(Takes 12–16 hours, depending on if you do the extra content)
One of the best boomer shooters of the 90s. At the time of its release, Blood didn't bring anything new to the shooter genre, however it did everything that was expected of a shooter perfectly. While the graphics are definitely outdated by today's standard, it's hard to say that they are ugly. Overall, this is a must-play if you are into boomer shooters.
Story
There is a story, told through the jankiest cutscenes you will have the pleasure of watching, but don't expect anything other than the most linear narrative from an FPS released before Half-Life. What you wouldn't expect is the best protagonist of the boomer shooter genre. Duke Nukem might be good, but no one can beat Stephan Weyte as Caleb.
Gameplay
This is the part of the game that holds up even today. It has a large and varied weapon selection that doesn't make certain weapons obsolete the moment you pick up a better one. Also, it has alt fire, something that you rarely see in older games. The level design is also good, they are large and interesting areas based on actual locations that only sometimes get confusing to navigate. The part where the game is lacking is the enemies. Most of them are fine, but the hitscan cultists are really annoying, especially if you are on low health.
Graphics and artstyle
As I said before, the graphics are outdated, but not ugly. Expect 2D enemies and not much detail on just about anything.
Atmosphere
It's very atmospheric, if you haven't played anything from the 21st century. If I was to describe the atmosphere it would be—stumbling through dark corridors and unholy temples, fighting your way through cultists, speaking in unknown languages, and monsters, the only thing that keeps you going is revenge and a double-barreled shotgun.
Soundtrack
It's a MIDI soundtrack that fits the theme, but it does repeat quite a lot. Favourite part is "Infuscomus".
Final Thoughts
I wonder how many of the one-liners in Blood are original.
One of the best boomer shooters of the 90s. At the time of its release, Blood didn't bring anything new to the shooter genre, however it did everything that was expected of a shooter perfectly. While the graphics are definitely outdated by today's standard, it's hard to say that they are ugly. Overall, this is a must-play if you are into boomer shooters.
Story
There is a story, told through the jankiest cutscenes you will have the pleasure of watching, but don't expect anything other than the most linear narrative from an FPS released before Half-Life. What you wouldn't expect is the best protagonist of the boomer shooter genre. Duke Nukem might be good, but no one can beat Stephan Weyte as Caleb.
Gameplay
This is the part of the game that holds up even today. It has a large and varied weapon selection that doesn't make certain weapons obsolete the moment you pick up a better one. Also, it has alt fire, something that you rarely see in older games. The level design is also good, they are large and interesting areas based on actual locations that only sometimes get confusing to navigate. The part where the game is lacking is the enemies. Most of them are fine, but the hitscan cultists are really annoying, especially if you are on low health.
Graphics and artstyle
As I said before, the graphics are outdated, but not ugly. Expect 2D enemies and not much detail on just about anything.
Atmosphere
It's very atmospheric, if you haven't played anything from the 21st century. If I was to describe the atmosphere it would be—stumbling through dark corridors and unholy temples, fighting your way through cultists, speaking in unknown languages, and monsters, the only thing that keeps you going is revenge and a double-barreled shotgun.
Soundtrack
It's a MIDI soundtrack that fits the theme, but it does repeat quite a lot. Favourite part is "Infuscomus".
Final Thoughts
I wonder how many of the one-liners in Blood are original.