Editing Chex Quest

{{mainimage|Chex quest cover.png|Chex Quest Cover}}
'''Chex Quest''' is an award-winning promotional game created by {{wp|Digital Café}} and released in {{timeline|1996}}, utilizing the [[Doom engine]]. The [[player]] is embodied as Chex Warrior, a hero attempting to rescue captured Chex people from evil slime creatures known as [[Flemoid]]s who have invaded the Intergalactic Federation of Cereals' mining outpost on the planet Bazoik. The game was made available inside boxes of {{wp|Chex|Chex}} cereal. It featured five levels. Because the market for the cereal consisted largely of children, the game was made to be deliberately non-violent: for example, the enemies in the game are not killed, but are instead transported back to their home dimension.

The game is notable for the fact that it was the first game {{wp|CD-ROM}} to be released inside a cereal box. Sales of Chex cereal increased by 295% in incremental volume over base and 48% in volume share during this promotion.{{cite web archived|author=Promotion Marketing Association, Inc.|title=Reggie Awards Case Studies: Reggie Gold Award Winners - Chex Quest|url=http://www.pmalink.org/members/reggies|publishdate=1998|accessdate=3 October 2016|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050427102350/http://www.pmalink.org/members/reggies/1998_reggie_winners2.asp|archivedat=archive.org}}  Much of the manufacturing cost of the CDs was paid for by {{wp|America Online}}. AOL was allowed to include its dial-up online service client on the disc in exchange for this contribution.

A series of limited-edition boxed re-releases were announced by [[Limited Run Games]] on April 14, 2020.{{cite web|author=Peeples, Jeremy|title=Chex Quest Getting Special Physical Edition Via Limited Run Games|url=https://hardcoregamer.com/2020/04/14/chex-quest-getting-special-physical-edition-via-limited-run-games/375908/|publication=Hardcore Gamer|publishdate=14 April 2020|accessdate=19 May 2020}} In addition, ''Chex Quest HD'', a high-definition 3D remake of the game created by [[Charles Jacobi]] and the Chex Quest HD Team, was released by General Mills and Flight School Studio on May 19, 2020.{{cite web|author=|title=Chex Mix Unveils Chex Quest HD: A Highly Anticipated Upgrade to the Cult-Classic ‘90s Video Game|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200518005647/en/Chex-Mix-Unveils-Chex-Quest-HD-Highly|publication=Business Wire|publishdate=18 May 2020|accessdate=19 May 2020}} A port to Nintendo Switch was released on March 11, 2022.{{cite web|author=|title=Chex Quest HD is coming to Switch next week|url=https://www.vgamezone.com/2022/03/chex-quest-hd-is-coming-to-switch-next-week/|publication=VgameZone|publishdate=5 March 2022|accessdate=5 March 2022}}

==Story==
[[File:Chexquest.jpg|thumb|right|Chex Quest CD]]
Chex Quest begins with an emergency meeting of the members of the Intergalactic Federation of Cereals. In it, it is brought to everyone's attention that a volcano exploded recently on the surface of Bazoik, a peaceful mining planet renowned for its quality nutritional products. The Chex Squadron captured fragments from the explosion, and discovered that they contained strange, slimy larvae of a creature from another dimension. When exposed to nutritional substances, these larvae abruptly grow into huge, slimy creatures with the capacity to launch slime as a weapon from their bodies. When a member states that there has been no trouble reported, the Commander addressing the members states that communications with Bazoik have been interrupted, and the Federation cannot contact anyone.

Luckily, the scientists from the Federation have found a way to counter the threat. Although conventional weapons do not affect the slimy invaders, the scientists have modified the "[[Chex Quest weapons|zorchers]]", the main weapon of the Federation, to effect a transportation of any object into another dimension, and this is demonstrated to those present.

With this new weapon the Federation believes that it can subdue the threat by sending a lone volunteer to the surface of Bazoik. The crowd discusses this for a moment, and a warrior from Chex Squadron declares he is willing to take the rescue mission. Taking his ship, he flies to the planet and begins his quest.

===Enemies===
The non-boss [[flemoid]]s are given faux-Latin names by the IFC. It is unknown what name they give themselves.
;Flemoidus commonus:The most basic enemy, vaguely humanoid but slithering around on its legless body. It attacks at close range by trying to cover you with its slime. It corresponds to the [[Zombieman|former human]] from Doom, but only has a melee attack and does not drop ammunition when zorched.
;Flemoidus bipedicus:A more humanoid variant of the former type, who shaped two legs out of its slime body. It is slightly tougher than its commonus brethren but otherwise behave identically. It corresponds to the [[Shotgun guy|former human sergeant]], but again does not have a ranged attack and does not drop a weapon.
;Armored Flemoidus bipedicus:The first hint the flemoids have advanced technology, this bipedicus wears a special armor. It is twice as tough as the unarmored bipedicus (and thrice as tough as the commonus), it is more damaging at close range, and it can even throw balls of slime at long ranges. It corresponds to the [[imp]].
;Flemoidus cycloptis:This small flemoid appears to be roughly spherical and to have a single eye. However, it is entirely encased in a small hover tank. While it lacks a long-range attack, it is very fast and can deal a lot of damage close range. It corresponds to the [[demon]].
;The Flembrane:A living wall of flem slime, this monster guards the hostages in the caverns of Bazoik. It cannot move, but it is very tough and can throw dangerous balls of slimes, and is even more dangerous at close range. It corresponds to the [[baron of Hell]].

===Levels===
* [[E1M1: Landing Zone (Chex Quest)|E1M1: Landing Zone]]
* [[E1M2: Storage Facility (Chex Quest)|E1M2: Storage Facility]]
* [[E1M3: Laboratory (Chex Quest)|E1M3: Laboratory]]
* [[E1M4: Arboretum (Chex Quest)|E1M4: Arboretum]]
* [[E1M5: Caverns of Bazoik (Chex Quest)|E1M5: Caverns of Bazoik]]

===Built-in demos===
The game features four [[Demo#Built-in demos|built-in demos]]. The demo levels are:

{| {{prettytable}}
! Demo
! Level
! [[Skill level#Doom and Doom II skill levels|Skill]]
! [[Tic]]s
! Length
|-
| DEMO1
| {{maplinkgen|E1M1|Landing Zone|Chex Quest}}
| 3
| 3094
| 1:28.40
|-
| DEMO2
| {{maplinkgen|E1M2|Storage Facility|Chex Quest}}
| 3
| 4754
| 2:15.83
|-
| DEMO3
| {{maplinkgen|E1M4|Arboretum|Chex Quest}}
| 3
| 1960
| 0:56.00
|-
| DEMO4
| {{maplinkgen|E1M5|Caverns of Bazoik|Chex Quest}}
| 3
| 3938
| 1:52.51
|}

==Chex Quest 2==

'''Chex Quest 2: Flemoids Take Chextropolis''' is the second installment in the Chex Quest series, released in {{timeline|1997}}. It is an add-on to the original, as the first Chex Quest is required to play it. In this sequel's plot, the Chex Warrior returns to his home planet and lands in Chex City only to discover that the Flemoid threat has reached his homeworld. There, the player battles through a terrestrial spaceport, a cinema (showing three videos each endlessly looping), a museum, and the eponymous city, Chextropolis, until reaching the sewers to confront an end boss named "The Maximus".

Chex Quest 2 was available only from the games' official website, and only for a limited time. The basic gameplay is the same as in the first Chex Quest game, though some enemies have been changed cosmetically. Game development on the sequel was rushed to completion, with a lot of graphics being reused from the first game and the levels lacking in detail and quality.<ref>http://levelsave.com/interview-with-chex-quest-team-member-charles-jacobi/</ref>

===Enemies===
;Flemoidus commonus:Unchanged from the previous episode.
;Flemoidus bipedicus:Also unchanged from the previous episode.
;Flemoidus quadrumpus:A buff, four-armed flemoid variant, it can shoot balls of slime at range. This is a cosmetic replacement for the armored bipedicus.
;Flemoid larva:Looking like an annelid worm made of slime, it is fast and packs a punch up close. This is a cosmetic replacement for the cycloptis.
;Flemoidus maximus:A huge and buff flemoid. This is a cosmetic replacement for the Flembrane.

===Levels===
* [[E1M1: Spaceport (Chex Quest 2)|E1M1: Spaceport]]
* [[E1M2: Cinema (Chex Quest 2)|E1M2: Cinema]]
* [[E1M3: Chex Museum (Chex Quest 2)|E1M3: Chex Museum]]
* [[E1M4: City Streets (Chex Quest 2)|E1M4: City Streets]]
* [[E1M5: Sewer System (Chex Quest 2)|E1M5: Sewer System]]

==Engine==
Chex Quest comes with an executable called {{c|CHEX.EXE}}. This is a modified version of the [[Final Doom]] engine code that changes the engine in subtle ways that are hardcoded into the executable. Among these are new behaviors for the level warp cheat, longer text strings, and changes in enemy behavior. Its subtle differences are significant enough that Chex Quest as such cannot run in [[Vanilla Doom]] and thus has to rely on its modified executable to function properly.

* Text strings can be longer.
* The menu skips the '''Which Episode?''' screen when selecting '''New Game'''.
* Episodes end on the fifth map instead of the eighth.
* When using the level warp cheat, it always warps the player to the first episode, no matter the value of the first input.
* Cheat codes have been changed, the cheats themselves are the same, however. A full list can be found [[Chex Quest cheat codes|here]].
* The "automap" shows the level name corresponding to the current map's mission number in episode 1 (eg. In E2M4, the automap would read "E1M4: Arboretum").
* The commonus and bipedicus (former human and former human sergeant) are no longer able to fire at enemies from a distance. They still use A_PosAttack and A_SposAttack respectively, though, meaning the attack itself can hit from a distance, just that they can only initiate an attack when a target is in melee range.
* Enemies can no longer drop items. Functionally, this means commonus (former humans) do not drop mini zorch recharges (clips), and bipedicus (former human sergeants) do not drop the large zorcher (shotgun).
* The Flembrane (baron of Hell) has its speed set to 0 [[Map unit|map units]] per second, effectively making it immobile, alongside having a radius of 44.0 as opposed to the baron's radius of 24.0. Its third attack frame has its duration set to 0 tics instead of 3, meaning it takes 6 tics for it to attack instead of 9.
* The [[lost soul]] has its height set to 0 units. This is likely a mistake, as the lost soul occupies index value 19 in the [[Mobj|map object]] index, and the "[[Thing types#Obstacles|impaled human]]" obstacle (which was changed to a small flower) has an editor ID of 25, which is 19 in hexadecimal. The developers presumably wanted to remove collision from the flowers and checked its editor ID. They saw the hexadecimal value of 19, assumed it was a regular decimal number, and changed the height of the 19th thing in the map object index, assuming it was the yellow flower.
 
===DeHackEd patches===
Two [[DeHackEd]] patches exist that attempt to emulate the behavioral changes seen in {{c|CHEX.EXE}}:
* The author of [[NxDoom]], BlackAura, created a patch called {{c|CHEXQUEST.DEH}} on September 1, 2002. The patch was made to enable playing the game on a Sega Dreamcast.
* Another, more extensive patch was made in 2008 by [[Fraggle]]. His patch ({{c|CHEX.DEH}}) was made from a comparison of {{c|CHEX.EXE}} with [[Final Doom]]'s version of {{c|DOOM2.EXE}}.

Both patches do not emulate the executable fully, as the executable has to support longer text strings and cheat entries than DeHackEd can handle. Fraggle's version solves this by including a ''magic comments'' mode in [[Chocolate Doom]], enabling long text strings and long cheat support and recommends running the patch either through Chocolate or through a [[source port]] that has extended DeHackEd support.

===Projects based off CHEX.EXE===
The Chex Quest community created several projects that require {{c|CHEX.EXE}} to function:
* Nitro's Chex Quest (by [[Cory Scott (NiTROACTiVE)]] - A [[episode]] replacement for the original Chex Quest.
* Nitro's Chex Quest 2 - Another episode replacement, this time for Chex Quest 2.
* Chex Quest Advanced - A project to improve/remaster the original Chex Quest (and later on Chex Quest 2) whilst still operating within the limits of {{c|CHEX.EXE}}.
** Chex Quest: Vanillavasion - A [[PWAD]] [[episode]] for Chex Quest Advanced, that can also run standalone with {{c|CHEX.EXE}}.

==Chex Quest 3==
{{Main|Chex Quest 3}}

The original '''Chex Quest 3''' was made by fans of the series who were disappointed that the third had been canceled. But, rather than make entirely new levels and graphics, most of them were taken from other mods, including [[Hacx]] and [[STRAIN]]. This PWAD was noticeably more difficult. It was largely disregarded by the community when its unofficial status was confirmed. [[Team Eternity]] later started work on a different Chex Quest 3 project, but abandoned it.

Ten years later, Charles Jacobi, a former member of Digital Café, created and released his own [[Chex Quest 3]], with cooperation from programmer Scott Holman and former Digital Café sound design leader, [[Andrew Benon]]. In addition to an all-new five map episode, the first two games were given a makeover and included as well.

== 2020 big box rerelease ==

In April 2020 a big box re-release was announced by [[Limited Run Games]].{{cite web|author=[[Limited Run Games]]|url=https://twitter.com/limitedrungames/status/1250153888310874114|publication=Twitter|publishdate=April 14, 2020|accessdate=October 3, 2021}} Two versions were released: a basic "big box" release, and a larger "Chex Warrior edition" containing the following:

* 2-Disc jewel case containing game disc and soundtrack CD.
* Floppy disk-shaped USB drive containing game and soundtrack.
* 18x24" Chex Quest poster.
* 8x10" lithograph print of Chex Quest concept art. 
* Chex warrior and flemoid enamel pins. 
* Chex keychain.
* Metallica-themed "Zorch 'em all" t-shirt (XL). 
* Intergalactic Chexdallion of Bravery coin. 
* "Chex Quest" and "Intergalactic federation of cereals" hologram stickers. 
* Full size light-and-sound replica of the mini zorcher weapon.
* Metal Chex Warrior statue. 

The Chex Warrior big box is the same size as the [[SIGIL]] "beast box" release (also published by Limited Run), albeit in a portrait rather than landscape orientation. The box is designed to look like a cereal box, complete with a fake "Nutritional information" label that lists the box contents. A foil printing technique was used that gives the box a shimmering "hologram" effect.

<gallery mode=nolines widths="240px" heights="180px">
File:Chex_Quest_Big_Box.jpg|Front cover of the "Chex Warrior" big box release
File:Chex_Quest_Big_Box_contents.jpg|Contents of the "Chex Warrior" big box.
</gallery>

== Speedrunning ==

===Current records===
The [[DSDA]] episode records for Chex Quest are:

{| {{prettytable}}
! Run !! Time !! Player !! Date !! File !! Notes
|-
| [[UV speed|UV speed episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 03:36 || [[Jean-Charles Dorne (JCD)]] || 2021-06-20 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/53320/cqe1-336.zip|cqe1-336.zip}} ||
|-
| [[NM speed|NM speed episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 03:44 || [[Argentum]] || 2021-09-05 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/54891/cq1_nm_344.zip|cq1_nm_344.zip}} ||
|-
| [[UV max|UV max episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 08:21 || {{dsda2user|id=dime|title=Dime|linkonly=1}} || 2019-01-17 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/7725/cqe1-821.zip|cqe1-821.zip}} ||
|-
| [[NM 100S|NM 100S episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 05:30 || [[Jean-Charles Dorne (JCD)]] || 2021-06-20 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/53319/cq1ns530.zip|cq1ns530.zip}} ||
|-
| [[UV Tyson|UV Tyson episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 24:16 || [[Andrea Rovenski (Cyberdemon531)]] || 2023-06-03 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/78137/chexallt2416.zip|chexallt2416.zip}} ||
|-
| [[UV pacifist|UV pacifist episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 07:33 || {{dsda2user|id=veovis|title=veovis|linkonly=1}} || 2017-04-06 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/7735/cqe1p733.zip|cqe1p733.zip}} ||
|-
| [[NoMo|NoMo episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 03:48 || {{dsda2user|id=amnesiasilence|title=AmnesiaSilence|linkonly=1}} || 2022-06-18 || {{dsda2ftp|chex/63949/cqe1o348.zip|cqe1o348.zip}} ||
|}

The DSDA episode records for Chex Quest 2 are:

{| {{prettytable}}
! Run !! Time !! Player !! Date !! File !! Notes
|-
| [[UV speed|UV speed episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 04:20 || {{dsda2user|id=ks4|title=Ks4|linkonly=1}} || 2020-09-28 || {{dsda2ftp|chex2/50352/cq2-420.zip|cq2-420.zip}} ||
|-
| [[NM speed|NM speed episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 04:21 || {{dsda2user|id=ks4|title=Ks4|linkonly=1}} || 2020-09-27 || {{dsda2ftp|chex2/50355/cq2nm-421.zip|cq2nm-421.zip}} ||
|-
| [[NM 100S|NM 100S episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 05:27 || [[Jean-Charles Dorne (JCD)]] || 2021-06-20 || {{dsda2ftp|chex2/53318/cq2ns527.zip|cq2ns527.zip}} ||
|-
| [[NoMo|NoMo episode]] ||style="text-align: right;"| 03:52 || {{dsda2user|id=ks4|title=Ks4|linkonly=1}} || 2023-10-08 || {{dsda2ftp|chex2/82690/cq2o352.zip|cq2o352.zip}} ||
|}

''The data was last verified in its entirety on November 2, 2023.''

== See also ==
* [[Chex Quest cheat codes]]
* [[Chex Quest items]]
* [[Chex Quest music]]
* [[Chex Quest weapons]]
* [[Chex Quest Wiki]]
* {{wp|Chex Quest}} at [[Wikipedia]]
* [[CHEX.WAD]]
* [[CHEX2.WAD]]

==External links==
* [http://www.doomlegends.com/chexquest/tucq.html The Ultimate Chex Quest site], an enhanced port of Chex Quest and Chex Quest 2 to [[Doom Legacy]]
* [http://www.chucktropolis.com/gamers.htm Official Chex Quest 3 download]
* {{idgames|id=15420|title=Fraggle's Chex.exe Dehacked patch}}
* [http://chexquest.org The Chex Quest Fan Forums]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO_vAX8QC6A Chex Quest 90s commercial]
* [http://www.zam.com/article/790/chex-quest-a-1996-doom-mod-created-to-advertise-cereal-is-getting-an-hd-remake Interview with Charles Jacobi discussing the series and Chex Quest HD] (Published on July 13, 2016)
* [https://store.steampowered.com/app/804270/Chex_Quest_HD/ ''Chex Quest HD''] on [[Steam]]

==References==
<references/>


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[[Category:Chex Quest|*]]
[[Category:Games]]