Anathema is a tech demo of a first-person shooter game. The game can only be played with 7DFPS and Procjam. Without these programs installed, your computer will not be able to run the game.  It features fluid and gun-focused combat, putting an emphasis on the player’s ability to shoot his targets. You can expect the action to keep coming as there is minimal narrative. It’s a sprawling game that you can explore at your own pace.

What is Anathema? 

Anathema is a single-screen 8-bit game by an independent game maker named Prophet Goddess. The game greets you with the main screen containing the game's details and a list of controls you'll use to play. You will need to use the W, A, S, D, C, and Space keys to move around the game. Your mouse will be in charge of shooting, grappling, and placing bombs. 

Move cautiously and shoot as horrifying alien-like creatures come your way as you explore the map. The control system can be used to achieve an edge over your enemies. Start the power-up selection process after the big boss battle. This involves speeding up, a dual gun assault, and spontaneously scattering a shotgun blast. Power-ups are obtained by picking and firing in the fight area.

Once you've gathered all of these power-ups, select the OK icon. This will save your progress and pass these perks on to the next level. These power-ups and weapons are random, which might make the selection process difficult for players. It does open up the opportunity to experiment with different perks and weapons though. By having a single, indie developer, further development can improve or replace parts of the game completely.

Worthwhile indie FPS 

Overall, Anathema is a simple, arcade-style game demo, but it lacks a concrete gameplay structure. Although the user experience needs further development it definitely has potential and the gameplay itself can be enjoyed by players at all levels. It has traditional WASD controls and simple game mechanics so pick-up and play will be easy. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gamer, Anathema is a great tribute to classic retro alien games of yesteryear.