Editing Hexen: Beyond Heretic

{{Short description|1995 video game}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Hexen: Beyond Heretic
| image = hexenbox.jpg
| developer = [[Raven Software]]{{efn|[[Probe Entertainment]] ported the game to [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] and [[Sega Saturn]]; [[Software Creations]] ported the game to [[Nintendo 64]]; R-Comp Interactive ported the game to [[RISC OS]].}}
| publisher = [[id Software]] (PC), R-Comp Interactive ([[RISC OS]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acorn-gaming.org.uk/index.php3?p=Reviews/HH/index|title=Heretic and Hexen|website=Acorn Gaming|date=1999-06-03|access-date=2024-07-13|first=Gareth|last=Moore}}</ref>
| director = Brian Raffel
| producer = 
| designer = Eric C. Biessman<br>Michael Raymond-Judy
| programmer = Ben Gokey<br>Paul MacArthur<br>Chris Rhinehart
| artist = Shane Gurno<br>Brian Pelletier<br>Brian Raffel
| composer = Kevin Schilder
| engine = [[Doom engine|''Doom'' engine]]
| platforms = [[MS-DOS]], [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Classic Mac OS]], [[RISC OS]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Sega Saturn]], [[Nintendo 64]]
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|October 30, 1995}}|
'''MS-DOS'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|October 30, 1995|EU|October 30, 1995|NA|March 22, 1996 (Deathkings of the Dark Citadel)|EU| September 3, 1996 (Deathkings of the Dark Citadel)}}'''Mac OS'''{{vgrelease|NA|June 27, 1996<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-02-27 |title=Online Gaming Review |url=http://www.ogr.com/news/news0696.html |website=[[Online Gaming Review]] |access-date=2023-04-15 |archive-date=February 27, 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970227065847/http://www.ogr.com/news/news0696.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>}}'''Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|March 31, 1997<ref>{{Cite web |date=1997-06-06 |title=Online Gaming Review |url=http://www.ogr.com/news/news0397.html |website=[[Online Gaming Review]] |access-date=2023-04-16 |archive-date=June 6, 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970606072617/http://www.ogr.com/news/news0397.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>}}'''PlayStation'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|March 21, 1997|NA|May 16, 1997<ref>{{Cite web |date=2002-04-14 |title=GameSpot: Video Games News: Hexen Casts Its Spell |url=http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2466624,00.html |access-date=2023-04-07 |archive-date=April 14, 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020414064206/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/stories/news/0,10870,2466624,00.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>}}'''Sega Saturn'''<br />{{vgrelease|EU|March 21, 1997|NA|March 31, 1997}}'''Nintendo 64'''<br />{{vgrelease|NA|June 25, 1997<ref>{{Cite web |author=I. G. N. Staff |date=1997-06-26 |title=Hexen Materializes |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/06/26/hexen-materializes |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>|EU|Q4 1997}}}}
| genre = [[First-person shooter]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

'''''Hexen: Beyond Heretic''''' is a [[first-person shooter]] [[video game]] developed by [[Raven Software]] and published by [[id Software]] for [[MS-DOS]]. It is the sequel to 1994's ''[[Heretic (video game)|Heretic]]'', and the second game in Raven Software's "Serpent Riders" trilogy, which culminated with ''[[Hexen II]]''. The title comes from the [[German language|German]] noun [[Wiktionary:Hexen|''Hexen'']], which means "[[witch]]es", and/or the verb [[Wiktionary:hexen|''hexen'']], which means "to cast a [[Incantation|spell]]". Game producer John Romero stated that a third, unreleased game in this series was to be called ''Hecatomb''.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Romero |author=John Romero |number=688561322020175873 |date = 16 January 2016 |title= @60f7aa9db0c7400 : absolutely. Hexen was the sequel to Heretic. The 3rd game was supposed to be Hecatomb. #gamehistory}}</ref>

''Hexen: Beyond Heretic'' met with highly positive reviews upon release, though the various 1997 console ports were negatively received because of problems with [[frame rate]] and controls and the aging of the game itself. Critical plaudits for the game centered on the [[Nonlinear gameplay|non-linear]] [[Level (video games)|level]] design and the selection of three playable characters, each offering a distinct gameplay experience.

==Plot==
Following the tale of D'Sparil's defeat in ''Heretic'', ''Hexen'' takes place in another realm, Cronos, which is besieged by the second of the three Serpent Riders, Korax. Three heroes set out to destroy Korax. The [[Player character|player]] assumes the role of one such hero. Throughout the course of his quest, he travels through elemental dungeons, a wilderness region, a mountainside seminary, a large castle, and finally a necropolis, before the final showdown with the Serpent Rider.

==Gameplay==
A new series feature introduced in ''Hexen'' is the choice of three character classes. Players may choose to play as a [[Warrior (character class)|fighter]] (Baratus), a [[Cleric (character class)|cleric]] (Parias), or a [[Wizard (character class)|mage]] (Daedolon). Each character has unique weapons and physical characteristics, lending an additional degree of variety and replay value to the game. The Fighter relies mainly on close-quarters physical attacks with weapons both mundane and magical in nature, and is tougher and faster than the other characters. The Mage uses an assortment of long-range spells, whose reach is counterbalanced by the fact that he is the most fragile and slowest moving of the classes.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Rich|last=Leadbetter|title=The Hex Factor!|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=17 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=March 1997 |pages=40–44}}</ref> The Cleric arms himself with a combination of both melee and ranged capabilities, being a middle ground of sorts between the other two classes.<ref name=SatMag12>{{cite magazine |title=Hexen Prepares for Saturn Onslaught!|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=12 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=October 1996 |pages=6–7}}</ref> Additionally, certain items, such as the flechette (poison gas bomb), behave differently when collected and used by each of the classes, functioning in a manner better suiting their varying approach to combat.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hexen: Doom Takes a Medieval Trip |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=93|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=April 1997|page=98}}</ref>

''Hexen'' introduces "hub" levels to the series, wherein the player can travel back and forth between central hub levels and connected side levels.<ref name=SatMag12/> This is done in order to solve larger-scale puzzles that require a series of items or switches to be used.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hexen: A Little Witchcraft Can Go a Long Way |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=89|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=December 1996 |pages=274–5}}</ref> The player must traverse through a hub in order to advance to the next hub.

The inventory system returns from ''Heretic'' with several new items, such as the "Disc of Repulsion", which pushes enemies away from the player, and the "Icon of the Defender", which provides invincibility to each class in a different manner.

==Development==
Like ''Heretic'', ''Hexen'' was developed on [[NeXTSTEP]].<ref name="AppleNeXTMerger">[http://rome.ro/2006/12/apple-next-merger-birthday.html planet rome.ro: Apple-NeXT Merger Birthday!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305165006/http://rome.ro/2006/12/apple-next-merger-birthday.html |date=2007-03-05 }}</ref> ''Hexen'' uses a modified version of the [[Doom engine|''Doom'' engine]], which allows jumping, looking up and down, network play with up to eight players and the choice of three character classes. It also popularized the "hub system" of [[level (video games)|level]] progression in the genre of first-person shooter games. Unlike previous games, which had relied purely on [[General MIDI]] for music, ''Hexen'' is also able to play tracks from a [[CD]]. The game's own CD contained a soundtrack in an audio format that was exactly the same as the MIDI soundtrack, but played through a high-quality sound module. However, the most significant improvement was the addition of wall translation, rotation, and level scripting.

The Macintosh version of the game was developed by Presage Software.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.presage.com/pHexen.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970614014843/http://www.presage.com/pHexen.html|title=Pressage Products - Hexen|website=presage.com|archivedate=June 14, 1997|accessdate=February 2, 2024}}</ref>

===Engine modifications===
"Polyobjects" are the walls that move within the game. Because the ''Doom'' engine uses the [[binary space partitioning]] system for rendering, it does not enable moving walls. ''Hexen''{{'}}s moving walls are actually one-sided lines built somewhere else on the map and rendered at the desired start spot when the level is loaded. This enables a pseudo-moving wall, but does not allow moving sectors (such as seeing the tops of moving doors). This often creates problems in sectors containing more than one node, however, explaining the relatively limited use of polyobjects.

Whereas ''Doom'', ''Doom II'', and ''Heretic'' rely on lines within the maps to perform simple actions, ''Hexen'' also allows these actions to be activated by Action Code Script (ACS). These scripts use a syntactic variant of [[C (programming language)|C]], thus allowing special sequencing of game actions. Programming features such as randomization, variables, and intermap script activation enable smooth hub gameplay and are responsible for most of the special effects within the game: on-screen messages, random sound effects, monster spawning, sidedef texture changes, versatile control of polyobjects, level initialization for deathmatch, and even complex environment changes such as earthquakes manipulating floor textures and heights.

===Source code===
On January 11, 1999, the [[source code]] for ''Hexen'' was released by Raven Software under a license that granted rights to non-commercial use, and was re-released under the [[GNU General Public License|GNU GPL-2.0-only]] on September 4, 2008.<ref>[http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=238655 Heretic / Hexen - Browse Files at SourceForge.net<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref> This allowed the game to be ported to different platforms such as [[Linux]], [[AmigaOS]], and [[OS/2]] (including [[eComStation]] and [[ArcaOS]]).

''Hexen'' is compatible with many [[Doom source port|''Doom'' source ports]]; ''Hexen''{{'}}s features are also compatible with ''Doom'' WADs made for source ports regardless of what game they are being played on.

===Music===
The score was composed by Kevin Schilder. In contrast to ''Heretic'', some songs in ''Hexen'', in addition to MIDI versions, had higher-quality versions on CD. When playing in CD-audio mode, songs absent from CD would be replaced by some existing CD tracks.<ref>[https://doomwiki.org/wiki/Hexen_music Hexen music - DoomWiki.org, the new home of the Doom Wiki - Doom, Heretic, Hexen, Strife, and more<!-- Bot generated title -->].</ref>

==Console versions==
''Hexen'' was released for the [[Sega Saturn]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], and [[Nintendo 64]], all released and distributed by GT Interactive during the first half of 1997. While presenting several specific differences in their respective translations of the original PC game, all of them constitute essentially the same game with no major changes to level design, plot, or overall delivery.

The PlayStation version, developed by [[Probe Entertainment]], has the FMV scenes and [[Red Book audio]] music from the PC CD-ROM version, but no multiplayer mode. The scripting and animation is slower, enemies have only their front sprites and lack gory deaths when attacked by strong hits or weapons, and the frame rate is slower. Although all levels are present in this version and feature their correct layouts, their architecture details are somewhat simplified and there is some loss in overall lighting quality. This port is based on a beta version of the original PC version of ''Hexen'' as many gameplay tweaks are shared, such as the simpler level design and the Fighter's weapons being weaker compared to other versions.

The Sega Saturn version, also developed by Probe,<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Hexen: It's Another Classic Id Game!|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=13 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=November 1996|page=30}}</ref> inherits most of the restrictions of the PlayStation version, such as the simplified scenery architecture and the downgraded lighting, although it does feature improvements in certain aspects. The scripting is faster, and the frame rate, while not fluid or consistent, is slightly better. The enemies still have all but their front sprites missing, but they retain their gory deaths when killed by a strong hit or weapon. This version also has hidden two-player link-up cooperative and deathmatch modes, accessible only through the unlockable cheat menu.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Tips: Hexen |magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]] |issue=20|publisher=[[Emap International Limited]] |date=June 1997|page=77}}</ref> While this port shares the FMV scenes and most of the Redbook audio music from the other CD-ROM versions, it also includes some new music tracks.

The Nintendo 64 version, developed by [[Software Creations]],<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Gaming Gossip|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=88 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=November 1996|page=34}}</ref> retains all of the graphical quality and scenery architecture, has a consistent frame rate, and includes high detail and smooth filtering. This version also has four-player split-screen cooperative and deathmatch modes, although they must be played in low detail mode.<ref name=IGN64/> Due to [[Nintendo 64 Game Pak|cartridge storage limitations]], the Nintendo 64 version is based on the original PC floppy version and lacks the FMV scenes and Redbook audio music introduced in the CD-ROM version, although it has new narrative introductions to the levels.

==''Deathkings of the Dark Citadel''==
''Deathkings of the Dark Citadel'' is an official [[expansion pack]] that was released for ''Hexen'' on September 3, 1996. It features three more hubs with a total of 20 new single player levels and six new deathmatch levels. Unlike the ''Shadow of the Serpent Riders'' expansion pack for ''Heretic'', it had to be purchased in retail stores or by mail order. This was unusual at the time, as most non-free expansion packs also included other new or revised gameplay elements. ''Deathkings of the Dark Citadel'', unlike ''Shadow of the Serpent Riders'', was not packaged with the original game, meaning that both had to be purchased separately, and the expansion would not work without already having ''Hexen''. This expansion pack also did not initially include nor enable any music. Music could be fully enabled by applying a patch specially released to address this issue (usually found online under the name "dkpatch").

Each of the hubs (The Blight, The Constable's Gate, and The Nave) features one secret level, and new puzzles based on the quest items from the original game (no new quest artifacts were added). Any type of enemy may spawn on the map.

The final level of the expansion, the Dark Citadel itself, is an arena-like level, which features teleporting waves of monsters and three bosses (Fighter, Cleric, and Mage clones).

==Reception==

{{Video game reviews
| PC = true
| PS = true
| N64 = true
| SSAT = true
| GR_N64 = 60%<ref name=gr_n64>{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197555-hexen/index.html |title=Hexen: Beyond Heretic Nintendo 64 Reviews |website=[[GameRankings]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 15, 2001 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209000915/https://www.gamerankings.com/n64/197555-hexen/index.html |archivedate=December 9, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| EGM_SSAT = 5.125/10<ref name=EGM92>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Hexen |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=92|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=March 1997 |page=48}}</ref>
| EGM_N64 = 4.875/10<ref name=EGM96>{{cite magazine |title=Review Crew: Hexen 64|magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]|issue=96 |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=July 1997|page=51}}</ref>
| GSpot_PC = 6.5/10 (DOS)<ref name=GSPC>{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Hudak |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hexen-review/1900-2537441/ |title=Hexen Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=May 1, 1996 |access-date=July 20, 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19970207015006/http://www.gamespot.com/action/hexen/reviews.html |archivedate=February 7, 1997 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_SSAT = 4.9/10<ref name=GSSat>{{cite web|last=Broady|first=John|title=Hexen Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hexen-review/1900-2532879/|website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=12 February 2018|date=April 29, 1997}}</ref>
| GSpot_PS = 3.3/10<ref name=GSPS>{{cite web|first=MacDonald|last=Ryan|date=July 24, 1997 |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hexen-review/1900-2545969/ |title=Hexen Review |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=February 12, 2018}}</ref>
| GSpot_N64 = 5.0/10<ref name=GS64>{{cite web |last=Fielder |first=Joe |title=Hexen Review |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hexen-review/1900-2543667/ |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=12 October 2018 |date=July 3, 1997}}</ref>
| IGN_PS = 5.0/10<ref name=IGNPS>{{cite web |title=Hexen Review |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1997/05/24/hexen-2 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=7 June 2018 |date=May 23, 1997}}</ref>
| IGN_N64 = 3.7/10<ref name=IGN64>{{cite web |last=Casamassina |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Casamassina|title=Hexen |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/1997/06/27/hexen |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=12 October 2018 |date=June 26, 1997}}</ref>
| rev1 = ''Maximum''
| rev1_PC = {{rating|5|5}} (DOS)<ref name=Max2/>
| N64_N64 = 69%<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Hexen | date=August 1997 | issue=5 |pages=56–59 |last=Nash |first=Jonathan |magazine=N64 Magazine | publisher=Future Publishing}}</ref>
| NGen_PC = {{rating|4|5}} (DOS)<ref name=NGen14/>
| NGen_SSAT = {{rating|2|5}}<ref name=NGen29>{{cite magazine|title=Hexen|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=29 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=May 1997|page=152}}</ref>
| NGen_N64 = {{rating|2|5}} <ref name=NGen32>{{cite magazine|title=Hexen|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=32 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=August 1997|page=[https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_32/page/n115 114] |url=https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_32}}</ref>
| rev3 = ''[[Saturn Power]]''
| rev3_SSAT = 84/100<ref name=SatP1>{{cite magazine|last=Price|first=James|title=Review: Hexen|magazine=[[Saturn Power]]|issue=1|publisher=[[Future plc]]|date=June 1997|page=76}}</ref>
| rev4 = ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]''
| rev4_SSAT = 88%<ref name=SSM17>{{cite magazine|last=Leadbetter|first=Rich |title=Review: Hexen|magazine=[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]|issue=17 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=March 1997|pages=66–67}}</ref>
| Edge_PC = 9/10 <small>(DOS)</small><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Review Crew: Hexen|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|issue=28|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|date=January 1996|page=74}}</ref>
}}
''Heretic'' and ''Hexen'' shipped a combined total of roughly 1 million units to retailers by August 1997.<ref name=1m>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971012044914/http://www.pcgamer.com/news/news080497.html | url=http://www.pcgamer.com:80/news/news080497.html | title=Activision to Buy Raven | date=August 7, 1997 | author=Staff | work=[[PC Gamer US]] | archive-date=October 12, 1997 | url-status=dead | access-date=January 13, 2020 }}</ref> Individually, the game sold over 250,000 copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA19758896&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=e922f49b|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321104217/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=GPS&u=wikipedia&id=GALE%7CA19758896&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-GPS&asid=e922f49b|title=Hexen II Ships to Retail Outlets Across the United States and Canada; Highly Anticipated Title Available in Stores Week of September 15|website=[[PR Newswire]]|archivedate=March 21, 2025|date=September 17, 1997|accessdate=March 13, 2025|via=[[Gale Research]]|url-status=live}}</ref>

Reviewing the PC version, ''Maximum'' remarked that ''Hexen'' sets itself apart from other "3D slashers" with its selection of characters and novel approach to level design, which "leads to your character choosing their path rather than being guided around a rather linear series of rooms, proving that 3D games have matured". They also commented that the gameplay is consistently intense due to the difficulty of the enemies, the variety of weapons and power-ups, and the sheer size and breadth of the levels. They gave the game 5 out of 5 stars<ref name=Max2>{{cite magazine|title=Maximum Reviews: Hexen|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=2 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=November 1995|page=156}}</ref> and their "Maximum Game of the Month" award.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Essential Buyers Guide: Reviews|magazine=Maximum: The Video Game Magazine|issue=2 |publisher=[[Emap International Limited]]|date=November 1995|page=141}}</ref> A reviewer for ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' opined that "''Hexen'' takes everything that was good about ''Heretic'', and makes it even better." He commented that the ability to choose between three different character classes gives the game replay value, something that had been missing from first-person shooters up until then, and though the graphics are blocky and pixelated, the "eerily lifelike" sound effects make up for it to a large extent. Like ''Maximum'', he praised the non-linear level design and concluded the game to be a must-have for any first-person shooter fan.<ref name=NGen14>{{cite magazine|title=Here Comes Another One...|magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=14 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=February 1996|page=172}}</ref> Chris Hudak, citing the differing abilities of the three playable characters, called ''Hexen'' "Slicker, smarter and more stylish than ''Doom''---with all the killing and three times the replay value."<ref name="GSPC"/>

''[[Computer Games Magazine|Computer Games Strategy Plus]]'' named ''Hexen'' the best "First-Person Action" title of 1995.<ref name=cgm1995awards>{{cite journal | author=Staff | journal=[[Computer Games Magazine]] | title=A Decade of Gaming; Award Winners of 1995 |date=November 2000 | issue=120 | pages=56–58, 60, 62, 66, 68, 70–76 }}</ref> It was also a runner-up for ''Computer Gaming World''{{'}}s 1995 "Action Game of the Year" award, which ultimately went to ''[[Crusader: No Remorse]]''. The editors called it "another ''Doom'' bloodfest distinguished by its fantasy setting and the fact that it let you play as either a fighter, priest or mage, each with unique attributes and weapons".<ref name=cgw1995>{{cite magazine | author=Staff |title=The Computer Gaming World 1996 Premier Awards |magazine=[[Computer Gaming World]] |issue=143 |date=June 1996 |pages=55, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 67 }}</ref>

The Saturn version was far less well received. A review in ''Next Generation'' of the Saturn version reasoned that, "Like oil and water, ''Doom''-style games and console conversions don't mix well. Unless the programmers are willing to rewrite the graphics engine from scratch, PC ports suffer from getting cramped into too little memory and neglecting the console's native 3D hardware." The reviewer recommended Saturn owners instead try ''[[PowerSlave]]'' or ''[[Ghen War]]'', first-person shooters specifically designed for the console.<ref name=NGen29/> Shawn Smith and Sushi-X of ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' similarly said the game had not been converted well from PC.<ref name=EGM92/> Others described the Saturn port as an exact conversion, and argued the problem was simply that ''Hexen'' was too old a game to be released for console in 1997 without any improvements.<ref name=EGM92/><ref name=GSSat/> Though they disagreed on exact reasons, most critics agreed that the Saturn version suffers from pixelated graphics,<ref name=EGM92/><ref name=GSSat/><ref name=NGen29/><ref name=GPro102/> dramatic drops in frame rate,<ref name=EGM92/><ref name=NGen29/><ref name=SSM17/> and cumbersome controls.<ref name=GSSat/><ref name=NGen29/><ref name=GPro102/> Scary Larry of ''[[GamePro]]'' gave it a mixed review, summarizing that "although it doesn't live up to ''PowerSlave''{{'}}s standards, it's still decent fun."<ref name=GPro102>{{cite magazine|title=Saturn ProReview: Hexen|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=102|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]]|date=March 1997|page=84}}</ref> John Broady of ''[[GameSpot]]'' gave a slightly more dismal assessment: "Despite these glaring deficiencies, ''Hexen'' nonetheless offers enough enhancements over the standard shooter to warrant a rental, especially for fans of role-playing games who thirst for real-time action. ... But for the rest, the Saturn version of ''Hexen'' is a classic game of too little and too late."<ref name=GSSat/> Rich Leadbetter of ''[[Sega Saturn Magazine]]'' and James Price of ''[[Saturn Power]]'' defended the Saturn version, commenting that, although not outstanding, it is far superior to the Saturn version of ''Doom'', which was released at roughly the same time.<ref name=SSM17/><ref name=SatP1/> Price was particularly enthusiastic about the link cable-enabled multiplayer mode.<ref name=SatP1/>

The Nintendo 64 version also left most critics unimpressed. The four-player mode was praised as an unprecedented feature in console first person shooters,<ref name=EGM96/><ref name=GS64/><ref name=IGN64/><ref name=NGen32/> but the graphics were considered unacceptably poor, particularly the frame rate<ref name=EGM96/><ref name=GS64/><ref name=IGN64/><ref name=NGen32/> and the usage of the Nintendo 64's mip-mapping and anti-aliasing in a way which actually worsened the visuals of the game.<ref name=IGN64/><ref name=NGen32/> As with the Saturn version, some critics opined that ''Hexen'' was too dated by this time to be receiving a straightforward port.<ref name=EGM96/><ref name=IGN64/> Joe Fielder of ''GameSpot'' additionally complained of a severe bug in the save feature.<ref name=GS64/> In a dissenting opinion, Scary Larry concluded that "Although not as polished as ''[[Turok: Dinosaur Hunter|Turok]]'' or as fun and creepy as ''[[Doom 64]]'', ''Hexen'' gives you three characters to choose from, and the action's addicting once you get into it." He gave it higher scores than the Saturn version in every category except sound.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Nintendo 64 ProReview: Hexen |magazine=[[GamePro]]|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |issue=106|date=July 1997 |page=82}}</ref> In contrast, [[Matt Casamassina]] of ''[[IGN]]'' called it "A shoddy port of a PC game that wasn't so great to begin with."<ref name=IGN64/>

The PlayStation version was even more negatively received; critics universally panned the port for its poor frame rate, pixelated graphics, and sloppy platform-jumping controls.<ref name=GSPS/><ref name=IGNPS/><ref>{{cite magazine|title=PlayStation ProReview: Hexen|magazine=[[GamePro]] |issue=102|publisher=[[International Data Group|IDG]] |date=March 1997|page=74}}</ref>

''Electronic Gaming Monthly''{{'}}s 1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide named ''Hexen'' the 1997 "Game that Should've Stayed on the PC", commenting that while the Nintendo 64 version was the best of the console ports, all three were poor conversions, and ''Hexen'' was too old by the time they were released.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Good the Bad and the Silly |magazine=1998 Video Game Buyer's Guide|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |date=March 1998 |page=20}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120324031651/http://ravensoft.com/games/hexen/view-game/ Official ''Hexen'' webpage at Raven Software]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP2ScBKcz8Y&a Mini-documentary and gameplay of ''Hexen'']
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/hexen-beyond-heretic Hexen] at [[MobyGames]]

{{Raven Software}}
{{Id Software}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1995 video games]]
[[Category:Acorn Archimedes games]]
[[Category:Classic Mac OS games]]
[[Category:Commercial video games with freely available source code]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Doom engine games]]
[[Category:DOS games]]
[[Category:DOS games ported to Windows]]
[[Category:Fantasy video games]]
[[Category:First-person shooters]]
[[Category:GP2X games]]
[[Category:GT Interactive games]]
[[Category:Heretic and Hexen|Hexen I]]
[[Category:Id Software games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo 64 games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:Raven Software games]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn games]]
[[Category:Split-screen multiplayer games]]
[[Category:Sprite-based first-person shooters]]
[[Category:Video games about magic]]
[[Category:Video games developed in the United States]]
[[Category:Video games set in castles]]
[[Category:Video games with digitized sprites]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Games commercially released with DOSBox]]