"Zombies are fun target practice... but what happens when your prey starts shooting back?"
In this month's devlog, I want to introduce a new enemy in Hexborn, my roguelike retro FPS inspired by 90s shooters like Blood, soaked in Gothic horror and eldritch madness.
🕯️ Meet the Cultist
Inspired by the iconic shotgun-wielding zealots from Blood, the Shotgun Cultist is designed to punish complacency. While zombies shamble toward you brainlessly, this guy sees you, chases you down, and fires on sight.
His animations are classic 2D sprite-based, in line with the rest of Hexborn’s weapons and enemies — but when paired with modern FX and sound design, he hits hard.
🧠 Behind the Design
I wanted a ranged enemy that keeps you moving and makes you sweat, especially in tight spaces. Something that breaks the zombie rhythm and forces you to treat every encounter like a duel.
I pulled references directly from Blood's cultists, but added my own spin — a darker aesthetic, warped chants, and tighter, faster attacks. Gameplay-wise, this cultist becomes a pacing anchor. When you hear his signature shout echo down the hall, it’s time to duck or die.
The sprite art was hand-animated to feel sharp and aggressive, with just a hint of janky 90s charm — the kind that makes each encounter feel a little unpredictable.
🩸 Lore Connection
The Shotgun Cultist is a footsoldier of the Cult of Shadows, the fanatics who have infiltrated the Bloodstone Labyrinth in hopes of resurrecting the Forgotten God. These zealots have adapted to the maze’s shifting geometry, establishing outposts and defending Bloodstone fragments through rituals and firepower.
They’re not mindless monsters — they’re here with purpose. And they’ll die for it.
⭐ Support the Project
If you're into retro shooters and roguelikes where death can come from a corner shout and a muzzle flash, wishlist Hexborn on Steam to follow the journey.