PC Game Review and Overview
Chasm: The Rift for PC is a lesser-known but fondly remembered gem of the mid-’90s FPS era. Developed by Action Forms and released in 1997, this game takes the frantic action of DOOM and Quake and mixes in its own unique twist: the ability to dismember enemies. As such, this one isn’t for the youngsters, but older gamers who appreciate old-school gore are likely to enjoy the brutal action. If you’re into fast-paced shooting, creepy monsters, and a dose of retro charm, Chasm: The Rift is a nostalgic dive into a time when games were all about gritty corridors and chaotic firefights.
The story is classic ’90s FPS minimalism: time-rifts are messing up reality, and you’re the lone soldier sent to clean up the mess. Armed to the teeth, you’ll blast through waves of mutants and monsters that have spilled into the timeline, from ancient Egypt to futuristic industrial zones. It’s not exactly Shakespeare, but it’s more than enough excuse to dive into the carnage.
What sets Chasm apart is its emphasis on strategic dismemberment. Enemies don’t just keel over when you shoot them – they lose limbs, heads, and sometimes even continue attacking in horrifyingly creative ways. It adds an extra layer of gruesome satisfaction to the already tight gunplay. The arsenal feels powerful, with classic staples like shotguns and machine guns, along with some inventive sci-fi weaponry. Every shot hits hard, and the enemy designs are varied enough to keep you guessing about how best to dismantle them.
Visually, Chasm sits somewhere between DOOM’s sprite-based simplicity and Quake’s early 3D grittiness. It uses a voxel-based engine that gives the environments a distinct, blocky look while allowing for some surprisingly detailed enemy models and gore effects. The lighting is atmospheric, with plenty of shadowy corners and eerie flickering that heighten the tension. Sure, it’s dated by today’s standards, but for fans of retro shooters, it’s a delightful slice of mid-’90s tech.
The level design is solid, with a mix of open arenas, tight corridors, and puzzles that require a bit of thought without bogging down the action. Secrets are scattered throughout, rewarding exploration and adding replay value. The sound design is also worth mentioning—the weapon effects are satisfyingly punchy, and the ambient music creates a foreboding atmosphere that matches the game’s grim aesthetic.
On the downside, Chasm: The Rift can feel a little derivative of its more famous peers, and its story doesn’t do much to stand out. Some levels can be a bit maze-like, leading to moments of frustration as you backtrack in search of the next objective. The difficulty is also unforgiving at times, with relentless enemies and limited health pickups that demand precision and patience.
Still, Chasm: The Rift is a hidden gem for fans of classic FPS games. It captures the chaotic energy and fast-paced action of the era while adding enough unique elements to carve out its own identity. If you’re a retro shooter enthusiast or just want to see what the genre looked like in its transitional years, this game is worth checking out. Grab your shotgun, keep an eye on your ammo, and watch those rifts… You never know what might crawl out.
Chasm Cheat Codes and Hints
Cheat Codes:
Press BACKSPACE during gameplay, then activate the following cheats by entering the corresponding codes:
CHEAT FUNCTION – CHEAT CODE
God mode – chojin
Full ammo – ammo
200 armor – armor
Invisibility for two minutes – invisible
All weapons – weapon
View entire map – fullmap
All keys – keys
Kill all monsters – kill
Toggle horizon distance – depth
All monsters respawn – reanimate
Set respawn time – respawn?