models coexist with two-dimensional sprites in a style reminiscent of Build Engine games, but the lighting, particle effects, and direction of the horror sequences give the whole a modern and unsettling identity. Decaying rural settings, abandoned hospitals, and infested mines create a constant sense of tension. The sound design also deserves a special mention.

Weapons produce powerful and convincing sound effects, while the soundtrack alternates aggressive tracks with darker moments, helping to maintain high tension throughout the adventure. 

There aren't many flaws. Some players might find the overall structure excessively derivative compared to Blood, while the narrative often remains secondary to the action. However, these are relatively marginal limitations in a product that deliberately aims to satisfy fans of classic shooters.