Difference between revisions of "Heretic"

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[[Image:Heretictitle.png|thumb|Heretic title screen]]
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{{mainimage|Heretictitle.png|Heretic [[title screen]]}}
[[Raven Software]] teamed up with [[id Software]] for the second time in its creation of the hit fantasy action game '''Heretic''', which was released in 1994. Based on a modified Doom engine, Heretic pioneered a revolutionary new inventory system for character item use that has become commonplace in the FPS genre. id Software published the game under its flag and it was distributed by GT Interactive.
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[[File:Hereticserpent title.png|thumb|right|Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders title screen]]
 +
'''Heretic''', released on [[Timeline#1994|December 23, 1994]], is a hit fantasy/action game by [[Raven Software]], the result of their second team-up with [[id Software]] after [[Shadowcaster]]. Based on a modified [[Doom engine]], Heretic pioneered an [[Artifacts|inventory]] system for real-time [[item]] use that has become commonplace in the FPS genre. id Software published the game under its brand. Like [[Doom]] before it, the game was initially released as [[shareware]] with the ability to call or mail in to receive the registered version. A later, expanded commercial release as '''Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders''' was distributed to retail stores by [[GT Interactive Software|GT Interactive]].
  
Players took the role of a nameless Elven hero (given the name [[Corvus]] in Heretic II) whose race, the Sidhe, was nearly eliminated by a horde of evil monsters from another dimension. The first episode of Heretic was released as shareware as a precursor to the full version of the game.
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Players took the role of a nameless Elven hero (given the name [[Corvus]] in ''{{wp|Heretic II}}'') whose race, the Sidhe, was nearly eliminated by a horde of evil monsters from another dimension. The first episode of Heretic was released as shareware as a precursor to the full version of the game.
  
 
Heretic won several awards for excellence, appeared in such notable publications as USA Today and Playboy, and opened many new doors in the computer gaming software industry for Raven Software and its team of developers. Heretic was Raven Software's most popular, highest acclaimed, biggest selling game to that point.
 
Heretic won several awards for excellence, appeared in such notable publications as USA Today and Playboy, and opened many new doors in the computer gaming software industry for Raven Software and its team of developers. Heretic was Raven Software's most popular, highest acclaimed, biggest selling game to that point.
  
After its big success, two additional episodes were released for free, upgrading the normal Heretic to '''Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders''' (v1.3). The original version of Heretic with three episodes was subsequently discontinued.
+
After its big success, two additional episodes were released for free, upgrading the normal Heretic to '''Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders''' (v1.3). The original version of Heretic with three episodes was subsequently discontinued. The expansion was released on {{timeline|1996|March 31, 1996}}.
  
Some of the modifications Raven made to the [[Doom engine]] for Heretic were flight, sectors that can push the player, an inventory system, ambient sounds, translucency, looking up and down and pushable objects.
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Some of the modifications Raven made to the [[Doom engine]] for Heretic were [[flight]], sectors that can push the player, an inventory system, ambient sounds, [[translucency]], [[Free look|looking up and down]] and pushable objects.
 
 
On [[Timeline#1999|January 11, 1999]], the [[source code]] for both ''Heretic'' and ''[[Hexen]]'' was released by Raven Software under a restrictive [[Wikipedia:Software license agreement#End-user license agreement|EULA]] [http://www.doomworld.com/eternity/activision_eula.txt] which [[Raven source code licensing|prohibited many uses of the code]], and was incompatible with the [[Wikipedia:GNU General Public License|GNU GPL]].  This rendered it impossible to create a properly [[Wikipedia:Open source|open source]] [[source port]] (under the [[Wikipedia:Open Source Definition|Open Source Definition]]) for either game. On September 4, 2008, the source code for both games was rereleased under the GPL [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=238655].
 
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
The world of [[Parthoris]] was populated by many people who divided themselves into seven great nations, as well as the mystic Sidhe elves. It was these elves who kept the [[Tome of Power|Tomes of Power]] and the sacred candle flames which eternally burned to represent the armies of the world.
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The world of [[Parthoris]] was populated by many people who divided themselves into seven great nations, as well as the mystic Sidhe elves. It was these elves who kept the [[Tome of Power|Tomes of Power]] and the sacred candle flames which eternally burned to represent the armies of the world.
  
 
The Sidhe believed in a prophecy of Armageddon, and their prophecy ultimately proved itself true when from the east came the three terrible [[Serpent Riders]] cloaked in black. They were great sorcerers, and they demonstrated their power by quelling the wars of the eastern provinces. Soon the men of the seven nations turned to their worship and built a great temple in their honor. Upon the temple was the Sign, a crossed trident, and the worshippers came to call themselves the Order of the Sign. The deeper into reverence of the Riders' dark ways they fell, the more they were sapped of their free will and spirit. Once all of the seven realms were theirs, the two eldest Riders departed, leaving [[D'Sparil]] alone to prepare the world for destruction.
 
The Sidhe believed in a prophecy of Armageddon, and their prophecy ultimately proved itself true when from the east came the three terrible [[Serpent Riders]] cloaked in black. They were great sorcerers, and they demonstrated their power by quelling the wars of the eastern provinces. Soon the men of the seven nations turned to their worship and built a great temple in their honor. Upon the temple was the Sign, a crossed trident, and the worshippers came to call themselves the Order of the Sign. The deeper into reverence of the Riders' dark ways they fell, the more they were sapped of their free will and spirit. Once all of the seven realms were theirs, the two eldest Riders departed, leaving [[D'Sparil]] alone to prepare the world for destruction.
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Recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy, the Sidhe refused to follow in the worship of D'Sparil and thus they were set apart from the other people of the world. Once sacred guardians, they were now heretics, hunted and hated everywhere they went. D'Sparil's disciples turned the minds of the seven kings toward conquest of the Sidhe realm, and when the Seven Armies marched upon them, the Sidhe Elders extinguished the sacred flames, destroying them all.
 
Recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy, the Sidhe refused to follow in the worship of D'Sparil and thus they were set apart from the other people of the world. Once sacred guardians, they were now heretics, hunted and hated everywhere they went. D'Sparil's disciples turned the minds of the seven kings toward conquest of the Sidhe realm, and when the Seven Armies marched upon them, the Sidhe Elders extinguished the sacred flames, destroying them all.
  
[[D'Sparil]] was enraged and in the chamber of the Elders he stirred up a storm of white-hot flame, killing them all. The earth burst open beneath their charred bodies and from within poured legions of the undead as well as murderous beasts from worlds beyond. This new army overwhelmed the Sidhe and slaughtered them in untold numbers. In only one day, their civilization was destroyed and their survivors were scattered far and wide. The darkling creatures had carried off the [[Tome of Power|Tomes of Power]] and the other artifacts of the Sidhe as spoils of war. Left defenseless, it was surely only a matter of time before all Sidhe perished under the Order of the Triad's unyielding fury.
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[[D'Sparil]] was enraged and in the chamber of the Elders he stirred up a storm of white-hot flame, killing them all. The earth burst open beneath their charred bodies and from within poured legions of the undead as well as murderous beasts from worlds beyond. This new army overwhelmed the Sidhe and slaughtered them in untold numbers. In only one day, their civilization was destroyed and their survivors were scattered far and wide. The darkling creatures had carried off the [[Tome of Power|Tomes of Power]] and the other artifacts of the Sidhe as spoils of war. Left defenseless, it was surely only a matter of time before all Sidhe perished under the Order of the Triad's unyielding fury.
  
 
Most of the few remaining Sidhe hid themselves away, but [[Corvus]] was determined to have revenge. Heading east into the wilderness he came upon the City of the Damned, where the very air reeked with rot and decay and the only sounds were the screams of foul creatures seeking his blood. Armed only with his staff and [[Elven Wand]], he had little hope to survive. So began the downfall of D'Sparil and the salvation of [[Parthoris]].
 
Most of the few remaining Sidhe hid themselves away, but [[Corvus]] was determined to have revenge. Heading east into the wilderness he came upon the City of the Damned, where the very air reeked with rot and decay and the only sounds were the screams of foul creatures seeking his blood. Armed only with his staff and [[Elven Wand]], he had little hope to survive. So began the downfall of D'Sparil and the salvation of [[Parthoris]].
  
 
==Heretic skill levels==
 
==Heretic skill levels==
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[[Image:Heretic-E1M3.png|thumb|Attack of gargoyles in Heretic]]
  
 
'''1. Thou needeth a wet-nurse:'''
 
'''1. Thou needeth a wet-nurse:'''
Damage taken is halved; number of monsters is decreased; number of powerups and items is increased; ammo powerups give 50% more than normal. The game automatically uses quartz flasks and mystic urns to prevent the player from dying.
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Damage taken is halved; number of monsters is decreased; number of powerups and items is increased; ammo powerups give 50% more than normal. The game automatically uses quartz flasks and mystic urns to prevent the player from dying.
  
 
'''2. Yellowbellies-r-us:'''
 
'''2. Yellowbellies-r-us:'''
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Similar to skill 4, but ammo powerups give 50% more than normal; monsters attack and move 300% faster; enemy missiles fly 300% faster; cheating is disabled.
 
Similar to skill 4, but ammo powerups give 50% more than normal; monsters attack and move 300% faster; enemy missiles fly 300% faster; cheating is disabled.
  
(Note: The skill names apparently parody the badly-understood Early Modern English common in fantasy RPG. 1, 3 and 5 are grammatically non-standard; they should be ''Thou need'''est''' a wet-nurse,'' ''Bring them on'', and ''Black plague possesseth thee''; the mix of English and German in 4's ''smite-meister'' is nonsensical, and 2 makes an out-of-place anachronistic reference to Toys-R-Us.)
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The skill names parody the often badly understood Early Modern English common throughout the fantasy genre. 1, 3 and 5 are grammatically non-standard; they should be ''Thou need'''est''' a wet-nurse,'' ''Bring them on'', and ''Black plague possess'''eth''' thee''; the mix of English and German in 4's ''smite-meister'' is unusual, and 2 makes an out-of-place reference to Toys-R-Us.
  
==Enemies, Weapons, Items==
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==Enemies, weapons, items==
[[Image:Hereticscreen.jpg|thumb|Attack of gargoyles in Heretic]]
 
  
 
{{Template:RavenThings
 
{{Template:RavenThings
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*[[Golem]]
 
*[[Golem]]
 
*[[Golem Ghost]]
 
*[[Golem Ghost]]
*[[Green Chaos Serpent]]<sup>1</sup>
 
 
*[[Iron Lich]]
 
*[[Iron Lich]]
 
*[[Maulotaur]]<sup>1</sup>
 
*[[Maulotaur]]<sup>1</sup>
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* [[Staff]]
 
* [[Staff]]
 
|items =
 
|items =
 +
* [[Heretic keys|Keys]]
 
* [[Crystal Vial]]<sup>2</sup>
 
* [[Crystal Vial]]<sup>2</sup>
 
* [[Quartz Flask]]<sup>2</sup>
 
* [[Quartz Flask]]<sup>2</sup>
* [[Mystic Urn]]<sup>1</sup><sup>2</sup>
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* [[Mystic Urn]]<sup>1,2</sup>
 
* [[Silver Shield]]
 
* [[Silver Shield]]
* [[Enchanted Shield]]<sup>1</sup><sup>2</sup>
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* [[Enchanted Shield]]<sup>1</sup>
 
* [[Tome of Power]]
 
* [[Tome of Power]]
 
* [[Timebomb of the Ancients]]
 
* [[Timebomb of the Ancients]]
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* [[Map Scroll]]
 
* [[Map Scroll]]
 
* [[Bag of Holding]]
 
* [[Bag of Holding]]
* [[Chaos Device]]<sup>1</sup><sup>2</sup>
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* [[Chaos Device]]<sup>1,2</sup>
 
}}
 
}}
  
<sup>1</sup>Can only be found in the full version of the game.<br>
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<sup>1</sup>Can only be found in the full version of the game.<br />
 
<sup>2</sup>These items make a reappearance in [[Hexen]].
 
<sup>2</sup>These items make a reappearance in [[Hexen]].
  
 
==Heretic levels==
 
==Heretic levels==
 
 
'''[[City of the Damned]]''' (Episode 1) (The only one in shareware)
 
'''[[City of the Damned]]''' (Episode 1) (The only one in shareware)
 
'''Sky Color:''' Grey
 
'''Sky Color:''' Grey
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* [[E1M2: The Dungeons (Heretic)|E1M2: The Dungeons]]
 
* [[E1M2: The Dungeons (Heretic)|E1M2: The Dungeons]]
 
* [[E1M3: The Gatehouse (Heretic)|E1M3: The Gatehouse]]
 
* [[E1M3: The Gatehouse (Heretic)|E1M3: The Gatehouse]]
* [[E1M4: The Guard Tower (Heretic)|E1M4: The Guard Tower]]  
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* [[E1M4: The Guard Tower (Heretic)|E1M4: The Guard Tower]]
* [[E1M5: The Citadel (Heretic)|E1M5: The Citadel]]  
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* [[E1M5: The Citadel (Heretic)|E1M5: The Citadel]]
 
* [[E1M6: The Cathedral (Heretic)|E1M6: The Cathedral]] (secret exit)
 
* [[E1M6: The Cathedral (Heretic)|E1M6: The Cathedral]] (secret exit)
* [[E1M7: The Crypts (Heretic)|E1M7: The Crypts]]  
+
* [[E1M7: The Crypts (Heretic)|E1M7: The Crypts]]
 
* [[E1M8: Hell's Maw (Heretic)|E1M8: Hell's Maw]] (Iron Liches are bosses)
 
* [[E1M8: Hell's Maw (Heretic)|E1M8: Hell's Maw]] (Iron Liches are bosses)
 
* [[E1M9: The Graveyard (Heretic)|E1M9: The Graveyard]] (secret level)
 
* [[E1M9: The Graveyard (Heretic)|E1M9: The Graveyard]] (secret level)
 
  
 
'''[[Hell's Maw]]''' (Episode 2)
 
'''[[Hell's Maw]]''' (Episode 2)
 
'''Sky Color:''' Red
 
'''Sky Color:''' Red
 
* [[E2M1: The Crater (Heretic)|E2M1: The Crater]]
 
* [[E2M1: The Crater (Heretic)|E2M1: The Crater]]
* [[E2M2: The Lava Pits (Heretic)|E2M2: The Lava Pits]]  
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* [[E2M2: The Lava Pits (Heretic)|E2M2: The Lava Pits]]
* [[E2M3: The River of Fire (Heretic)|E2M3: The River of Fire]]  
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* [[E2M3: The River of Fire (Heretic)|E2M3: The River of Fire]]
 
* [[E2M4: The Ice Grotto (Heretic)|E2M4: The Ice Grotto]] (secret exit)
 
* [[E2M4: The Ice Grotto (Heretic)|E2M4: The Ice Grotto]] (secret exit)
* [[E2M5: The Catacombs (Heretic)|E2M5: The Catacombs]]  
+
* [[E2M5: The Catacombs (Heretic)|E2M5: The Catacombs]]
* [[E2M6: The Labyrinth (Heretic)|E2M6: The Labyrinth]]  
+
* [[E2M6: The Labyrinth (Heretic)|E2M6: The Labyrinth]]
* [[E2M7: The Great Hall (Heretic)|E2M7: The Great Hall]]  
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* [[E2M7: The Great Hall (Heretic)|E2M7: The Great Hall]]
 
* [[E2M8: The Portals of Chaos (Heretic)|E2M8: The Portals of Chaos]] (Maulotaurs are bosses)
 
* [[E2M8: The Portals of Chaos (Heretic)|E2M8: The Portals of Chaos]] (Maulotaurs are bosses)
 
* [[E2M9: The Glacier (Heretic)|E2M9: The Glacier]] (secret level)
 
* [[E2M9: The Glacier (Heretic)|E2M9: The Glacier]] (secret level)
 
  
 
'''[[The Dome of D'Sparil]]''' (Episode 3)
 
'''[[The Dome of D'Sparil]]''' (Episode 3)
 
'''Sky Color:''' Blue
 
'''Sky Color:''' Blue
* [[E3M1: The Storehouse (Heretic)|E3M1: The Storehouse]]  
+
* [[E3M1: The Storehouse (Heretic)|E3M1: The Storehouse]]
* [[E3M2: The Cesspool (Heretic)|E3M2: The Cesspool]]  
+
* [[E3M2: The Cesspool (Heretic)|E3M2: The Cesspool]]
* [[E3M3: The Confluence (Heretic)|E3M3: The Confluence]]  
+
* [[E3M3: The Confluence (Heretic)|E3M3: The Confluence]]
 
* [[E3M4: The Azure Fortress (Heretic)|E3M4: The Azure Fortress]] (secret exit)
 
* [[E3M4: The Azure Fortress (Heretic)|E3M4: The Azure Fortress]] (secret exit)
* [[E3M5: The Ophidian Lair (Heretic)|E3M5: The Ophidian Lair]]  
+
* [[E3M5: The Ophidian Lair (Heretic)|E3M5: The Ophidian Lair]]
* [[E3M6: The Halls of Fear (Heretic)|E3M6: The Halls of Fear]]  
+
* [[E3M6: The Halls of Fear (Heretic)|E3M6: The Halls of Fear]]
* [[E3M7: The Chasm (Heretic)|E3M7: The Chasm]]  
+
* [[E3M7: The Chasm (Heretic)|E3M7: The Chasm]]
 
* [[E3M8: D'Sparil's Keep (Heretic)|E3M8: D'Sparil's Keep]] (D'Sparil is boss)
 
* [[E3M8: D'Sparil's Keep (Heretic)|E3M8: D'Sparil's Keep]] (D'Sparil is boss)
 
* [[E3M9: The Aquifer (Heretic)|E3M9: The Aquifer]] (secret level)
 
* [[E3M9: The Aquifer (Heretic)|E3M9: The Aquifer]] (secret level)
 
  
 
'''[[The Ossuary]]''' (Episode 4) (Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders only)
 
'''[[The Ossuary]]''' (Episode 4) (Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders only)
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* [[E4M8: Shattered Bridge (Heretic)|E4M8: Shattered Bridge]] (Iron Liches are bosses)
 
* [[E4M8: Shattered Bridge (Heretic)|E4M8: Shattered Bridge]] (Iron Liches are bosses)
 
* [[E4M9: Mausoleum (Heretic)|E4M9: Mausoleum]] (secret level)
 
* [[E4M9: Mausoleum (Heretic)|E4M9: Mausoleum]] (secret level)
 
  
 
'''[[The Stagnant Demesne]]''' (Episode 5) (Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders only)
 
'''[[The Stagnant Demesne]]''' (Episode 5) (Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders only)
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* [[E5M8: Field of Judgement (Heretic)|E5M8: Field of Judgement]] (Maulotaurs are bosses)
 
* [[E5M8: Field of Judgement (Heretic)|E5M8: Field of Judgement]] (Maulotaurs are bosses)
 
* [[E5M9: Skein of D'Sparil (Heretic)|E5M9: Skein of D'Sparil]] (secret level)
 
* [[E5M9: Skein of D'Sparil (Heretic)|E5M9: Skein of D'Sparil]] (secret level)
 
  
 
'''[[Fate's Path]]''' (Episode 6)
 
'''[[Fate's Path]]''' (Episode 6)
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* [[E6M3 (Heretic)|E6M3 (aka American's Legacy)]] (has no exit)
 
* [[E6M3 (Heretic)|E6M3 (aka American's Legacy)]] (has no exit)
  
These three levels, seemingly built for Deathmatch are untitled in the game itself and can only be accessed via the "engage##" cheat or the command line (they don't appear on the episode select screen). The first two names resulted from suggestions by designer [[Michael Raymond-Judy]] in an [http://www.ravengames.com/heretic/heretic-shadow/insider.php interview]; whilst the name of the third map and the "episode name" were unofficially made up by fans and are widely accepted among the community.
+
These three levels, seemingly built for Deathmatch are untitled in the game itself and can only be accessed via the "engage##" cheat or the command line (they don't appear on the episode select screen). The first two names resulted from suggestions by designer [[Michael Raymond-Judy]] in an interview with now-defunct website ravengames.com;{{cite web archived|author=|title=Heretic Shadow of the Serpent Riders Insider Info: Behind-the-scenes interview with Michael Raymond-Judy|url=http://www.ravengames.com/heretic/heretic-shadow/insider.php|publication=RavenGames.com|publishdate=|accessdate=8 August 2016|archiveurl=https://archive.is/SHMhn|archivedat=archive.is}} whilst the name of the third map and the "episode name" were unofficially made up by fans and are widely accepted among the community.
 +
 
 +
Note that E6M3 appears as E4M1 in the original registered version of Heretic, hidden in the same way as the above details for Shadow of the Serpent Riders.
  
Note that E6M1 appears as E4M1 in the non SOTR version of Heretic, hidden in the same way as the above details for SOTR.
+
==Source code release==
 +
{{main|Raven source code licensing}}
 +
On [[Timeline#1999|January 11, 1999]], the [[source code]] for both ''Heretic'' and ''[[Hexen]]'' was released by Raven Software under a restrictive {{wp|End-user license agreement|EULA}} [https://www.doomworld.com/eternity/activision_eula.txt] which [[Raven source code licensing|prohibited many uses of the code]], and was incompatible with the {{wp|GNU General Public License|GNU GPL}}. This rendered it impossible to create a properly {{wp|open source}} [[source port]] (under {{wp|The Open Source Definition}}) for either game. On September 4, 2008, the source code for both games was rereleased under the GPL [https://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=238655].
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==Trivia==
Heretic's E6M3 is based directly on [[American McGee]]'s [[Doom II]] deathmatch level {{idgames2|id=7021|title=IDMAP01.WAD}}.
+
Heretic's E6M3 is based directly on [[American McGee]]'s [[Doom II]] deathmatch level [[IDMAP01]].
 +
 
 +
Heretic, like Doom, has a demo rotation; however, two of them go out of sync in Shadow of the Serpent Riders. The first demo makes it to the [[crossbow]] and begins shooting at a torch before being slashed to death by Sabreclaws. The third demo goes out of sync almost immediately, the player starts running into walls, shooting at the ceiling and never leaves the starting room.
 +
 
 +
== Physical media ==
 +
<gallery>
 +
HereticSharewareFront.jpg|Shareware cover front
 +
Hereticcd3.jpg|Registered v1.2 disc
 +
Heretic.png|Shadow of the Serpent Riders disc
 +
HereticSOTRManual.png|Manual
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
*[[Monster#Heretic|Heretic monsters]]
 
*[[Monster#Heretic|Heretic monsters]]
 
*[[Item#Heretic|Heretic items]]
 
*[[Item#Heretic|Heretic items]]
 +
*[[Heretic keys]]
 
*[[Weapons#Heretic|Heretic weapons]]
 
*[[Weapons#Heretic|Heretic weapons]]
 
*[[Heretic cheat codes]]
 
*[[Heretic cheat codes]]
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==External links==
 
==External links==
*[http://ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid=624&xmid=7&xmview=2 Official Heretic website]
+
* {{archived link|http://www.ravensoft.com/games/heretic/view-game/|Raven Software's ''Heretic'' last page|https://web.archive.org/web/20160403011726/http://www.ravensoft.com/games/heretic/view-game/|archive.org}}
*[http://www.gamers.org/dhs/helpdocs/hticfaq.html The Heretic FAQ]
+
* {{archived link|http://ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid{{=}}624&xmid{{=}}7&xmview{{=}}2|Raven Software's ''Heretic'' older page|https://web.archive.org/web/20111020125116/http://ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid{{=}}624&xmid{{=}}7&xmview{{=}}2|archive.org}}
*[http://dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Shooter/H/Heretic_and_Hexen_Series/Heretic/ Category at ODP]
+
* {{archived link|http://www.idsoftware.com/games/vintage/heretic/|id Software's ''Heretic'' site|https://web.archive.org/web/20090205052942/http://www.idsoftware.com/games/vintage/heretic/|archive.org}}
*[http://www.mobygames.com/game/heretic-shadow-of-the-serpent-riders Heretic at MobyGames]
+
* [http://www.gamers.org/dhs/helpdocs/hticfaq.html The Heretic FAQ]
*{{idgames|title=Download Heretic shareware|id=7044}}
+
* [http://dmoz.org/Games/Video_Games/Shooter/H/Heretic_and_Hexen_Series/Heretic/ Category at ODP]
*[ftp://ftp.idsoftware.com/idstuff/heretic/htic13rp.exe Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders patch]
+
* [http://www.mobygames.com/game/heretic-shadow-of-the-serpent-riders Heretic at MobyGames]
 +
* {{idgames|file=idstuff/heretic/htic_v12|title=Download Heretic shareware}}
 +
* {{idgamesmm|file=idstuff/heretic/htic13rp.exe|title=Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders patch}}
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{s-start}}
 +
{{s-port-official}}
 +
{{s-cond}}
 +
{{s-bef-cond|before=[[Versions of Doom and Doom II|Doom v1.2]]}}
 +
{{s-ttl|title=Heretic}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen]]}}
 +
{{s-port}}
 +
{{s-cond}}
 +
{{s-bef-cond|rows=14|before=[[Versions of Doom and Doom II|Doom v1.2]]}}
 +
{{s-ttl|rows=14|title=Heretic}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[BeOS Heretic]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Chocolate Heretic]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[DelphiDoom]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Doom Legacy]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Doomsday]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[glHeretic]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexetic]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[HHeretic]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Linux Heretic]]}}
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[[Category:Heretic]]
 
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[[Category:Games]]

Revision as of 02:18, 19 July 2018

Heretic title screen
Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders title screen

Heretic, released on December 23, 1994, is a hit fantasy/action game by Raven Software, the result of their second team-up with id Software after Shadowcaster. Based on a modified Doom engine, Heretic pioneered an inventory system for real-time item use that has become commonplace in the FPS genre. id Software published the game under its brand. Like Doom before it, the game was initially released as shareware with the ability to call or mail in to receive the registered version. A later, expanded commercial release as Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders was distributed to retail stores by GT Interactive.

Players took the role of a nameless Elven hero (given the name Corvus in Heretic II) whose race, the Sidhe, was nearly eliminated by a horde of evil monsters from another dimension. The first episode of Heretic was released as shareware as a precursor to the full version of the game.

Heretic won several awards for excellence, appeared in such notable publications as USA Today and Playboy, and opened many new doors in the computer gaming software industry for Raven Software and its team of developers. Heretic was Raven Software's most popular, highest acclaimed, biggest selling game to that point.

After its big success, two additional episodes were released for free, upgrading the normal Heretic to Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders (v1.3). The original version of Heretic with three episodes was subsequently discontinued. The expansion was released on March 31, 1996.

Some of the modifications Raven made to the Doom engine for Heretic were flight, sectors that can push the player, an inventory system, ambient sounds, translucency, looking up and down and pushable objects.

Story

The world of Parthoris was populated by many people who divided themselves into seven great nations, as well as the mystic Sidhe elves. It was these elves who kept the Tomes of Power and the sacred candle flames which eternally burned to represent the armies of the world.

The Sidhe believed in a prophecy of Armageddon, and their prophecy ultimately proved itself true when from the east came the three terrible Serpent Riders cloaked in black. They were great sorcerers, and they demonstrated their power by quelling the wars of the eastern provinces. Soon the men of the seven nations turned to their worship and built a great temple in their honor. Upon the temple was the Sign, a crossed trident, and the worshippers came to call themselves the Order of the Sign. The deeper into reverence of the Riders' dark ways they fell, the more they were sapped of their free will and spirit. Once all of the seven realms were theirs, the two eldest Riders departed, leaving D'Sparil alone to prepare the world for destruction.

Recognizing the fulfillment of prophecy, the Sidhe refused to follow in the worship of D'Sparil and thus they were set apart from the other people of the world. Once sacred guardians, they were now heretics, hunted and hated everywhere they went. D'Sparil's disciples turned the minds of the seven kings toward conquest of the Sidhe realm, and when the Seven Armies marched upon them, the Sidhe Elders extinguished the sacred flames, destroying them all.

D'Sparil was enraged and in the chamber of the Elders he stirred up a storm of white-hot flame, killing them all. The earth burst open beneath their charred bodies and from within poured legions of the undead as well as murderous beasts from worlds beyond. This new army overwhelmed the Sidhe and slaughtered them in untold numbers. In only one day, their civilization was destroyed and their survivors were scattered far and wide. The darkling creatures had carried off the Tomes of Power and the other artifacts of the Sidhe as spoils of war. Left defenseless, it was surely only a matter of time before all Sidhe perished under the Order of the Triad's unyielding fury.

Most of the few remaining Sidhe hid themselves away, but Corvus was determined to have revenge. Heading east into the wilderness he came upon the City of the Damned, where the very air reeked with rot and decay and the only sounds were the screams of foul creatures seeking his blood. Armed only with his staff and Elven Wand, he had little hope to survive. So began the downfall of D'Sparil and the salvation of Parthoris.

Heretic skill levels

Attack of gargoyles in Heretic

1. Thou needeth a wet-nurse: Damage taken is halved; number of monsters is decreased; number of powerups and items is increased; ammo powerups give 50% more than normal. The game automatically uses quartz flasks and mystic urns to prevent the player from dying.

2. Yellowbellies-r-us: Number of monsters is decreased; number of powerups and items is increased. Otherwise similar to skill 3.

3. Bringest them oneth: This is the normal skill level.

4. Thou art a smite-meister: Similar to skill 3, but the number of monsters is greater; the number of items and powerups is decreased.

5. Black plague possesses thee: Similar to skill 4, but ammo powerups give 50% more than normal; monsters attack and move 300% faster; enemy missiles fly 300% faster; cheating is disabled.

The skill names parody the often badly understood Early Modern English common throughout the fantasy genre. 1, 3 and 5 are grammatically non-standard; they should be Thou needest a wet-nurse, Bring them on, and Black plague possesseth thee; the mix of English and German in 4's smite-meister is unusual, and 2 makes an out-of-place reference to Toys-R-Us.

Enemies, weapons, items

Enemies

Weapons

Items

1Can only be found in the full version of the game.
2These items make a reappearance in Hexen.

Heretic levels

City of the Damned (Episode 1) (The only one in shareware) Sky Color: Grey

Hell's Maw (Episode 2) Sky Color: Red

The Dome of D'Sparil (Episode 3) Sky Color: Blue

The Ossuary (Episode 4) (Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders only) Sky Color: Grey

The Stagnant Demesne (Episode 5) (Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders only) Sky Color: Blue

Fate's Path (Episode 6) Sky Color: Grey

These three levels, seemingly built for Deathmatch are untitled in the game itself and can only be accessed via the "engage##" cheat or the command line (they don't appear on the episode select screen). The first two names resulted from suggestions by designer Michael Raymond-Judy in an interview with now-defunct website ravengames.com;[1] whilst the name of the third map and the "episode name" were unofficially made up by fans and are widely accepted among the community.

Note that E6M3 appears as E4M1 in the original registered version of Heretic, hidden in the same way as the above details for Shadow of the Serpent Riders.

Source code release

On January 11, 1999, the source code for both Heretic and Hexen was released by Raven Software under a restrictive EULA [1] which prohibited many uses of the code, and was incompatible with the GNU GPL. This rendered it impossible to create a properly open source source port (under The Open Source Definition) for either game. On September 4, 2008, the source code for both games was rereleased under the GPL [2].

Trivia

Heretic's E6M3 is based directly on American McGee's Doom II deathmatch level IDMAP01.

Heretic, like Doom, has a demo rotation; however, two of them go out of sync in Shadow of the Serpent Riders. The first demo makes it to the crossbow and begins shooting at a torch before being slashed to death by Sabreclaws. The third demo goes out of sync almost immediately, the player starts running into walls, shooting at the ceiling and never leaves the starting room.

Physical media

See also

External links

References

  1. "Heretic Shadow of the Serpent Riders Insider Info: Behind-the-scenes interview with Michael Raymond-Judy." RavenGames.com (archived 🗺). Retrieved 8 August 2016.


Official source ports
Based on Name Base for
Doom v1.2 Heretic Hexen
Source code genealogy
Based on Name Base for
Doom v1.2 Heretic BeOS Heretic
Chocolate Heretic
DelphiDoom
Doom Legacy
Doomsday
glHeretic
Hexetic
HHeretic
Linux Heretic
PmHeretic
Vavoom
wHeretic
WinHeretic
ZDoom