A retro first-person shooter inspired by Blood, Duke Nukem 3D, and Rise of the Triad. REVEREND is a dark, twisted tale with religious undertones, terrifying creature designs and one hell of a personality.
The player controls a disillusioned former reverend as he fights back against eldritch and demonic horrors lurking beneath his former church. Movement and aiming feel responsive, with the ability to crouch-jump adding some light platforming challenges.
The arsenal consists of a varied selection of distinctive and powerful weapons, including a devastating double-barreled shotgun, a machinegun that fires teeth, and the signature explosive apples. The player must take a bite of the apples before throwing them as deadly projectiles. Each gun has a unique feel and sound, providing a satisfying punch when used against the twisted abominations. The player frequently delivers cheesy one-liners when picking up new weapons.
Enemies range from twisted cultists to outright eldritch monstrosities, each with their own unique attack patterns and behaviors. Battling these foes requires a mix of tactical strafing, ammo management, and mastery of the varied arsenal. While early enemies can be dispatched relatively quickly, the difficulty ramps up, with more complex, tanky foes demanding careful positioning and resource management to overcome. The boss encounters, occurring every other level, provide particularly challenging set pieces.
The game encourages players to thoroughly explore each level in search of hidden secrets, ranging from Easter eggs to additional resources and power-ups. The level design expertly guides the player through the environments, offering just the right amount of non-linearity to foster a sense of discovery without becoming overly confusing. Backtracking to previously accessed areas after acquiring new abilities is a common mechanic that adds to the satisfaction of progression.