Hexen: Beyond Heretic

Description
Originally released on PC in 1995 and converted for the Sega Saturn in 1996, Hexen: Beyond Heretic is a fascinating example of 90s game design, when dark fantasy and action shooters were taking their own distinctive shape. Created by Raven Software and published by id Software, this game brings an erudition of the genre to first-person shooters (FPS), enticing players with its complexity and deep atmosphere.
Hexen departs in many ways from conventional FPS games of its time. Unlike its predecessor Heretic, it adds a class system to the game, allowing players to choose between three unique heroes: the warrior Barat, the wizard Daedealus, and the cleric Parium. This choice affects not only the weapon arsenal, but also the play style and approach to tackling different game scenarios. This tasteful and tactical element adds a significant degree of replayability to the game.
Graphically, the game on the Sega Saturn doesn't lose the charm of its original design, although it doesn't reach the level of visual quality it could on the PC lineup of the time. The dark and gothic environments exude a foreboding sense of doom and mystery, which is supported by detailed textures and atmospheric lighting modelling. The audiovisual component then blends effortlessly into a homogenous whole, with the dark soundtrack and ambient sounds creating a haunting emotional charge.
One of Hexen's key features is its emphasis on exploration and puzzle solving. Players will often be faced with complex puzzles and a non-linear level structure that forces thorough exploration and the search for hidden paths. This can be daunting for some players, as the difficulty of the puzzles climbs to unprecedented levels in places. On the other hand, this complexity and the need for strategic thinking brings a sense of real challenge and satisfaction from the obstacles conquered.
However, the Sega Saturn is not without its minor technical issues. The framerate can occasionally limp, which is particularly noticeable during intense battle scenes. The control scheme is at times unintuitive due to the nature of the Saturn's controller, although after some time it is possible to get used to it. While these minor flaws may frustrate players from time to time, they do not mask the exceptional gaming experience that Hexen offers.
Hexen: Beyond Heretic is not a game for everyone. It requires patience, the ability to solve complex challenges, and a passion for dark fantasy themes. However, for those willing to invest their time in this gaming classic, Hexen offers a deep and memorable journey into a world full of mystery and danger. The Sega Saturn version may not be perfect, but it still provides a great gateway into this unique and historically significant game.
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