Lichenvale is a melee-magic first-person battling game set in a medieval-aged land full of magic, skeletons, werewolves, swords, and spells. Though it sounds like a Witcher 3 clone, it is actually closer to a ’90s-inspired first-person hack-and-slash game.

The combat is very similar to Chivalry 2, especially how you are encouraged to parry or run around enemies rather than knock them back. The graphics, setting, tone, and several of the sword-play elements are similar to Thief II, except that in this game, you move much faster, and so do the enemies.

Fast-paced action

Unlike Witcher 3, where spells and oils are an integral part of your fighting style, it is your sword and your movement that does the heavy lifting in this action-adventure game. Blocking, strafing, moving around the back, and striking are all viable combat moves in this game.

Hand-crafted levels and progression

It would have been very easy for these developers to procedurally create their levels in the same way Returnal did, but instead, the levels are expertly crafted and evenly paced. The campaign offers a well-curated journey for adventurous players.

Old-fashioned fun updates

Perhaps games like this will become more common since early 90s boomer shooters saw such a resurgence in popularity. At first, the game is actually quite dull because you are expecting more complex fighting. But, once the well-placed enemies appear in bigger numbers, it ramps up the action. Then, the game becomes much more fun.

If only the spells did more

The developers tried to discourage a ranged approach in this game because they wanted to create a fast-paced melee combat game. As a result, the spells are pretty weak, which is a shame because it would have improved the game if one could cast heavy damage spells, albeit with a long recharge period.