COVEN is a hyper-violent retro FPS where your path of vengeance will take you across time and space. Destroy your enemies and eat their flesh.
The game offers a satisfying, fast-paced combat experience that draws inspiration from classic boomer shooters. Players can wield an explosive mix of early modern period weaponry, such as shotguns, crossbows, and flintlock pistols, along with a variety of devastating magic spells. The weapons deliver a distinct "chunky" feel, with crunchy sound effects and visceral feedback when connecting with targets. Nailing headshots and other precise hits results in highly satisfying gore and dismemberment effects, giving players a true power fantasy.
A unique aspect of the gameplay is the need to manage resources by strategically using and consuming enemy corpses. Players can choose to either preserve body parts for mana regeneration or eat the flesh to regain health. This creates an interesting risk/reward dynamic, as using explosive weapons may make the remains unusable. Carefully considering when and how to use the different weapon and spell options becomes an important part of the combat loop.
Movement is crucial, with players able to dash, slide, and even slow down time to outmaneuver their foes. This allows for more dynamic and tactical engagements, as players must think about how to position themselves and time their attacks effectively. The slow-motion ability, in particular, provides a sense of power and control during the most intense firefights.
As players progress, they'll encounter a varied array of enemies, each with their own unique behaviors and attack patterns. This encourages players to adapt their strategies and make use of the game's full arsenal of weapons and spells. Battles can range from close-quarters skirmishes to larger, more complex encounters that test the player's ability to prioritize targets and manage resources.
The game's levels are designed with a focus on exploration, with players able to discover hidden paths, optional challenges, and powerful weapon upgrades. The game rewards thorough searches, with secrets often hidden in plain sight or requiring some lateral thinking to uncover. This adds an additional layer of depth and replayability to the experience.
While the gameplay is the core focus, the game also succeeds in creating a strong sense of atmosphere and narrative. The dark, occult-inspired setting and the protagonist's quest for vengeance against the religious zealots who wronged her add a unique thematic layer to the proceedings. This helps to ground the hyper-violent action and make the player's journey feel more meaningful and impactful.