Distinguished by a very modest role-playing element...

User Rating: 8.2 | Hexen: Beyond Heretic PC
By JOE714 | Review Date:
Selections were limited in the early days of first-person shooters, so the notion of replaying a game more than once (or twice, or ten times) was certain. A dedicated player could approach the same battle from different angles or with a limited assortment of weapons (think of playing Doom using only the chainsaw or shotgun) to wring every last bit of enjoyment out of a title. However, the relatively linear arrangement of corridors and predictable placement of enemies might make the experience tantamount to sleepwalking after a while. Hexen was especially welcome due to its improved replayability, as a willowy wizard had no choice but to approach a group of growling Centaurs in a very different manner from that of a brutish warrior. Hexen’s other innovation of tying multiple levels together through a hub wasn’t quite as effective as it might seem, since most of the portals leading away from each central staging area still opened in the same order. However, the variety provided by each character’s strengths, weaknesses, and weapons still succeeded in generating a unique experience with nearly every new game.
Notable Feature: Although Hexen’s predecessor, Heretic, also featured a portable inventory of magical artifacts, I found myself using them much more frequently in this game. The Mage was especially needful of the Disks of Repulsion for maintaining a balance between his ranged weapons and the tight corridors in which he spent most of his time. The Cleric’s unique brand of poisonous flechettes were also handy with a bit of practice.
Favorite Weapon: The Cleric’s Justifier called forth a handful of wrathful ghosts, who then proceeded to rip any nearby enemies to shreds. Although the carnage wasn’t particularly graphic, just imagine how much more entertaining this weapon might be with the addition of Havoc physics and polygonal innards.
Favorite Enemy: The Centaurs presented a unique challenge with their reflective shields. Most ranged attacks would ricochet right back toward the player without the right timing. A large group of the man-beasts was always an alarming sight.
Favorite Level: Hexen's locations displayed a bit more detail than Doom's previous offspring, with recognizable (through still a bit rudimentary) ruins, torture chambers, and chapels. The Heresiarch’s Seminary provided one of the more spacious arenas in which to rumble. Many of the game's other locations contained narrow passages that undercut the effectiveness of some weapons.
Like Heretic, Hexen’s engine is very dated and simply does not compare to today’s technology. Anyone who already owns a copy might enjoy one more adventure as the Mage, Warrior, or Cleric before shelving it for good.

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