Crusader: No Remorse

Crusader: No Remorse is a video game in the action genre developed by ORIGIN Systems, Inc. and published by ORIGIN Systems, Inc. originally released in 1995. It is currently playable on DOS.

Undoubtedly one of the best action games ever made, Crusader: No Remorse is a perfect use of the isometric 3D engine used in the lousy Ultima VIII: Pagan.

The premise is not original, but it is effective in the game's action context: you are a former Silencer, an elite soldier working for the World Economic Consortium, who one day decided to join the Resistance, a movement that aims to free the world from the Consortium's oppression. Despite this clichéd premise, No Remorse improves over time as the plot thickens and the game's world unfolds in great detail, complete with competent full-motion video acting (which are obviously too large to be included on this CD-rip. Look for the full version).

The game consists of 16 missions that must be completed in order. Mission objectives range from destroying a Consortium refinery, to rescuing prisoners, to kidnapping a Consortium official. Although you will spend most of your time destroying anything that moves, wanton destruction is not encouraged, as there are useful items such as lockers containing power-ups and ammunition, as well as computer terminals that provide passwords and clues you will need. In addition, stealth and planning are aided by the presence of alarms, which will call enemy troops to your location and disable some crucial terminals if you activate them. This, along with the inclusion of many interactive objects in each level, adds a fun element of realism to the standard gameplay of finding the blue key to unlock the blue door.

The arsenal of weapons you'll have at your disposal is impressive, ranging from the mundane (semi-automatic pistols), to the devastating (UV-9 ultraviolet rifle). Part of the fun in No Remorse is watching your enemies die in a variety of ways. The 'Unifier' plasma rifle, for example, completely disintegrates a human target, leaving only some residue. Other inventory items include mines, explosives, spider bombs, shield generators, medikits, energy cells, etc. The variety of weaponry and its different uses definitely distinguishes No Remorse from the Doom clones, and part of the fun lies in figuring out the optimal use of each item.

Overall, No Remorse delivers exactly what the title implies: addictive hours of remorseless fun. My only complaint is that the controls take some getting used to, with different keystrokes for walking, running, rolling, crouching, shooting, etc. The mouse and keyboard combination seems to work better, but it takes quite a bit of practice. But no matter... practice makes perfect, and as soon as you get used to the controls, you'll find yourself hooked to the world of Silencer for hours on end. Two thumbs up, way up!

Crusader: No Remorse is available at a reduced price on the following websites and is no longer abandonware.