Profaned is an Egyptian-themed old-school FPS built on the DarkPlaces engine. Players take control of a fighter pilot whose plane crashes into an ancient temple during a conflict set between the two world wars. The story follows his descent into forgotten ruins filled with the remnants of prior expeditions and encounters with forces tied to alien origins behind Egyptian mythology.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on fast-paced movement and combat through handcrafted environments. Levels include crumbling temples, buried cities, mines, and caverns, all rendered with classic Quake-engine physics and modern visual updates via DarkPlaces. Exploration rewards players with secrets hidden in Egyptian architecture, while combat mixes WWI and WWII-era firearms with alien technology weapons. Enemies draw from twisted Egyptian myths, featuring mummies, harpies, a sphinx, and additional creatures that blend mythological elements with older, extraterrestrial threats.
Progression involves uncovering journals and equipment from enemy forces that arrived before, revealing the true nature of the old gods as an alien race that once used pyramidal portals to influence humanity. The design emphasizes precise aiming, quick navigation, and resource management in tight corridors and larger open chambers.
Game Modes
Profaned focuses on a single-player campaign structured around sequential levels. The experience unfolds as a linear story-driven journey with opportunities for optional exploration and secret hunting. No additional modes such as multiplayer or survival variants appear in available details, keeping the emphasis on the campaign's narrative and combat challenges.
Story and Setting
The narrative places the protagonist in a temple that blocks his escape after the crash. Scattered remains of previous expeditions hint at repeated incursions into the site. Hieroglyphs and artifacts gradually expose how an alien presence shaped early human civilization before departing through portals. The current reopening of those portals raises questions about connections to modern warfare and humanity's vulnerability. This setup blends historical desert combat with cosmic horror elements drawn from ancient Egypt.
Development Background
Produced by Rising Fire Games, known for Hands of Necromancy, the project draws on talent from ex-3D Realms members who worked on Wrath: Aeon of Ruin. Additional contributions come from Bloom Team and Rest in Pixels, creators of Call of the Void. The DarkPlaces engine provides the foundation for movement and rendering that matches the feel of 1990s shooters while supporting updated visuals and level complexity.
Is It Worth Playing?
Profaned targets fans of retro first-person shooters who appreciate fast movement, secret-filled levels, and atmospheric settings. The combination of period weapons, alien tech, and myth-inspired enemies offers a distinct twist on the genre. With development still in early stages following the initial trailer, the game remains unavailable for purchase or play. Those drawn to titles like PowerSlave or Quake may find the premise and confirmed mechanics appealing once it reaches release, particularly if they enjoy single-player campaigns centered on exploration and combat against unusual foes.
