First-person puzzle shooter

AnoMalice is a free puzzle game released by an independent developer vikintor. This action shooter is played in the first-person perspective and incorporates elements of puzzle-solving in its core gameplay. Players can switch between puzzle-fps or exploration mode as they like.

AnoMalice features similar gameplay to the likes of MOTHER or ToyBox. All of them employ a horror theme for their design and story. What makes it stand out, though, is its 3D pixel art style and setting that provides players with a rather unique and surreal experience.

How is it played?

In a nutshell, AnoMalice combines first-person shooting action with puzzle-solving mechanics for its core gameplay. There are two modes available to you in this game. The is first is dubbed puzzle-fps wherein you battle various enemies while you try to solve the various problems and obstacles that get thrown at you. Meanwhile, the second mode is called “walking sim” where you can solely focus on solving puzzles.

For controls, you will primarily be using a keyboard and mouse combo. The WASD keys are for movement, while your Spacebar is for jumping. Shoot or spawn enemies with your Left and Right Mouse buttons, respectively. Change weapons with the I-O keys or scroll wheel. Switch windowed or fullscreen mode using the Backspace key, pause the game with ESC, and restart the level with the “+” sign. 

Just one thing to note before you give this one a try. The game features just one level called Episode 1. Also, the developer has not stated whether development for it will continue or stop moving forward. As such, this might very well be its final state for the foreseeable future until more announcements are made. It’s a pretty interesting shooter to check out nonetheless.

Surreal puzzle shooter

All in all, if you’re looking for an fps game that offers something a bit unique, AnoMalice might be worth checking out for you. It’s a hybrid puzzle shooter that features a retro art style and a surreal presentation. Development for it is still up in the air, but if you don’t mind that, it is still worth playing.