Bugs notwithstanding, Withaven 2 stumbles into similar issues that plagued the first game. However, I think it’s important to give credit where credit is due, and point out the advancements implemented in this game from the previous iteration. Then counter it with the negative aspects that had kept it as being regarded as an FPS classic, making this sequel also a mediocre-ambitious game for its time. Spells were improved and made far less cumbersome by having them activate automatically at the press of a button, and no longer distributing the flow of combat because of the unnecessarily long spell casting animation. Yet still, most of the spells remain widely forgettable, and only necessary in niche situations. More enemy variety was added, incentivising players even more to use their full arsenal of weapons, spells, and potions to their fullest potential. Unfortunately, they removed some of the enemies from the first game, as well as most of the new enemies feel rather “samey” in the way that they behave. Also, outside of the addition of temporary weapon enchantments, the weapons weren’t changed from the original Witchaven, once again dividing them into the “always use” and “never use” categories. The xp system was sped up thanks to the addition of treasure pickups, granting players the ability to level-up much quicker, but it came at the cost of reducing the amount of experience levels, reducing the reason for exploration in search of such things. Finally, most of the maps aren’t needlessly big and maze-like, reducing areas that are devoid of reason for existing, creating less dead ends. However, what still remains is the plethora of ways to lock yourself out of being able to complete a level due to not having the correct spell/potion needed or simply by getting locked behind a door/wall that cannot be reopened. Overall, much like the first game, I think Witchaven 2 is still worth experiencing, especially if you found the first game somewhat enjoyable.
It is obvious to me that Witchaven was able to separate itself from its more well known FPS contemporaries by incorporating gameplay features that were more in-line with the "first person role-playing" genre of video games. Granting players access to spells, potions, an xp-leveling system that made you stronger as you progressed, and more importantly a heavy emphasis on melee combat, rather than shooting; with all of this compiled onto the newly-jank "build" engine, created an awe-inspiring, unique and interesting, mediocre-ambitious game for its time. Don’t get me wrong, Witchaven has some truly good ideas, but nothing really seems fleshed out. Most of the spells are forgettable, only some of the potions can be seen as useful, and neither the weapons nor enemies are very well-balanced. However, with the jankiness of the early build engine aside, all these shortcomings could be forgiven if it weren’t for some atrocious level design. Not only are most of the levels needlessly big and maze-like, with some having keys and doors as red herrings, but others commit the cardinal sin of requiring players to have certain spells and/or potions on hand in order to progress. Flying spells required to reach specific places, door opening spells to open certain doors (though this might be a direct result of a buggy engine), fire resistance potions to get through lava sections, and stock piling health and cure poison potions to deal with the unavoidable arrow traps. This incentivizes players to hold onto their consumables as they may never know when they might need to use them to complete a specific section of a level, rather than encouraging players to freely utilize their abilities to tackle certain encounters or reach secret areas for special bonuses as they see fit. Not to mention that I had spent a good chunk of my time playing with the automap on. However, despite all of Witchaven’s downfalls, I would still recommend anyone to at least give this game a playthrough.
