Introduction

When discussing legendary first-person shooters of the 1990s, titles like DOOM and Quake often dominate the conversation. Yet, one game that carved out a unique niche with its dark fantasy setting, multiple playable classes, and revolutionary hub system is Hexen: Beyond Heretic. Released in 1995 by Raven Software and published by id Software, this game expanded on the foundation laid by Heretic and pushed the FPS genre into new territory. Even now, decades later, Hexen remains a cult classic for retro gamers and speedrunners. Interestingly, modern players from franchises like COD BO7 may find Hexen’s pace and strategic combat surprisingly engaging.

The Dark Tale of Cronos

Hexen: Beyond Heretic takes place in the doomed realm of Cronos, where the sinister Korax, one of the three Serpent Riders, has plunged the world into corruption. Unlike its predecessor Heretic, which focused more on a straightforward quest, Hexen embraces a more complex and layered narrative.

Players assume the role of one of three champions—each with their own motivation for vengeance against Korax. The journey takes players through elemental dungeons, haunted wilderness, treacherous monasteries, towering castles, and finally, the cursed necropolis where the final showdown with Korax awaits. The atmosphere is heavy, grim, and dripping with gothic fantasy—a stark contrast to the sci-fi or military themes that dominate modern shooters like COD BO7.

Three Heroes, Three Playstyles

One of Hexen’s most innovative features is its three unique character classes. This design gave players multiple ways to approach the same world:

• The Fighter (Baratus) – A powerhouse of brute strength, excelling in melee combat. Armed with axes, hammers, and mystical blades, Baratus thrives in close-range battles, hacking through hordes with raw force.
• The Mage (Daedolon) – Master of long-range destruction. Daedolon wields powerful spells but suffers from low health and speed. His glass-cannon nature makes him both thrilling and challenging.
• The Cleric (Parias) – A hybrid class balancing melee and ranged attacks. With divine magic and cursed weapons, Parias adapts to any combat style, making him versatile but requiring strategic thinking.

Replay value skyrockets with these classes. Each offers unique weapons, movement styles, and even different effects for certain items. For example, the infamous flechette bomb behaves differently depending on who uses it—an early form of adaptive gameplay design.

The Hub System: Nonlinear Exploration Ahead of Its Time

Perhaps Hexen’s most defining feature is its hub-based level system. Unlike the linear levels of DOOM or Heretic, Hexen introduced interconnected areas where players had to backtrack, solve puzzles, and unlock pathways across multiple maps.

This system made progression feel more like an adventure RPG than a standard shooter. Players needed to locate switches, keys, and mystical artifacts while surviving ambushes from grotesque monsters. The sense of discovery—finding a previously locked gate now open due to a switch in another map—was revolutionary in 1995.

Modern gamers familiar with metroidvania design will recognize these mechanics instantly. In fact, many argue that Hexen paved the way for complex level designs seen in later FPS and hybrid games.

Inventory and Items: Strategy Over Firepower

Unlike most FPS games of its era, Hexen emphasized item management. Returning from Heretic, the inventory system allowed players to carry healing items, utility tools, and powerful magical artifacts.

Some standout items include:

• Disc of Repulsion – A lifesaver that pushes enemies (and their projectiles) away.
• Icon of the Defender – Grants temporary invulnerability, with class-specific visual effects.
• Quartz Flasks – Healing items that often mean the difference between life and death during boss encounters.

These mechanics demanded strategic thinking, not just twitch reflexes. In some ways, the pacing of Hexen feels closer to survival shooters or tactical titles than pure run-and-gun action—something even fans of COD BO7 might find refreshing.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Hexen: Beyond Heretic was praised for:

• Its dark and immersive atmosphere, blending medieval fantasy with brutal combat.
• The three-character system, which drastically increased replayability.
• The hub system, which broke away from the linear design of its contemporaries.

However, its 1997 console ports on PlayStation, Saturn, and N64 were criticized for poor frame rates, clunky controls, and aging visuals. Despite this, the PC version remains a beloved classic, especially in the modding and speedrunning communities.

Interestingly, Hexen’s DNA can still be seen in many modern games that mix RPG elements with shooters. While franchises like COD BO7 dominate today’s FPS scene, retro fans continue to keep Hexen alive through fan remakes, source ports, and community mods.

Why Hexen Still Matters

For players seeking something different from modern military shooters like COD BO7, Hexen offers a refreshing return to dark fantasy action, challenging puzzles, and deep replayability. Its bold design choices—character variety, nonlinear exploration, and item-driven combat—set it apart from many shooters of its time.

While Hexen remains a must-play for fans of retro fantasy shooters, it’s also fascinating to compare how far the FPS genre has evolved over the decades. Players who enjoy the fast-paced action of modern titles can appreciate both ends of the spectrum—whether it’s diving into the gothic realms of Cronos or jumping into the adrenaline-fueled battlegrounds of today. And for those looking to experience the competitive edge of contemporary shooters firsthand, many communities make it easier than ever to buy COD BO7 account options to get started quickly, making the transition between classic and modern FPS experiences seamless.