The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing

The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing is a 2013 action-RPG developed and published by the Hungarian studio NeocoreGames for Windows and later Xbox One. Set in the studio's own gothic-fantasy, steampunk-tinged reimagining of Eastern Europe, it casts the player as the younger Van Helsing, son of the legendary monster hunter, who, accompanied by the sharp-tongued ghostly companion Lady Katarina, battles the unnatural creatures and mad-science horrors threatening the fictional land of Borgovia. In the tradition of Diablo-style hack-and-slash games, it features fast isometric combat, character classes and skill trees, randomised loot and a steady progression of gear and abilities, distinguished by its darkly humorous tone, banter-filled writing and a distinctive Victorian-monster-hunter aesthetic. It also added tower-defense-style 'lair defence' elements and the Katarina companion who fights alongside and comments on the action. Reasonably well received, the game was praised for its atmosphere, humour, art direction and solid action-RPG mechanics at a budget-friendly price, while some found it derivative and a touch rough. It proved successful enough to spawn two direct sequels completing a trilogy. The Incredible Adventures of Van Helsing stands as a charming, characterful entry in the action-RPG genre, beloved by fans for its wit and gothic style. Its success spawned two sequels, completing a trilogy and a 'Final Cut' compilation that gathered all three.