AMID EVIL

82%
Game Brain Score Based on 9,983 reviews
  • graphics
  • gameplay
  • music
AMID EVIL Game Cover
Amid Evil is a superb first-person shooter crafted in the classic style, and a more than worthy spiritual successor to Heretic. But it's more than either of those things: it is its own masterpiece, an instant classic for all times.
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"AMID EVIL" is a magical FPS game with seven unique episodes, each with distinct enemies and environments. Players can wield powerful weapons that can be charged with the souls of the vanquished foes. The game features brutal AI, sprawling non-linear levels, and an original soundtrack. It is built in Unreal Engine 4 with support for ray tracing and DLSS 2.0.

  • PC
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

82%
Audience ScoreBased on 9,983 reviews
graphics1,016 positive mentions
grinding86 negative mentions
  • Incredible level design with unique environments and a variety of enemies that keep gameplay fresh.
  • Fun and satisfying combat with a diverse arsenal of magical weapons, each with unique mechanics.
  • Stunning visuals and art style, especially with ray tracing, creating a vibrant and immersive atmosphere.
  • Some levels can feel confusing and labyrinthine, making navigation challenging.
  • Boss fights tend to be underwhelming and can be easily cheesed with the soul mode mechanic.
  • The game can feel repetitive over time, with certain enemies and mechanics lacking depth.
  • graphics2,070 mentions

    The graphics of "Amid Evil" have received a mixed but generally positive reception, with many praising its unique blend of retro and modern aesthetics. Players appreciate the vibrant colors, detailed environments, and the effective use of modern lighting techniques, which enhance the overall visual experience. However, some critiques mention that the pixelated style can be overwhelming or difficult to navigate, and while the visuals are often described as stunning, they may not appeal to everyone due to their nostalgic yet unconventional design.

    • “I love the art style and some of the levels are actually gorgeous and impressive, each world having a distinct personality.”
    • “With its stunning retro-inspired visuals and a variety of magical weapons, each level feels like a chaotic dance of destruction.”
    • “The graphics are a beautiful mash of retro jaggedness mixed with modern lighting and exceptional spritework for the weapons.”
    • “It is exactly what I expected when watching the screenshots/gameplay videos - not that good :) the graphics are worse than the original Heretic's, because they don't have soul.”
    • “The actual visuals and design of the levels also leave something to be desired.”
    • “The game's visuals hurt my eyes.”
  • gameplay1,658 mentions

    The gameplay of "Amid Evil" is characterized by fast-paced, old-school FPS mechanics reminiscent of classic titles like Quake and Heretic, featuring a variety of unique weapons and a soul collection mechanic that enhances combat. While many players appreciate the smooth controls, vibrant level design, and satisfying combat, some criticize the gameplay for being simplistic and repetitive, lacking depth and innovation compared to modern shooters. Overall, it offers a nostalgic experience for fans of the genre, though opinions vary on its long-term engagement and complexity.

    • “The level design and gameplay is immaculate, the weapons are unique and feel good to use.”
    • “The gameplay is fast-paced and the controls are tight, making for an intense and addicting experience.”
    • “Amazing gameplay, mind meltingly beautiful visuals, brilliant level design.”
    • “Combat initially feels good but after a short while when the wow factor wears off you begin to realize that both movement and combat mechanics are very simple and basic, and it doesn't require that much skill at all.”
    • “The gameplay is simply not fun.”
    • “The gameplay becomes repetitive and stale, and it feels like a chore to finish.”
  • music1,316 mentions

    The music in "Amid Evil," composed by Andrew Hulshult, receives widespread acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, effectively enhancing the game's fantasy setting. While many praise the soundtrack as a standout feature, some players feel it can be too ambient or repetitive, lacking the punchy energy expected in action sequences. Overall, the soundtrack is noted for its ability to complement the game's visuals and gameplay, making it a significant aspect of the overall experience.

    • “Phenomenal soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, absolute banger.”
    • “The music sets the mood perfectly.”
    • “The soundtrack is top tier (Andrew Hulshult's work), really takes you away and places you into the world of Amid Evil.”
    • “Then, the music: uninspiring, dull, often just dimwitted or ill fitting, regardless of the area or world/level.”
    • “The soundtrack is forgettable in my opinion, with maybe one or two pieces standing out here and there.”
    • “The music is bland.”
  • story456 mentions

    The story in "Amid Evil" is minimal and largely serves as a backdrop for the gameplay, with players taking on the role of a champion tasked with defeating an evil force across various realms. While there are cryptic lore elements scattered throughout the levels, many players feel that the narrative is thin and not a primary focus, echoing the design philosophy of classic retro shooters. Overall, the game prioritizes fast-paced action and level design over a deep or engaging storyline, which may appeal to fans of the genre but leave those seeking a rich narrative wanting more.

    • “Each level has a story behind it told in cryptic, yet daunting, haunting scripts, with master-craft enemy and environmental design, very much like New Blood does with the story of Dusk, with a little more for players to chew on since each level has its own story of a historic downfall, how it came to be corrupted.”
    • “The simple storyline is deceiving; however, there is a lot of depth and nuance in the lore of each of the realms you visit, the weapons you acquire, and the enemies you face.”
    • “The story is surprisingly really good for retro shooter standards.”
    • “Little to no story at all, and the occasional ancient enigmatic verses you find throughout the levels are not something I would call 'lore'.”
    • “There is no story, so there is no motivation to continue in light of the 'retro' aesthetic of the game.”
    • “The problem is as such: Amid Evil promises far too much story for such a game, and at the same time has too little story for an epic adventure to save the universe from an unspeakable evil.”
  • atmosphere417 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Amid Evil" is widely praised for its stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and unique level design, creating a captivating experience that evokes nostalgia for classic FPS games. Players appreciate the game's ability to blend retro aesthetics with modern technology, resulting in vibrant, atmospheric worlds that feel distinct and engaging. The soundtrack, composed by Andrew Hulshult, further enhances the game's ambiance, making it a standout feature that complements the overall experience.

    • “The atmosphere is like a Jack Kirby sci-fi illustration, projected on a four-dimensional object under a blacklight.”
    • “The fantastic atmosphere is magical and it feels like you're going on a true journey.”
    • “The atmosphere delivered through the combination of the soundtrack, level design, and art style is surreal and engrossing.”
    • “Atmosphere and visuals aside, there just isn't enough variation in enemies, weapons, or level design to make the game interesting.”
    • “The lack of change really ruins the atmosphere of just walking around or exploring.”
    • “While there's nothing inherently wrong with this motivation, it lacks much of the atmosphere that Quake and even the more modern Dusk provides - a sinister, lurking threat that ramps the tension throughout your experience.”
  • optimization136 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally praised, with many players reporting smooth performance and minimal bugs across a range of hardware, including lower-end systems. However, some users noted persistent performance issues in specific areas, particularly when using ray tracing, which can be demanding on resources. Despite these concerns, the majority of reviews highlight excellent frame rates and graphical fidelity, making it a well-optimized experience for most players.

    • “The environments are extremely varied and bizarrely beautiful, the lighting is masterfully done, optimization is off the charts (no, seriously, it's something else).”
    • “I really enjoyed this game, it's well optimized and looks great maxed out.”
    • “Performance wise it is well optimized and runs flawlessly with no bugs.”
    • “Concerns: there are clearly long-standing performance issues with the game; even running a 3080, there were some areas that caused my game to tank in frames without ray tracing on.”
    • “Performance isn't the best considering how it looks, RX 580 on max settings and I dipped even below 40fps.”
    • “I also will get some occasional stuttering in movement, where I'll be using keyboard and mouse to look and maneuver, but my momentum will randomly stop or hitch on something as if the character took a misstep.”
  • grinding90 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being tedious and repetitive, with many players expressing frustration over uninspired level design, unsatisfying combat mechanics, and the overwhelming number of similar enemies. While some levels offer enjoyable experiences, the overall sentiment is that the gameplay often devolves into a monotonous cycle of grinding through tedious puzzles and enemy encounters, detracting from the potential fun of the game.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “Grinding is the only mechanic.”
    • “The main objective is to go through tedious levels fighting tedious enemies solving tedious puzzles until you reach the finish line.”
    • “The gameplay is just tedious and boring; many enemies repeat themselves, all the weapons are similar or slow or very ammo-consuming.”
    • “The forge is an exceedingly tedious world, and I feel that this episode undermines the high quality of the game seen elsewhere.”
  • humor54 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players enjoying its quirky elements, such as funny weapon mechanics and amusing enemy interactions. Many highlight the comedic aspects of gameplay, including hilarious easter eggs and the developers' witty comments, which enhance the overall experience. The blend of nostalgia and humor, particularly reminiscent of 90s FPS classics, adds a lighthearted charm that resonates with players.

    • “Love the game, but what I love even more is to read the negative reviews. I like the funny comments the devs leave on some; you should look into it.”
    • “From giant spiders to demonic knights, each one is more terrifying (and hilarious) than the last.”
    • “If you don't cry laughing in the secret level, we can't be friends.”
  • stability50 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed feedback, with some players appreciating its retro charm despite occasional bugs, while others report significant issues such as freezes, crashes, and glitches affecting gameplay and achievements. Overall, many users find that it runs well on various systems, including high-end setups and Linux, but caution that players may encounter frustrating bugs that can hinder progress.

    • “The game runs great on the deck.”
    • “It runs great, looks amazing, and is mechanically full of depth.”
    • “Plus it runs great on Linux via Steam's compatibility layer.”
    • “This game is buggy and frustrating as hell.”
    • “Edit 2022: the game was upgraded to a newer version of Unreal Engine, but now it has some bugs, like freezes, crashes, and overlapping background music (hearing two tracks at the same time).”
    • “Many of the achievements are nonfunctional (even simple ones such as achievements based on finishing a certain area of the game), and the gameplay can be buggy at times.”
  • replayability50 mentions

    Overall, the game offers high replayability due to its superb level design, numerous secrets to discover, and various difficulty levels, including horde mode for added challenge. While some players express concerns about the lack of multiplayer options and the game's overall length, many appreciate the depth of the weapon system and the potential for speedrunning. Despite some mixed feelings, the consensus is that completionists and fans of retro FPS games will find plenty of reasons to revisit the game.

    • “The endless arena modes are there for those craving more replay value than the levels themselves provide, which is a lot.”
    • “The level design is superb and encourages players to find secret areas and hidden items, which also plays a role in replayability.”
    • “I completed the game in about 11 hours: getting every achievement and finishing the campaign; however, there is a lot of replayability.”
    • “Having said all that, I have doubts about the replayability of this.”
    • “My only real grief with the game is that it doesn't feel all that replayable to me.”
    • “Combined with the lack of any multiplayer component, this does undeniably hurt replayability compared to a title like Dusk - a shame given the visual design and weapons on display here.”
  • emotional30 mentions

    Players have expressed a strong emotional connection to the game, often feeling nostalgia and joy reminiscent of their childhood gaming experiences. The atmospheric music by Andrew Hulshult enhances these feelings, evoking a sense of adventure and excitement. However, some frustrations with gameplay mechanics and design detract from the overall experience, yet many still find the game to be a heartfelt tribute to classic first-person shooters.

    • “This game made me feel things I haven't felt since those days when all I did was play these kinds of shooters; for a few hours, I was ten years old again, running around for hours secret hunting.”
    • “Just like back in the old days, I shed a tear of nostalgia :')”
    • “Also, I got a tad bit emotional on that ending.”
  • monetization18 mentions

    The game is praised for its lack of modern monetization practices, such as microtransactions and ads, offering a straightforward and enjoyable FPS experience. Reviewers appreciate this return to traditional gameplay without the distractions of live-service models or unnecessary grind, although some feel it may not fully meet the expectations set by promotional materials. Overall, it is seen as a refreshing alternative to current gaming trends.

    • “Good ol' fashioned FPS playability... no microtransactions, NFTs, or other nonsense from modern games today.”
    • “Good speed, good jump, no ads.”
    • “Ez cash grab for a 'boomer shooter' that has nothing to offer.”
    • “No BS microtransactions and pointless grind.”
    • “So nice that we are getting games like this as opposed to more COD garbage, and it's cheaper and lacks microtransactions to boot!”
  • character development4 mentions

    Character development in this game is minimal, with a focus on unique weapon designs and consistent character aesthetics rather than deep storytelling or complex progression systems. Players seeking rich narratives or character growth may find the experience lacking.

    • “If you are used to open world, multiplayer, or more complex shooters with character development or a deep story, you should look elsewhere.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

89% average critic score

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Play time

10hMedian play time
8hAverage play time
8-10hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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