Van Helsing is a name that has become synonymous with horror stories and in particular as a vampire hunter thanks to the character's origins in Bram Stoker's Dracula. It's somewhat appropriate that the Dutch doctor should be revived by Amsterdam based developers Ratloop for Clickgamer's latest puzzling title, Helsing's Fire.
In order to defeat the invading horde of Dracula's monstrous regiment you'll have to illuminate and subsequently dispatch them with color-coded tonics. It's an ingenious gameplay mechanic that's immediately intuitive and at the same time incredibly complex to master. Each monster has unique traits that need to be exploited to successfully cleanse areas, ranging from shields to becoming invisible; and if the puzzle elements weren't enough, you'll have a chance to take on 'bosses' that can maneuver, adding an action gameplay twist.
The artwork is fantastic, with clear simple designs and fascinating use of light and shadow. Helsing's Fire isn't without humor either, with Abraham and his partner Raffton dropping the occasional one-liner and bumping fists after a job well-done. After each area is cleared a Survival mode is unlocked and pits you against the clock and waves of baddies to eliminate.
Helsing's Fire is simply addictive and outrageously fun to play; well worth picking up if you're after a genuinely unique and amusing puzzling experience.
Description
When the implacable Professor Helsing and his assistant Raffton travel to The Shadow Blight, they'll need every weapon at their disposal to defeat Dracula's vampire horde. In this captivating, dark Gothic puzzle-adventure, use Dr. Helsing's powerful torch and tonics to save the world from the demonic uprising!
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
This is no ordinary game! Helsing's Fire is recognized around the world as one of the App Store's premier puzzle games; full of charm and challenge.
IGF 2011 - Best Mobile Game Finalist
IGF 2011 - Excellence in Design Honorable Mention
IGF 2011 - Excellence in Visual Art Honorable Mention
SlideToPlay - The 50 Best iPhone Games of 2010 (#7)
TouchArcade - Best iPod Touch and iPhone Games (Puzzle)
AppAdvice - The Very Best iPhone Games of 2010 (Puzzle)
TheAppera - Best iPhone Games 2010
TouchGen - Editor's Choice Awards (Puzzle Runner-up)
PRESS QUOTES
SlideToPlay
... Helsing's Fire is one of those puzzle games that does something completely original and is unbelievably entertaining.
Eurogamer
... With its insidious wit and gothic charm, Helsing's Fire is a joyously original instant classic that iPhone owners should buy immediately.
TouchArcade
... It's one of the most unique games I've ever played and is a true App Store gem. Surely only a creature of darkness would let this one slip by them.
TheAppera
... Helsing's Fire reinvents the puzzle yet again with some light and dark dynamics I guarantee you have NOT seen yet. Prepare to be enthralled!
GamePro
... This is a game that would absolutely only work on the iOS platform, and it's hands-down one of the best games on the App Store. It gets my highest recommendation.
ADDICTIVE PUZZLES
Helsing's Fire features a brand-new puzzle mechanic never before seen: use the touch-screen to position Helsing's torch to illuminate different combinations of monsters, then destroy them in the correct order using Raffton's supply of different tonics. The quick, rewarding puzzles make it a perfect game for brief play-sessions, but you'll always want to play 'just one more level'!
A HUGE, DARK UNIVERSE
With puzzles set across four worlds, with 30 different levels in each world, all featuring fifteen different monster types including four bosses, Helsing's Fire provides an incredibly
rich, deep, and varied game experience. And because on replays puzzles are re-generated randomly, the game will always be fresh!
COMPELLING SETTING
The Victorian theme, Gothic setting, and engaging characters make Helsing's Fire one of the most appealing story-oriented puzzle games released. Add to that the distinct minimalist style of the character portraits, the incredible dynamic lighting of the shadows cast by your moving torch, and an original soundtrack, and it's clear that Helsing's Fire presents an epic experience. Designed just for the iPhone, this is high-quality mobile gaming at its finest.
MULTIPLE MODES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
As if the 120 distinct levels weren't enough, Helsing's Fire also comes with additional Endless Survival and Online Bounty modes, for the bravest of the brave! And when you've stood against the horde as long as you can, you can post your scores on the fully-integrated Crystal leaderboards, earning achievements for your accomplishments and claiming bragging rights from your friends.
Dracula must be stopped. Raffton, take the tonics: it's time to head into the Blight!
What's New in Version 1.7
This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.
Various bug fixes and improvements
