Hexen: Beyond Heretic (1995)

by Ji-yeong
written by Ji-yeong 6 minutes read

Summary

Hexen: Beyond Heretic (1995): A Dark Fantasy FPS Classic

Released in 1995, Hexen: Beyond Heretic is a first-person shooter game developed by Raven Software and published by id Software. It is the sequel to Heretic, released in 1994, and the second game in the Hexen series. Hexen: Beyond Heretic was a critical and commercial success, praised for its dark fantasy setting, innovative gameplay, and groundbreaking graphics.

Story

Hexen: Beyond Heretic takes place in a decaying world overrun by undead creatures and ruled by the evil Serpent Riders. The player takes control of one of three heroes: a warrior, a mage, or a cleric. Each hero has their own unique abilities and weapons. The player must travel through the world, fighting off hordes of undead enemies and eventually confronting the Serpent Riders themselves.

Gameplay

Hexen: Beyond Heretic is a fast-paced, action-packed FPS. The player explores a variety of levels, including castles, dungeons, and forests. The levels are filled with traps, puzzles, and hidden secrets. The player must use their weapons and abilities to defeat the enemies and progress through the game.

Hexen: Beyond Heretic introduced several innovative gameplay features that were not found in other FPS games at the time. For example, the player can look up and down, allowing them to explore the environment in more detail. The player can also use a variety of magical spells, which can be used to attack enemies, heal wounds, or solve puzzles.

Graphics

Hexen: Beyond Heretic was one of the first FPS games to use the Quake engine. The Quake engine allowed for more detailed and realistic graphics than previous FPS games. The game’s environments are dark and atmospheric, and the character models are well-animated.

Legacy

Hexen: Beyond Heretic was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its dark fantasy setting, innovative gameplay, and groundbreaking graphics. The game has been cited as an influence on many later FPS games, including Half-Life and Doom 3.

Critical Reception

Hexen: Beyond Heretic received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its dark fantasy setting, innovative gameplay, and groundbreaking graphics. Many reviewers considered it to be one of the best FPS games of its time.

Awards

Hexen: Beyond Heretic won several awards, including:

  • Game of the Year (1995) from Computer Gaming World
  • Best Action Game (1995) from PC Gamer
  • Best Graphics (1995) from PC Zone

Sales

Hexen: Beyond Heretic was a commercial success. The game sold over 500,000 copies worldwide.

Re-releases

Hexen: Beyond Heretic has been re-released several times, including:

  • A DOS version was released in 1995.
  • A Windows version was released in 1996.
  • A Mac OS version was released in 1997.
  • A Linux version was released in 2000.
  • A PlayStation version was released in 1997.
  • A Nintendo 64 version was released in 1997.
  • An Xbox 360 version was released in 2009.

Source Ports

Several source ports have been released for Hexen: Beyond Heretic, including:

  • Hexen World (2003)
  • Hexen TC (2005)
  • Arcane Dimensions (2006)

These source ports allow players to play the game on modern computers with improved graphics and performance.

Mods

There are a large number of mods available for Hexen: Beyond Heretic. These mods add new levels, characters, weapons, and gameplay features to the game. Some of the most popular mods include:

  • Deathkings of the Dark Citadel (1996)
  • Portal of Praevus (1997)
  • Heretic II (1998)

Legacy

Hexen: Beyond Heretic is considered to be one of the greatest FPS games of all time. The game’s dark fantasy setting, innovative gameplay, and groundbreaking graphics have influenced many later FPS games. Hexen: Beyond Heretic is still enjoyed by many fans today, and it remains a classic of the genre.

Conclusion

Hexen: Beyond Heretic is a dark fantasy FPS classic that offers a unique and immersive experience. The game’s innovative gameplay, groundbreaking graphics, and memorable characters have made it a favorite of fans for over two decades. If you’re a fan of FPS games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Hexen: Beyond Heretic.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Ji-yeong

Ji-yeong is a passionate gamer and whose love for video games blossomed during her childhood. Growing up in the midwest, without many friends, she spent countless hours exploring the enchanting worlds of classic JRPGs like Final Fantasy and Chrono Trigger, which sparked not only an enduring love for gaming but also a keen insight into its evolving landscape. Today, Ji-yeong channels her deep-seated passion and nostalgia into thoughtful, engaging reviews that resonate with both longtime gamers and newcomers alike. Her unique perspective, rooted in a rich history of gaming, offers readers a heartfelt journey through the pixels and stories that have shaped her love for this dynamic medium. Her favorite game series of all time is Harvest Moon.

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