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[[Image:Hexen.png|thumb|256px|Hexen [[title screen]].]]
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{{mainimage|Hexen.png|Hexen [[title screen]].}}
  
'''Hexen: Beyond Heretic''' (or '''Hexen''') is a first-person shooter computer game developed by [[Raven Software]], published by [[id Software]], and distributed by [[Wikipedia:GT Interactive|GT Interactive]] beginning on [[Timeline#1995|October 30, 1995]]. It is the sequel to [[Heretic]].
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'''Hexen: Beyond Heretic''' (or '''Hexen''') is a first-person shooter and fantasy adventure computer game developed by [[Raven Software]], published by [[id Software]], and distributed by [[Wikipedia:GT Interactive|GT Interactive]] beginning on [[Timeline#1995|October 30, 1995]]. It is the sequel to [[Heretic]].
The main goal of the game is the destruction of [[Korax]], the second of a trio of demon brothers known as the [[Serpent Riders]], who has taken over the world of [[Cronos]]. The first Serpent Rider, [[D'Sparil]], was the final boss of Heretic and the third, Eidolon, would later appear in [[Hexen II]].
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The main goal of the game is the destruction of [[Korax]], the second of a trio of demon brothers known as the [[Serpent Riders]], who has taken over the world of [[Cronos]]. The first Serpent Rider, [[D'Sparil]], was the final boss of Heretic and the third, [[Eidolon]], would later appear in [[Hexen II]].
  
Hexen uses a modified version of the [[Doom]] engine, which allows (like in Heretic) up and down views, network play with up to eight players and the choice of three character classes. It also popularized the "[[hub]] system" of level progression in the genre of first-person shooter games. In addition, the game features [[Polyobject|doors and crushers that rotate or move horizontally]] (rather than vertically), pulsating lights and [[ACS|scripted level events]]. [[Hexen scripted ambient sounds|Ambient sounds]] are supported but instead of being hard-coded into the engine as in Heretic, they are script-based which allows the level designer to edit their action more freely.
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Hexen uses a modified version of the [[Heretic]] engine. The engine supports network play with up to eight players, the choice of three [[character class]]es and retains Heretic's up and down views. Hexen also features a "[[hub]]" system of maps which allowed the player to travel freely between several levels while preserving their state (monsters killed, puzzles solved, items collected, etc) between visits. In addition, the game features [[Polyobject|doors and crushers that rotate or move horizontally]] (rather than vertically), pulsating lights and [[ACS|scripted level events]]. [[Hexen scripted ambient sounds|Ambient sounds]] are supported but instead of being hard-coded into the engine as in Heretic, they are script-based which allows the level designer to edit their action more freely.
  
Unlike previous games, which had relied purely on {{wp|MIDI}} for music, Hexen could also play tracks from {{wp|audio CD}}. The tracks that came on the Hexen CD were simply renderings of the [[Hexen music]] using a Roland Sound Canvas, for players who had lower quality soundcards. The entirety of Hexen's soundtrack is not present on the CD, however, and many levels are associated to different songs depending on whether MIDI or Audio CD music is used.
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Unlike previous games, which had relied purely on [[MIDI]] for music, Hexen can also play tracks from an {{wp|audio CD}}. The tracks included on the Hexen CD are recordings of the [[Hexen music]] using a Roland Sound Canvas. The entirety of Hexen's soundtrack is not present on the CD, however, and many levels are associated to different songs depending on whether MIDI or Audio CD music is used.
  
 
An expansion pack for Hexen was released in 1996, called [[Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel|Deathkings of the Dark Citadel]]. Heretic, Hexen, and its expansion pack were later included in a compilation called [[Towers of Darkness: Heretic, Hexen and Beyond]]. The game was also ported to the [[Hexen (Sony PlayStation)|PlayStation]], [[Hexen (Sega Saturn)|Sega Saturn]] and [[Hexen (Nintendo 64)|Nintendo 64]] consoles.
 
An expansion pack for Hexen was released in 1996, called [[Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel|Deathkings of the Dark Citadel]]. Heretic, Hexen, and its expansion pack were later included in a compilation called [[Towers of Darkness: Heretic, Hexen and Beyond]]. The game was also ported to the [[Hexen (Sony PlayStation)|PlayStation]], [[Hexen (Sega Saturn)|Sega Saturn]] and [[Hexen (Nintendo 64)|Nintendo 64]] consoles.
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Each organization is led by a single man. [[Zedek]], Marshal of the Legion; [[Traductus]], Grand Patriarch of the Church; and [[Menelkir]], Arch-Mage of the Arcanum. These men are the ultimate embodiment of power on Cronos. Cold, calculating, and devoid of concern for anything but the advancement of their own status, these leaders were the first to fall under the sway of Korax, the second of the three Serpent Riders. In return for their allegiance, Zedek, Traductus, and Menelkir were rewarded by Korax with the dark gift of Unlife. Using the powers granted them by Korax as well as the relics already in their possession, all of humanity quickly fell under their spell.
 
Each organization is led by a single man. [[Zedek]], Marshal of the Legion; [[Traductus]], Grand Patriarch of the Church; and [[Menelkir]], Arch-Mage of the Arcanum. These men are the ultimate embodiment of power on Cronos. Cold, calculating, and devoid of concern for anything but the advancement of their own status, these leaders were the first to fall under the sway of Korax, the second of the three Serpent Riders. In return for their allegiance, Zedek, Traductus, and Menelkir were rewarded by Korax with the dark gift of Unlife. Using the powers granted them by Korax as well as the relics already in their possession, all of humanity quickly fell under their spell.
  
Only three humans escaped the aegis of the leaders new powers: [[Baratus]], a Warrior of the Legion; [[Daedolon]], a Mage of the Arcanum; and [[Parias]], a Cleric of the Church. Now these three have sworn to destroy the leaders they once followed and anything else that gets in the way as they execute their task. Entering the mystical portal used their world, the three become hopelessly separated, forcing each of them to attempt on their own that which of they had little hope doing together: find Korax´s stronghold, defeat his legions of grotesque minions, and finally kill the Serpent Rider himself.
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Only three humans escaped the aegis of the leaders' new powers: [[Baratus]], a Fighter of the Legion; [[Daedolon]], a Mage of the Arcanum; and [[Parias]], a Cleric of the Church. Now these three have sworn to destroy the leaders they once followed and anything else that gets in the way as they execute their task. Entering the mystical portal used to invade their world, the three become hopelessly separated, forcing each of them to attempt on their own that which of they had little hope doing together: find Korax´s stronghold, defeat his legions of grotesque minions, and finally kill the Serpent Rider himself.
  
 
Their task will be a difficult one indeed. It is well-known that Korax´s special powers stem from his control of the [[Chaos Sphere]], which he uses to warp and corrupt everyone and everything he touches. Though not the mightiest of the Serpent Riders, Korax is more powerful than D'Sparil was, and his lust for power is matched only by his hatred for all living things not under his control.
 
Their task will be a difficult one indeed. It is well-known that Korax´s special powers stem from his control of the [[Chaos Sphere]], which he uses to warp and corrupt everyone and everything he touches. Though not the mightiest of the Serpent Riders, Korax is more powerful than D'Sparil was, and his lust for power is matched only by his hatred for all living things not under his control.
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Each character has four weapons and uses the two types of [[mana]] as ammunitions. The first weapon does not use mana, the second uses Blue Mana, the third uses Green Mana, and the ultimate weapon, which is built by finding three different parts, uses both types.
 
Each character has four weapons and uses the two types of [[mana]] as ammunitions. The first weapon does not use mana, the second uses Blue Mana, the third uses Green Mana, and the ultimate weapon, which is built by finding three different parts, uses both types.
  
* '''The [[Fighter]]''' has weapons that are best used at striking range. This combined with his high strength, stamina, and life make him easy to power through the beginning of the game but more challenging later in the game. The Fighter's ultimate weapon is the [[Quietus]], a green longsword that can send out a spread of magic.
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* '''The [[Fighter]]''' has weapons that are best used at striking range. This combined with his high strength, stamina, and life make him easy to power through the beginning of the game but more challenging later in the game. The Fighter's ultimate weapon is the [[Quietus]], a longsword wreathed in a green aura that sends out a spread of magic.
  
* '''The [[Mage]]''' has long distance projectile magic, which, though weak, can keep him away from attackers and allow him to snipe enemies. Until later in the game, when flying capabilities and other spells have been collected, the mage is comparatively weak. The Mage's ultimate weapon is the [[Bloodscourge]], a skull-topped staff that can send out homing fireballs.
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* '''The [[Mage]]''' has long distance projectile magic. Although he lacks speed and toughness, his powerful ranged attacks make up for this. He tends to lag behind in the early game, but he becomes a force to be reckoned with once he has his third weapon and other items. The Mage's ultimate weapon is the [[Bloodscourge]], a skull-topped staff that sends out homing fireballs.
  
* '''The [[Cleric]]''' is well rounded and has a diverse selection of weapons, and decent armouring and speed. He is a good compromise between power and magic. The Cleric's ultimate weapon is the [[Wraithverge]], a crucifix-shaped staff that can tear apart enemies with a ghostly horde.
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* '''The [[Cleric]]''' is well rounded and has a diverse selection of weapons, and decent armouring and speed. He is a good compromise between power and magic. The Cleric's ultimate weapon is the [[Wraithverge]], a crucifix-shaped staff that tears apart enemies with a ghostly horde.
  
 
==Enemies, weapons, items==
 
==Enemies, weapons, items==
Enemies and items are less static than in other Doom engine games, since [[ACS]] is used to [[Hexen scripted monster spawning|repopulate the maps]] and the things placed in a map depend not just on [[Skill level#Hexen skill levels|skill]], but also on character class. For example, mages, who start with a ranged weapon, will face many more [[afrit]]s than the fighter and the cleric, but less [[ettin]]s. Certain items, such as the [[flechette]]s and [[Mystic Ambit Incant|mystic ambit incant]]s, function differently according to class, as well.
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Enemies and items are less static than in other Doom engine games, since [[ACS]] is used to [[Hexen scripted monster spawning|repopulate the maps]] and the things placed in a map depend not just on [[Skill level#Hexen skill levels|skill]], but also on character class. For example, mages, who start with a ranged weapon, will face many more [[afrit]]s than the fighter and the cleric, but fewer [[ettin]]s. Certain items, such as the [[fléchette]]s and [[Mystic Ambit Incant|mystic ambit incant]]s, function differently according to class, as well.
 
{{Template:RavenThings
 
{{Template:RavenThings
 
|enemies =*[[Afrit]]
 
|enemies =*[[Afrit]]
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*[[Dragonskin Bracers]]
 
*[[Dragonskin Bracers]]
 
*[[Falcon Shield]]
 
*[[Falcon Shield]]
*[[Flechette]]
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*[[Fléchette]]
 
*[[Icon of the Defender]]
 
*[[Icon of the Defender]]
 
*[[Hexen keys|''Keys'']]
 
*[[Hexen keys|''Keys'']]
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* [[Hub 4: Castle of Grief]]
 
* [[Hub 4: Castle of Grief]]
 
* [[Hub 5: Necropolis]]
 
* [[Hub 5: Necropolis]]
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 +
The expansion set [[Deathkings of the Dark Citadel]] provides four additional hubs.
  
 
== Source code release ==
 
== Source code release ==
On [[Timeline#1999|January 11, 1999]], the [[source code]] for both Heretic and Hexen was released by Raven Software under a restrictive {{wp|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 {{wp|GNU GPL}}. This rendered it impossible to create a properly {{wp|open source}} [[source port]] (under the {{wp|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].
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{{main|Raven source code licensing}}
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On [[Timeline#1999|January 11, 1999]], the [[source code]] for both Heretic and Hexen was released by Raven Software under a restrictive {{wp|Software license agreement#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 GPL}}. This rendered it impossible to create a properly {{wp|open source}} [[source port]] (under the {{wp|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 ==
 
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{{Cleanup|Overly long trivia sections are discouraged; content should be folded into relevant sections or other articles as is appropriate.}}
 
*Being a sequel to Heretic, Hexen was originally to be called "Heretic 2" before Raven made the decision to name it "Hexen" instead. Raven later did create another sequel to the original Heretic, named "[[Wikipedia:Heretic 2|Heretic 2]]", while keeping this name rather than discarding of it again. The latter Heretic 2 game was much more of a direct sequel to the original Heretic, even including the protagonist from the original game resuming the role of the player character.
 
*Being a sequel to Heretic, Hexen was originally to be called "Heretic 2" before Raven made the decision to name it "Hexen" instead. Raven later did create another sequel to the original Heretic, named "[[Wikipedia:Heretic 2|Heretic 2]]", while keeping this name rather than discarding of it again. The latter Heretic 2 game was much more of a direct sequel to the original Heretic, even including the protagonist from the original game resuming the role of the player character.
  
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*In v1.0, it was possible to leave the [[Castle of Grief]] hub early. First, the player would simply turn into a pig with a projectile trap that surrounds one of the [[Puzzle item|clock gears]]. If the player gets under the space in the river leading to the [[Hub 4: Effluvium|Effluvium]] portal, the player can simply go to the [[Hub 4: Forsaken Outpost|Forsaken Outpost]], back to Effluvium, and then the [[Hub 4: Gibbet|Gibbet]]. This makes the [[Axe key]] accessible, and practically the entire hub can be bypassed. This was an oversight by the designers, and was remedied in v1.1.
 
*In v1.0, it was possible to leave the [[Castle of Grief]] hub early. First, the player would simply turn into a pig with a projectile trap that surrounds one of the [[Puzzle item|clock gears]]. If the player gets under the space in the river leading to the [[Hub 4: Effluvium|Effluvium]] portal, the player can simply go to the [[Hub 4: Forsaken Outpost|Forsaken Outpost]], back to Effluvium, and then the [[Hub 4: Gibbet|Gibbet]]. This makes the [[Axe key]] accessible, and practically the entire hub can be bypassed. This was an oversight by the designers, and was remedied in v1.1.
 
* The first place in the game where a player may collect the [[Porkalator]] [[artifact]] is on the [[Hub 2: Caves of Circe|Caves on Circe]]. [[Wikipedia:Circe|Circe]] was a character in Greek mythology commonly known for transforming men into pigs.
 
  
 
*v1.0 of Hexen contains an incomplete level called "Maze" that consists solely of moving walls with no exit. Its presence in the released game is almost certainly an oversight; the level was removed in the 1.1 update. The "Maze" level can only be accessed by using the [[Hexen cheat codes|cheat code]] "visit41" in unpatched versions of the game.
 
*v1.0 of Hexen contains an incomplete level called "Maze" that consists solely of moving walls with no exit. Its presence in the released game is almost certainly an oversight; the level was removed in the 1.1 update. The "Maze" level can only be accessed by using the [[Hexen cheat codes|cheat code]] "visit41" in unpatched versions of the game.
  
*The MAPINFO lump contains the names of several levels presumably used during the development of the game. Though the levels themselves are not in the game IWAD (with the exception of "Maze" listed above in Version 1.0 of the IWAD) the names and MAPINFO data for them (mostly only sky info, but a few have more such as fog and warptrans parameters) still exist. They are as follows:
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*The [[MAPINFO]] lump contains the names of several levels presumably used during the development of the game. Though the levels themselves are not in the game IWAD (with the exception of "Maze" listed above in Version 1.0 of the IWAD) the names and MAPINFO data for them (mostly only sky info, but a few have more such as fog and warptrans parameters) still exist. They are as follows:
 
**Shadow Wood (MAP07, likely a beta version of [[Hub 2: Shadow Wood (map)]])
 
**Shadow Wood (MAP07, likely a beta version of [[Hub 2: Shadow Wood (map)]])
 
**Swamp Demo (MAP14, likely an early version of [[Hub 2: Darkmere]])
 
**Swamp Demo (MAP14, likely an early version of [[Hub 2: Darkmere]])
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**Programmer Map (MAP60)
 
**Programmer Map (MAP60)
 
**[[Ben Gokey|Bgokey]] (MAP90)
 
**[[Ben Gokey|Bgokey]] (MAP90)
**Paul Map (MAP92)
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**[[Paul MacArthur|Paul]] Map (MAP92)
**Paul Map2 (MAP93)
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**[[Paul MacArthur|Paul]] Map2 (MAP93)
 
**[[Chris Rhinehart|cjr@ravensoft.com]] (MAP95)
 
**[[Chris Rhinehart|cjr@ravensoft.com]] (MAP95)
 
**Sound Development Map (MAP96)
 
**Sound Development Map (MAP96)
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*The bosses [[Zedek]], [[Traductus]] and [[Menelkir]] use the same sprites as the player characters.
 
*The bosses [[Zedek]], [[Traductus]] and [[Menelkir]] use the same sprites as the player characters.
  
*The player must stick with one character class throughout a game under normal circumstances. However, a glitch on the [[Hexen_(Nintendo_64)|N64 port]] allows one to switch classes mid-game.
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*The player must stick with one character class throughout a game under normal circumstances. However, a glitch on the [[Hexen_(Nintendo_64)|N64 port]] allows one to switch classes mid-game. There is also a [[hexen_cheat_codes|cheat code]] to change classes in the PC version.
 +
 
 +
*Fans speculate that some members of the Cronos Triumvirate pledged allegiance to Korax and were transformed into monsters. The manual states that clerics became dark bishops and legionnaires became ettins. However, the manual may not have been written by Raven and its authors may not have had a proper understanding of canon. In addition, there are a number of ambiguities resulting from changes/overhauls during the development process. This has created an avenue for discussion and speculation on canon. One theory is that legionnaires became slaughtaurs, clerics became dark bishops, and mages became reivers. Another theory is that mages became dark bishops and clerics became reivers instead.
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 +
*[[Hub 5: Necropolis|Necropolis]] is the only hub throughout Hexen and its expansion [[Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel|Deathkings of the Dark Citadel]] that does not have a [[Wings of Wrath]] in single player anywhere outside of cheating, although it does appear in several of its maps in [[deathmatch]] mode.
 +
 
 +
* The code and message for the [[pig]] morph cheat are a reference to the 1972 movie ''{{wp|Deliverance}}''.
 +
 
 +
== Gallery ==
 +
<gallery>
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Hexen PC box front.jpg|European box cover (front)
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Hexen PC box back.jpg|European box cover (back)
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Hexen disc inlay.jpg|Disc and inlay
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Hexen manual.jpg|Manual
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== Footnotes ==
 
== Footnotes ==
:{{Note|1}} Timeline from the [http://www.raven-games.com/h2faq.php Heretic II FAQ].
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:{{Note|1}} Timeline from the [https://web.archive.org/web/20141006125400/http://www.raven-games.com/h2faq.php Heretic II FAQ]. (archived)
 
:{{Note|2}} There is also a prologue map (Winnowing Hall) and an epilogue map (Dark Crucible), which are actually part of the first and last hubs, respectively, but due to the game architecture they can only be entered once.
 
:{{Note|2}} There is also a prologue map (Winnowing Hall) and an epilogue map (Dark Crucible), which are actually part of the first and last hubs, respectively, but due to the game architecture they can only be entered once.
  
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 +
* {{archived link|http://www.ravensoft.com/games/hexen/view-game/|Raven Software's ''Hexen'' last page|https://web.archive.org/web/20160403014227/http://www.ravensoft.com/games/hexen/view-game/|archive.org}}
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* {{archived link|http://www.ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid{{=}}624&xmid{{=}}8&xmview{{=}}2|Raven Software's ''Hexen'' older page|https://web.archive.org/web/20110929111126/http://www.ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid{{=}}624&xmid{{=}}8&xmview{{=}}2|archive.org}}
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* {{archived link|http://www.idsoftware.com/games/vintage/hexen/|id Software's ''Hexen'' site|https://web.archive.org/web/20090205061128/http://www.idsoftware.com/games/vintage/hexen/|archive.org}}
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* {{archived link|http://www.ravensoft.com/games/deathkings/view-game/|Raven Software's ''Deathkings'' last page|https://web.archive.org/web/20160403013951/http://www.ravensoft.com/games/deathkings/view-game/|archive.org}}
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* {{archived link|http://www.ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid{{=}}624&xmid{{=}}9&xmview{{=}}2|Raven Software's ''Deathkings'' older page|https://web.archive.org/web/20111008034222/http://www.ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid{{=}}624&xmid{{=}}9&xmview{{=}}2|archive.org}}
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* {{archived link|http://www.cco.net/~arne/hexen.faq|The ''HeXen'' FAQ|http://web.archive.org/web/20070731192320/http://www.cco.net/~arne/hexen.faq|archive.org}}
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* {{idgames|file=idstuff/hexen/hexndemo|title=Download Hexen demo}}
 +
* [http://store.steampowered.com/app/2360/ Hexen] on [[Steam]]
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 +
 +
{{s-start}}
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{{s-port-official}}
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{{s-cond}}
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{{s-bef-cond|rows=5|before=[[Heretic]]}}
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{{s-ttl|rows=5|title=Hexen}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen (Apple Macintosh)]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen (Nintendo 64)]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen (Sega Saturn)]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen (Sony PlayStation)]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen95]]}}
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{{s-port}}
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{{s-cond}}
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{{s-bef-cond|rows=15|before=[[Heretic]]}}
 +
{{s-ttl|rows=15|title=Hexen}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[BeOS Hexen]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Chocolate Hexen]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[DelphiDoom]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Doomsday]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[DxHexen]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[glHexen]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexen (OS/2)]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[HexenDOS]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Hexetic]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Linux Hexen]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[PmHexen]]}}
 +
{{s-aft-cond|after=[[SDL Hexen]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[Vavoom]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[WinHexen]]}}
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{{s-aft-cond|after=[[ZDoom]]}}
 +
{{s-end}}
 +
  
* [http://www.ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid=624&xmid=8&xmview=2 Official ''Hexen'' website from Raven]
 
* [http://www.idsoftware.com/games/vintage/hexen/ Official ''Hexen'' website from id Software]
 
* [http://www.ravensoft.com/gamesdetail.aspx?xmmid=624&xmid=9&xmview=2 Official website for the ''Deathkings'' expansion]
 
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20070731192320/http://www.cco.net/~arne/hexen.faq The ''HeXen'' FAQ] (From wayback machine)
 
* {{idgames|title=Download Hexen demo|id=7045}}
 
* [http://store.steampowered.com/app/2360/ Hexen purchase] at [[Steam]]
 
 
[[Category:Hexen]]
 
[[Category:Hexen]]
 
[[Category:Games]]
 
[[Category:Games]]

Revision as of 19:18, 28 April 2018

Hexen: Beyond Heretic (or Hexen) is a first-person shooter and fantasy adventure computer game developed by Raven Software, published by id Software, and distributed by GT Interactive beginning on October 30, 1995. It is the sequel to Heretic. The main goal of the game is the destruction of Korax, the second of a trio of demon brothers known as the Serpent Riders, who has taken over the world of Cronos. The first Serpent Rider, D'Sparil, was the final boss of Heretic and the third, Eidolon, would later appear in Hexen II.

Hexen uses a modified version of the Heretic engine. The engine supports network play with up to eight players, the choice of three character classes and retains Heretic's up and down views. Hexen also features a "hub" system of maps which allowed the player to travel freely between several levels while preserving their state (monsters killed, puzzles solved, items collected, etc) between visits. In addition, the game features doors and crushers that rotate or move horizontally (rather than vertically), pulsating lights and scripted level events. Ambient sounds are supported but instead of being hard-coded into the engine as in Heretic, they are script-based which allows the level designer to edit their action more freely.

Unlike previous games, which had relied purely on MIDI for music, Hexen can also play tracks from an audio CD. The tracks included on the Hexen CD are recordings of the Hexen music using a Roland Sound Canvas. The entirety of Hexen's soundtrack is not present on the CD, however, and many levels are associated to different songs depending on whether MIDI or Audio CD music is used.

An expansion pack for Hexen was released in 1996, called Deathkings of the Dark Citadel. Heretic, Hexen, and its expansion pack were later included in a compilation called Towers of Darkness: Heretic, Hexen and Beyond. The game was also ported to the PlayStation, Sega Saturn and Nintendo 64 consoles.

Story

Heretic chronicled the adventures of Corvus, a heroic Sidhe elf who challenged the forces of D'Sparil, the weakest of the three dimension-traveling Serpent Riders. His victory was hardly insignificant, but the other two Serpent Riders were far from idle and continued sowing the seeds of destruction in several other dimensions for a thousand years1. One such dimension is Cronos, the world of Hexen: a human world, but one where the forces of magic are both stronger and more strictly controlled than those of the Elven world.

Over the years, the humans have learned that while magic can be a powerful tool, it also has more destructive potential than any other force in their universe. From this harsh realization a disciplined and orderly society has developed, one where every citizen knows his place and where the vast majority of common men are held in thrall to a few ruthless, powerful leaders. Wielding magical powers and arcane artifacts, these men overshadow every other human force on Cronos, suppressing individual thought and action in the name of the greater good.

Within this strict order, three organizations maintain the fabric of human society: the Legion, the Arcanum, and the Church. In an uneasy balance often threatened by petty squabbles and escalating power struggles, these three organizations share absolute dominion over all humanity. The Legion represents human military strength, using brute force backed by magical weapons to impose a strict and inflexible order upon the populace. The Arcanum is the center of learning for all magical studies, and as such it determines who will or will not have access to its wealth of arcane secrets. The Church acts as a bridge and buffer between the Legion and Arcanum, using a mixture of magic and military training to maintain the balance of power while secretly furthering its own interests. Together or separately, these three groups control every aspect of human life.

Each organization is led by a single man. Zedek, Marshal of the Legion; Traductus, Grand Patriarch of the Church; and Menelkir, Arch-Mage of the Arcanum. These men are the ultimate embodiment of power on Cronos. Cold, calculating, and devoid of concern for anything but the advancement of their own status, these leaders were the first to fall under the sway of Korax, the second of the three Serpent Riders. In return for their allegiance, Zedek, Traductus, and Menelkir were rewarded by Korax with the dark gift of Unlife. Using the powers granted them by Korax as well as the relics already in their possession, all of humanity quickly fell under their spell.

Only three humans escaped the aegis of the leaders' new powers: Baratus, a Fighter of the Legion; Daedolon, a Mage of the Arcanum; and Parias, a Cleric of the Church. Now these three have sworn to destroy the leaders they once followed and anything else that gets in the way as they execute their task. Entering the mystical portal used to invade their world, the three become hopelessly separated, forcing each of them to attempt on their own that which of they had little hope doing together: find Korax´s stronghold, defeat his legions of grotesque minions, and finally kill the Serpent Rider himself.

Their task will be a difficult one indeed. It is well-known that Korax´s special powers stem from his control of the Chaos Sphere, which he uses to warp and corrupt everyone and everything he touches. Though not the mightiest of the Serpent Riders, Korax is more powerful than D'Sparil was, and his lust for power is matched only by his hatred for all living things not under his control.

Players

The three playable characters are Baratus, a Fighter; Parias, a Cleric; and Daedolon, a Mage.

Each character has four weapons and uses the two types of mana as ammunitions. The first weapon does not use mana, the second uses Blue Mana, the third uses Green Mana, and the ultimate weapon, which is built by finding three different parts, uses both types.

  • The Fighter has weapons that are best used at striking range. This combined with his high strength, stamina, and life make him easy to power through the beginning of the game but more challenging later in the game. The Fighter's ultimate weapon is the Quietus, a longsword wreathed in a green aura that sends out a spread of magic.
  • The Mage has long distance projectile magic. Although he lacks speed and toughness, his powerful ranged attacks make up for this. He tends to lag behind in the early game, but he becomes a force to be reckoned with once he has his third weapon and other items. The Mage's ultimate weapon is the Bloodscourge, a skull-topped staff that sends out homing fireballs.
  • The Cleric is well rounded and has a diverse selection of weapons, and decent armouring and speed. He is a good compromise between power and magic. The Cleric's ultimate weapon is the Wraithverge, a crucifix-shaped staff that tears apart enemies with a ghostly horde.

Enemies, weapons, items

Enemies and items are less static than in other Doom engine games, since ACS is used to repopulate the maps and the things placed in a map depend not just on skill, but also on character class. For example, mages, who start with a ranged weapon, will face many more afrits than the fighter and the cleric, but fewer ettins. Certain items, such as the fléchettes and mystic ambit incants, function differently according to class, as well.


Enemies

Weapons

Items

Hubs

Hexen features a fully-functional hub system, which allows the player to move back and forth between maps connected to the same hub as if they were a single large map. Hexen has five hubs2:

The expansion set Deathkings of the Dark Citadel provides four additional hubs.

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

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  • Being a sequel to Heretic, Hexen was originally to be called "Heretic 2" before Raven made the decision to name it "Hexen" instead. Raven later did create another sequel to the original Heretic, named "Heretic 2", while keeping this name rather than discarding of it again. The latter Heretic 2 game was much more of a direct sequel to the original Heretic, even including the protagonist from the original game resuming the role of the player character.
  • "Hexen" is the German word for "witches," also meaning "casting a spell" when used as a verb. Moreover, the game has a "warlock" skill level, and warlock is the male version of a witch (called a "Hexenmeister").
  • In v1.0, it was possible to leave the Castle of Grief hub early. First, the player would simply turn into a pig with a projectile trap that surrounds one of the clock gears. If the player gets under the space in the river leading to the Effluvium portal, the player can simply go to the Forsaken Outpost, back to Effluvium, and then the Gibbet. This makes the Axe key accessible, and practically the entire hub can be bypassed. This was an oversight by the designers, and was remedied in v1.1.
  • v1.0 of Hexen contains an incomplete level called "Maze" that consists solely of moving walls with no exit. Its presence in the released game is almost certainly an oversight; the level was removed in the 1.1 update. The "Maze" level can only be accessed by using the cheat code "visit41" in unpatched versions of the game.
  • The MAPINFO lump contains the names of several levels presumably used during the development of the game. Though the levels themselves are not in the game IWAD (with the exception of "Maze" listed above in Version 1.0 of the IWAD) the names and MAPINFO data for them (mostly only sky info, but a few have more such as fog and warptrans parameters) still exist. They are as follows:
    • Shadow Wood (MAP07, likely a beta version of Hub 2: Shadow Wood (map))
    • Swamp Demo (MAP14, likely an early version of Hub 2: Darkmere)
    • Nada (MAP29)
    • Maze (MAP41, and the only map to actually show up in Version 1.0 of the IWAD, removed for version 1.1)
    • Eric's Whirlwind O' Death (MAP42)
    • Maya (MAP43)
    • The Badlands (MAP50, likely an early version of Hub 2: Wastelands)
    • Caves of Ascension (MAP51, likely an early version of Hub 2: Caves of Circe)
    • Lower Crypts (MAP52, likely an early version of Hub 2: Sacred Grove)
    • The Hypostyle Hall (MAP53, likely an early version of Hub 2: Hypostyle)
    • The Sanctorium (MAP54)
    • The Athenaeum (MAP55)
    • The Cleric's Citadel (MAP56)
    • Programmer Map (MAP60)
    • Bgokey (MAP90)
    • Paul Map (MAP92)
    • Paul Map2 (MAP93)
    • cjr@ravensoft.com (MAP95)
    • Sound Development Map (MAP96)
  • Players or monsters are gibbed if they reach -51% health or lower.
  • The player must stick with one character class throughout a game under normal circumstances. However, a glitch on the N64 port allows one to switch classes mid-game. There is also a cheat code to change classes in the PC version.
  • Fans speculate that some members of the Cronos Triumvirate pledged allegiance to Korax and were transformed into monsters. The manual states that clerics became dark bishops and legionnaires became ettins. However, the manual may not have been written by Raven and its authors may not have had a proper understanding of canon. In addition, there are a number of ambiguities resulting from changes/overhauls during the development process. This has created an avenue for discussion and speculation on canon. One theory is that legionnaires became slaughtaurs, clerics became dark bishops, and mages became reivers. Another theory is that mages became dark bishops and clerics became reivers instead.
  • The code and message for the pig morph cheat are a reference to the 1972 movie Deliverance.

Gallery

Footnotes

1. ^  Timeline from the Heretic II FAQ. (archived)
2. ^  There is also a prologue map (Winnowing Hall) and an epilogue map (Dark Crucible), which are actually part of the first and last hubs, respectively, but due to the game architecture they can only be entered once.

See also

Sources

  • This article incorporates text from the open-content Wikipedia online encyclopedia article Hexen.

External links


Official source ports
Based on Name Base for
Heretic Hexen Hexen (Apple Macintosh)
Hexen (Nintendo 64)
Hexen (Sega Saturn)
Hexen (Sony PlayStation)
Hexen95
Source code genealogy
Based on Name Base for
Heretic Hexen BeOS Hexen
Chocolate Hexen
DelphiDoom
Doomsday
DxHexen
glHexen
Hexen (OS/2)
HexenDOS
Hexetic
Linux Hexen
PmHexen
SDL Hexen
Vavoom
WinHexen
ZDoom