Draft:Heros of Hammerwatch
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|  |
| Heroes of Hammerwatch | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Crackshell |
| Publisher(s) | Crackshell |
| Series | Hammerwatch |
| Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch |
| Release | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch (Ultimate Edition)
|
| Genre(s) | Roguelite, Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, Multiplayer |
Heroes of Hammerwatch is a rogue-lite action-adventure game developed and published by Crackshell.[1] It was initially released for Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux on March 1, 2018.[1] The Ultimate Edition, which includes all downloadable content, was later released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch between July and December 2020.[2] The game is set in the same universe as Hammerwatch, a hack-and-slash dungeon crawler released by Crackshell in 2013.
Gameplay
[edit]Heroes of Hammerwatch features persistent progression, a key element that distinguishes it from other rogue-lites. Players begin each run in the town of Outlook, which serves as a central hub.[1] As players progress, they can upgrade Outlook with various enhancements that provide lasting benefits to their heroes.[1] These upgrades can be tailored to complement different playstyles, allowing players to focus on enhancing specific aspects of their characters or town.[3] For example, players can improve their offensive capabilities, defensive stats, or resource gathering efficiency.
Heroes themselves are also persistent, meaning their levels and stats carry over between runs.[1] This allows players to build powerful characters over time and tackle increasingly difficult challenges. Players can even bring their own heroes to their friends' games, further enhancing the cooperative gameplay experience.[1]
The game offers seven distinct character classes, each with unique stats, abilities, and playstyles.[1] These classes cater to a variety of preferences, from melee-focused fighters like the Paladin and Warrior to ranged specialists like the Ranger and spellcasters like the Sorcerer and Wizard. Players can find and buy over 100 unique items of varying rarity to further customize their characters and builds.[1]
Town upgrades are another crucial aspect of the gameplay loop.[3] Outlook features various buildings that players can construct and upgrade using resources gathered during their runs. Each building offers unique benefits.
| Building | Description |
|---|---|
| Town Hall | Allows players to upgrade their skills and increase their maximum health and mana. |
| Blacksmith | Improves armor and weapons, increasing their effectiveness in combat. |
| Apothecary | Provides more and stronger potion formulas, enhancing players' healing and survivability. |
| Tavern | Offers a card game where players can gamble their treasure for special prizes. |
| Wishing Fountain | Allows players to toss in coins for random blessings or curses that can affect their stats or abilities. |
| Church | Accepts "donations" in exchange for stat-changing blessings. |
| Vendor | Sells pets that can accompany players on their runs and provide various benefits. |
Combat in Heroes of Hammerwatch has been described as having a "bullet hell" feel. This means that players are often faced with overwhelming numbers of enemies and projectiles, requiring them to be agile, strategic, and skillful to survive. The game also features a variety of puzzles and secrets to discover.[4]
In addition to the core gameplay loop, Heroes of Hammerwatch includes a "New Game Plus" (NG+) mode. After completing the main campaign, players can start NG+ to face increased difficulty and a higher level cap. The game also features a level editor that allows players to create and share their own custom levels.[1] Finally, Heroes of Hammerwatch includes 114 in-game achievements.[1]
Levels
[edit]The main campaign of Heroes of Hammerwatch takes place in the Forsaken Spire, a multi-level dungeon with diverse environments.[4] Players ascend through the Spire, battling enemies and overcoming challenges in various areas, including forests, caves, dungeons, crypts, temples, barracks, courts, and a dark temple. Each area has its own unique enemies, traps, and challenges.[3]
Downloadable Content
[edit]Heroes of Hammerwatch features three DLC packs:
- Witch Hunter: Introduces the Witch Hunter character class and a new dungeon.
- Pyramid of Prophecy: Adds a new area, the Pyramid of Prophecy, and the Gladiator character class.
- The Moon Temple: Adds the Moon Temple area, which features new challenges and a "real" roguelike mode called Mercenaries. In Mercenaries mode, players face permadeath.
Characters
[edit]Heroes of Hammerwatch features a diverse cast of characters.
| Character | Description | Starting Skills | How to Unlock |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paladin | A defensive fighter with healing powers and high burst damage. | Blessed Strike, Lay on Hands, Armored Knight, Conviction | Available by default |
| Ranger | An archer who relies on quick and powerful bow attacks. | Marked Shot, Trap, Rhythm, Survivalist | Available by default |
| Sorcerer | An elementalist that sacrifices defense for more offensive power. | Discharge, Elemental Orb, Innate Power, Elemental Affinity | Available by default |
| Warlock | A physical damage caster that specializes in close-ranged fighting. | Demon's Tail, Dark Ritual, Drain Essence, Aura of Atrophy | Available by default |
| Thief | A melee DPS class with high attack speed and good AoE abilities. | Fan of Knives, Flurry of Blades, Slice and Dice, Sidestep | Rebuild the Tavern in the Tier 2 Town Hall upgrades. |
| Priest | A support class with healing and buffing abilities. | Heal, Smite, Holy Aura, Prayer | Repair the Chapel in the Tier 2 Town Hall upgrades. |
| Wizard | A magic user with balanced offensive and defensive skills. | Magic Missiles, Fireball, Arcane Intellect, Barrier | Purchase the Magic Shop with Ore in the Tier 3 Town Hall upgrades. |
| Gladiator | A melee fighter with combo-based attacks. | Whirlwind, Charge, Shield Bash, Defensive Stance | Beat the Arena once. Requires the Pyramid of Prophecy DLC. |
| Witch Hunter | A ranged character specializing in dealing damage over time. | Poison Bolt, Shadow Burst, Hex, Leeching Vines | Available by default with the Witch Hunter DLC. |
Each class can choose between one of three different Specializations once they reach level 10. These Specializations grant an additional skill and further customize the character's playstyle.
Reception
[edit]Heroes of Hammerwatch was well-received upon its release, garnering "Very Positive" reviews on Steam.[1] As of February 6, 2025, 87% of the 7,165 user reviews on Steam were positive.[1]
Reviewers praised the game's addictive gameplay loop, with many highlighting the satisfying sense of progression and the constant drive to improve one's character and town.[3] The persistent progression system was particularly lauded for its depth and the way it allowed players to customize their experience.[3] The variety of content, including the different character classes, items, and levels, was also commended.[3]
The online co-op mode was another highlight. Playing with friends was seen as a fun and engaging way to experience the game, and the "soul bond" mechanic, which links players' lives together after resurrection, added an interesting layer of strategy and cooperation.
While the game was generally praised, some reviewers noted that the lack of a strong narrative might be a drawback.[3] Others mentioned that the game could be challenging, especially for newcomers to the rogue-lite genre.[5] However, the difficulty was often seen as fair and rewarding.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Heroes of Hammerwatch on Steam". Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "Heroes of Hammerwatch - Ultimate Edition Release Information for PlayStation 4". Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Heroes of Hammerwatch: Ultimate Edition Review". Gaming Nexus. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ a b "store.steampowered.com". Retrieved February 6, 2025.
- ^ "Is this for real? :: Heroes of Hammerwatch II General Discussions". Steam Community. Retrieved February 6, 2025.
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