Hexen: Beyond Heretic

About

"Hexen: Beyond Heretic" is a fantasy-themed first-person shooter game that transports players to a dark and mystical world filled with monsters and magic. As a powerful sorcerer, players must navigate through complex levels, defeat hordes of enemies, and solve puzzles to progress through the story. Featuring a variety of weapons, spells, and abilities, players can customize their playstyle to suit their preferences to defeat the ultimate evil threatening the realm.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 894 reviews

gameplay42 positive mentions

grinding26 negative mentions

HeXen: Beyond Heretic offers a unique hub-based level design that encourages exploration and puzzle-solving, setting it apart from traditional linear FPS games.
The game features three distinct character classes (Fighter, Cleric, Mage), each with unique weapons and playstyles, adding replayability and variety to the gameplay.
The dark fantasy atmosphere, detailed sprite art, and engaging sound design create an immersive experience that resonates with players nostalgic for 90s shooters.

The level design can be overly complex and confusing, often requiring players to backtrack extensively to find switches or keys, which can lead to frustration.
The puzzles are sometimes cryptic, with vague hints that can leave players feeling lost and necessitating the use of guides to progress.
The default DOSBox version of the game is poorly optimized for modern systems, making it difficult to control and visually unappealing; using a source port like GZDoom is highly recommended.

gameplay
178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
72%
4%
The gameplay of Hexen is characterized by its classic boomer shooter mechanics, combining elements of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in a dark fantasy setting. Players can choose from three distinct classes, each with unique weapons, although the limited weapon variety can lead to some monotony. While the game retains a nostalgic charm and engaging level design, it suffers from dated mechanics and occasionally confusing progression, making it more appealing to fans of retro FPS games than to newcomers seeking modern gameplay experiences.
- “Hexen combines classic shooter gameplay with creative puzzles and a large, hub-style open world in a colorful and well-animated game that was always ahead of its time.”
- “Beautiful spritework, masterful level design, and devious gameplay equate to one of the must-play retro titles ever crafted.”
- “While it preserves the dark fantasy atmosphere of Heretic, it takes gameplay to a completely new level.”
- “I'm only giving this a not recommended due to the fact that the gameplay is boring.”
- “90% of the gameplay is running around looking for switches to flip, and then scouring the entire rest of the level to figure out what flipping the switch actually accomplished.”
- “And it is hampered by unclear level progression built on find-the-key and flip-the-switch mechanics with no real variation.”
graphics
110 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
69%
9%
The graphics of the game are a mix of nostalgia and dated design, with many players appreciating the retro aesthetic while acknowledging that it hasn't aged well. The original graphics can be fuzzy and blocky, but mods like GZDoom and Zandronum significantly enhance the visual experience and controls. Overall, while the art style retains a certain charm and atmosphere, new players may find the graphics challenging to engage with without these improvements.
- “I am charmed by the old graphics, because it reminds me of a specific era where games had 3D environments but many of the characters and other elements were 2D sprites.”
- “The graphics add atmosphere to this King Arthur period.”
- “Graphics-wise, again, it's a Doom engine game, but it does pull off a more grim and menacing art style than Heretic, which was more of a colorful fantasy world; here, things are pretty dark and also more diverse - ruins, evil domains, ice levels, fire levels, graveyards... the whole thing drips atmosphere and the excellent soundtrack helps build this atmosphere as well.”
- “First off, let's do something about those ancient graphics.”
- “What people are saying is true, this version launches with DOSBox which has hideous graphics and a wrecked control scheme but that's the way it was released back in the day, unless a company like Nightdive revamps it.”
- “Grabbed it here to give it another go, and was expecting it to play as a medieval Doom, as I remembered it, but unlike classic Doom, the graphics are nearly unplayably busted, but more importantly the control scheme is unusable.”
music
108 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
61%
6%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to enhance the dark atmosphere and immersive experience, while others find it forgettable or disappointing compared to other titles like Doom or Heretic. Many recommend using mods to access superior soundtracks, particularly the N64 version, which is often cited as better. Overall, while the music contributes to the game's ambiance, opinions vary widely on its quality and impact.
- “The atmosphere and music are fantastic and really set a dark fantasy mood.”
- “The levels are epic with a great sense of mystery and exploration accompanied by incredible original music and audio design that I'll never forget.”
- “Simply gorgeous atmosphere and soundtrack (if using the N64 version music wad).”
- “Sound design is decent, but the music is terrible in my opinion.”
- “The soundtrack is disappointing compared to Doom or Heretic.”
- “It felt like very bland and uninspired spooky music with weird ambient noises mixed in.”
atmosphere
90 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
60%
37%
3%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark fantasy aesthetic, immersive sound design, and detailed environments that evoke a sense of dread and adventure reminiscent of classic Dungeons & Dragons. Reviewers highlight the impressive soundtrack and varied graphical styles that enhance the overall experience, despite some criticisms regarding level design and puzzle coherence. Overall, the game is celebrated for its ability to create a rich, atmospheric world that captivates players.
- “The atmosphere and music are fantastic and really set a dark fantasy mood.”
- “Graphics-wise, again, it's a doom engine game, but it does pull off a more grim and menacing art style than Heretic, which was more of a colorful fantasy world; here, things are pretty dark and also more diverse - ruins, evil domains, ice levels, fire levels, graveyards... the whole thing drips atmosphere and the excellent soundtrack helps build this atmosphere as well.”
- “The big draw of the game is how it feels like a D&D adventure in first person: very atmospheric, I love the music and ambient effects, and you really feel the dread of fighting against hordes of demons to free the realm.”
- “The atmosphere, weapons, and graphical details are better than Heretic, but the lack of streamlining of puzzles and switch hunting kills it for me.”
- “I think the atmosphere survived the ages, but for some reason the gameplay/graphics feel so poor I cannot bring myself to go back and play it again... yet Duke Nukem and Doom I can easily play again.”
- “Tons of secrets, tons of pixel-hunting for obscure switches and an atmosphere you would need a pretty damn sharp sword to cut through.”
story
76 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
16%
79%
5%
The story of Hexen is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for gameplay, featuring a quest involving three factions vying for power and the goal of defeating the second serpent rider, Korax. While the narrative is conveyed through text screens between chapters and lacks depth, it is considered enjoyable within the context of the game's classic FPS mechanics and puzzle elements. Overall, players should not expect a rich storyline, but rather a simple, albeit epic, framework that complements the action-oriented gameplay.
- “The story is three factions vying for power (which you choose a hero from one of the three) to go on the quest to stop the next serpent rider, Korax (note: doesn't actually ride a serpent, lol).”
- “The story may just be a bunch of text screens at the end of each chapter and the main villain Korax insulting you at the beginning of each chapter, so even though it's simple, it's very epic in execution with great writing and a fantastic voice actor for Korax.”
- “The story of Hexen takes place after Heretic, the first game in a series of three about the serpent riders.”
- “The story is barely existent, but you don't feel you need it anyways.”
- “Not the kind of game you play for the story.”
- “No, there will be almost no storyline going during the game itself.”
replayability
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
63%
10%
The game offers significant replayability through its three distinct character classes—fighter, cleric, and mage—each with unique play styles and weapon sets. While some players feel the overall replay value is limited due to the game's shorter length and puzzle complexity, many appreciate the opportunity to experiment with different classes, enhancing their desire for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the character diversity and class mechanics contribute positively to the game's replayability, making it more engaging than some of its predecessors.
- “The 3 classes are considerably different with no overlapping weapons, giving great replayability.”
- “The classes add a lot of replay value and I already look forward to my next playthrough.”
- “Other difference is that you can choose from three character classes: the fighter, the cleric, and the mage - they all use different weapons, so it adds a great deal of replayability to the game.”
- “Even despite the options of three classes, I don't really see there being too much replayability here.”
- “Content/replayability: 2.5/10.”
- “Overall this game is shorter than Heretic; if you don't get stuck, it has higher replay value. I recommend a guide or at least a notepad open to write down the puzzle progression (sometimes you need to visit a map like 3-4 maps in total).”
grinding
26 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The grinding aspect of the game is characterized by tedious puzzles, convoluted level design, and repetitive backtracking, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While the game offers rewarding elements and high difficulty, many players find the gameplay becomes frustratingly monotonous, particularly due to the limited weapon options and lengthy boss fights. Overall, the experience is marred by a sense of tedium that overshadows its initial appeal.
- “High difficulty is welcome, but tediousness like this is something I absolutely despise.”
- “What we have here is a tedious puzzler disguised as a shooter.”
- “Hexen makes impressive strides in the FPS genre but uses these to be more tedious and annoying to play than even Heretic.”
stability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game's stability is frequently criticized, with users reporting numerous glitches, crashes, and progression locks that significantly hinder gameplay. Many players have noted that both the base game and mods contribute to these technical issues, leading to a frustrating experience that often requires backup save files to avoid losing progress. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," detracting from its otherwise appealing graphics and gameplay.
- “I cannot play this game anymore because of technical issues and glitches.”
- “With the Russian Hexen source port, I experienced numerous glitches, crashes, and progression locks.”
- “Important note: there are indeed glitches in this game, and remember to get a backup save file if you don't want to end up being stuck in the level forever and have to start over.”
optimization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
25%
50%
The game is noted for its poor optimization, particularly for players accustomed to modern FPS control schemes. Users recommend utilizing a source port to enhance the user interface and optimization settings for a better experience.
- “It is recommended that players utilize such a source port if playing this title due to improved UI and optimization settings.”
- “Poorly optimized for those used to current control schemes for FPS games.”
- “It is recommended that players utilize such a source port if playing this title due to improved UI/optimization settings.”
humor
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is noted to be nostalgic and appealing, as it resonates with players from a young age, making it memorable and enjoyable.
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
Character development in the game is minimal, with little to no impact from the choice of hero, resulting in a lack of meaningful progression or differentiation among characters.
- “Nothing in the game changes based on which hero we pick, and hero-specific character development is negligible.”