Developed by Capstone Software and published by Intracorp Entertainment in 1995, Witchaven is a sword and sorcery hack-and-slash ’em up, based on the Wyrm Works tabletop Role-Playing Game of the same name, and made using the Build Engine.

The game does have some RPG elements – like levelling; spell-casting, and increasing weapon proficiency – but is mainly about melee combat with monsters, using various different weapons that can be found as you explore. There are eleven different weapons in total, including: swords, axes, a Morningstar, a bow and arrows, throwing axes, and a halberd.

Spell-casting is also a thing in Witchaven. Pressing the function keys selects a spell, and then pressing the “`” key casts the spell. It doesn’t actually say that anywhere in the game, though, so you have to look at the game’s reference card to know that (see below). You must first collect spell scrolls before you can cast spells, though.

Healing is done through potions, which you find as you explore. There are other useful potions too, like invisibility, strength-boosters, and fire resist spells, among others.

Playing Witchaven now: you have to forgive its clunkiness, but it is fun and challenging to some degree. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, even though the graphics are pretty rough (compared to similar games of the time).

A sequel, called Witchaven II: Blood Vengeance, was released the following year, in 1996. Unfortunately both this game, and the sequel, have been de-listed from Steam and GOG.com, so I guess it’s okay to pirate them now… 😉

More: Witchaven on Wikipedia