Hexen: Beyond Heretic Overview
Hexen: Beyond Heretic is a fantasy first person shooter built on a modified Doom engine. It functions as a direct sequel to Heretic, continuing the conflict against the Serpent Riders. In this installment, one of these beings, Korax, has invaded the player's world after the defeat of D'Sparil, and three surviving humans embark on a quest for vengeance.
The player selects one of three distinct character classes: the Fighter, the Cleric, or the Mage. Each class possesses a unique set of four weapons and varies in attributes such as movement speed and defensive capability. Core gameplay mechanics inherited from the previous title include the ability to look vertically, use an inventory system, and fly under certain conditions.
A significant structural departure is the hub based level design. Rather than a linear sequence of stages, each episode features a central hub level connected via portals to multiple other levels, which can also interconnect. This architecture necessitates revisiting areas to solve environmental puzzles, making the progression challenging. The game further introduces interactive elements like jumping, destructible scenery, and atmospheric effects including weather and earthquakes.
Enhanced scripting, accomplished through the ACS language, allows for more elaborate puzzle scenarios and narrative sequences. These technical additions work alongside the hub system to create a more interconnected and puzzle oriented experience than was typical for the genre at the time.
