NecroVisioN: Lost Company serves as a prequel and standalone expansion to the original NecroVisioN, expanding on the dark blend of World War I warfare and supernatural horror that made the original a cult favorite. This installment shifts focus to a new protagonist, Lieutenant Simon Bukner, whose journey takes players through even darker and more surreal battlefields than before. The game aims to refine and enhance the core mechanics of its predecessor, while deepening the narrative and atmosphere to create a more cohesive and engaging horror-shooter experience.

From a gameplay perspective, Lost Company sticks closely to the formula of fast-paced, first-person combat mixed with supernatural powers, but with notable improvements. The shooting mechanics feel more polished, with weapons exhibiting improved responsiveness and variety. Players get to wield a balanced arsenal of WWI-era firearms combined with occult weaponry, including mystical knives and spells, which continue to provide an intriguing mix of conventional and magical combat options. The inclusion of new abilities and powers allows for more strategic combat encounters, rewarding players who learn to switch fluidly between gunplay and supernatural skills depending on the situation.

Level design in Lost Company is arguably the game’s greatest strength. The environments are expansive yet tightly crafted, moving beyond the linear trenches of the original into diverse locations such as eerie forests, abandoned towns, and sinister underground complexes. This variety enriches the player’s experience and keeps the tension high as the oppressive atmosphere shifts seamlessly from war-torn realism to nightmarish fantasy. The game's sound design deserves particular mention, with ambient noises, unsettling creature sounds, and an eerie soundtrack that amplify the unsettling mood and immerse the player fully into the grim world of the game.

Narratively, Lost Company digs deeper into the twisted lore surrounding the demonic invasion during World War I. As Lieutenant Bukner, players uncover sinister secrets behind the supernatural outbreak and the dark experiments conducted on soldiers. The story is told through a mixture of cutscenes, in-game dialogue, and environmental storytelling, building a grim narrative that explores themes of sacrifice, corruption, and the horrors of war both natural and supernatural. While some story elements feel familiar to fans of horror and war genres, the integration of these themes within the unique setting feels compelling and contributes to a more focused and atmospheric tale than its predecessor.

Combat encounters strike a better balance in this sequel. Enemy AI has been improved to provide more varied and challenging engagements, with a wider range of demonic creatures and possessed soldiers demanding different tactics. The game encourages players to use cover, manage resources carefully, and employ their supernatural abilities strategically rather than relying solely on brute force. Boss fights are more memorable and better designed, testing both reflexes and tactical thinking. However, some encounters can still feel overwhelming or repetitive, particularly in sections with large enemy swarms, but overall the pacing keeps combat engaging throughout.

Technically, Lost Company shows noticeable advancements. The graphics have been polished, with more detailed character models, improved lighting effects, and richer environmental textures that contribute to the immersive horror atmosphere. Animations are smoother, and weapon handling feels tighter compared to the original. Despite these improvements, the game is not without its technical hiccups. Players may encounter occasional frame rate drops or minor bugs, and some UI elements feel dated by today’s standards. However, these issues rarely detract significantly from the overall experience.

The multiplayer mode returns, offering familiar deathmatch and team-based gameplay with the same blend of guns and supernatural abilities. While it does not reinvent the wheel, the multiplayer adds extra longevity for those interested in competing online or with friends. The community remains small, but dedicated players can find fun in the unique blend of combat styles and maps inspired by the single-player campaign.

In conclusion, NecroVisioN: Lost Company is a worthy follow-up that builds meaningfully on the foundations laid by its predecessor. By enhancing the core combat mechanics, expanding environmental variety, and deepening the narrative, it delivers a more polished and atmospheric horror FPS experience. Though not without its flaws—such as occasional repetitiveness and technical quirks—it successfully immerses players in a dark, war-torn world besieged by supernatural forces. Fans of the original and players interested in shooters that blend historical settings with occult horror will find much to appreciate in this grim and compelling journey through the horrors of both man and monster.

Rating: 7/10

Slightly better than Necrovision, still very lacking and very janky. The gameplay reminds me of Serious Sam, but not being enjoyable. The final boss is a masterclass of how not to do a final boss. You are better off not playing this