Witchaven

Witchaven, released in 1995 by Capstone Software, is a dark fantasy first-person action RPG that blends intense melee combat with dungeon crawling and magic. Powered by a modified Build engine, the same tech later used in Duke Nukem 3D, the game drops players into the cursed fortress of Witchaven to stop an evil sorceress from unleashing hellish forces upon the world.

As the knight Grondoval, players explore labyrinthine levels filled with traps, monsters, and dark magic. Combat is gritty and up close—featuring swords, axes, maces, and a growing arsenal of spells that allow for both brute force and tactical variety. Along the way, players level up, find enchanted gear, and gather potions to survive increasingly brutal encounters.

With its atmospheric setting, RPG elements, and bloody hand-to-hand combat, Witchaven stands out as a unique hybrid of shooter and role-playing genres. While rough around the edges, it has earned a cult following for its ambitious blend of styles and gritty medieval tone.