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Conference 501clb::pcdoom

Title:	Doom - The Game
Notice:	Doom stuff - see 183 Out of HOURS Access
Moderator:	BAHTAT::HILTON

Created:	Wed Jun 15 1994
Last Modified:	Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	212
Total number of notes:	3287

202.0. "HEXEN -- by Raven Software" by SUBPAC::MAGGARD (Mail Ordered Husband) Wed Dec 06 1995 13:30

Hexen is another Doom-engine based 1st person RPG/shooter made by Raven
Software.  It's the sequel to Heretic.

I pulled the demo down off the net a few days ago and it seems a nice
improvement over Heretic -- perhaps what they envisioned for Heretic in the
first place.  The net demo is just a plain old crippleware demo, however, not
a full shareware episode, so you can't "solve" the main puzzle completely (you
get stopped at a critical point with a message "teleporter disabled in demo
version" like message.

One thing that's new is that at startup you get to choose one of three
classes of characters (fighter, cleric, mage), each with it's own special
abilities and strength/magic/defense damage multiplier characteristics.  Each
uses some different weapons in different ways, and there are certain types of
weapons and spells that only certain classes can use.  Cooperative mode can
have one of each type fighting the bad guys... like a multiplayer real-time
RPG.

Another thing I like is the increased use of inter-level dependencies and
use of "etheral travel" teleporters.  Each "episode" consists of several
levels which you must teleport between to solve the primary "puzzle."  Stuff
like you have to get green key in level 1 to use with green door in level to
so you can get silver key in level 2 to use with silver door in level 1,
etc...  Not really new compared to say just using teleporters in Doom between
isolated "rooms" on the same map, but the implementation feel different
(perhaps because of the wad file reloads).

The sounds and music seem better, but the graphics remain in 320x200x256 VGA
mode.  The user interface is similar/identical to Heretic, and includes the
ability to look up/down and fly, in addition to the multi-object inventory.
Monster AI is the same as good old Doom.  

IMO, Hexen is the nicest variation on the Doom theme that I've seen so far.

- jeff

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
202.1	you need horsepower	SSDEVO::ASTOR	Subsystems Engineering Support	`Wed Dec 06 1995 15:39`	10
	Be aware that if Doom is a little sluggish on your machine, Hexen will be worse. There are more things going on like leaves blowing around on the ground, which causes the old video to work a little harder than in Doom. I bought the registered version of Hexen and find it to be a little too slow on my machine. I do however, need a better excuse than Hexen to sell the idea of obtaining a newer, whizzyer computer to my wife. I believe there is a discussion in the Heretic notes file going on about Hexen. Kurt
202.2	where did it go?	GIDDAY::GILLINGS	a crucible of informative mistakes	`Thu Dec 07 1995 03:42`	6
	> is a discussion in the Heretic notes file This must have moved. I had it in my notebook as kdx200::heretic but it seemed to have dried up. I'd given up on it. Where is it now? John Gillings, Sydney CSC
202.3	I would love to try it out	HLISC1::RTD037::PC712229	MRPC on the move	`Thu Dec 07 1995 07:55`	6
	Hello, can anybody give me a pointer for the demo game on the DEC net? I do not have access to the WWW, so.... is there a node somewhere? Thanks, Peter
202.4		KAHALA::CODY		`Thu Dec 07 1995 12:20`	4
	Heretic is on kdx200::heretic, the topic dealing with Hexen is named Heretic II. PJ
202.5	here's a place to look for it.	SUBSYS::MSOUCY		`Thu Dec 07 1995 17:47`	11
	You can copy it from my public area: msgaxp::user220:[msoucy.public]hexndemo.zip 5+ Mb in size. Also look for 1roc.zip which is a new release from Apogee called "Realms of Chaos". Kinda cute/neat. I haven't finished it up yet. Mike
202.6	Wrong address?	GIDDAY::GILLINGS	a crucible of informative mistakes	`Fri Dec 08 1995 02:22`	8
	I've got: Node: KDX200 DECnet address 8.719 ( 8911) Location: CXO Colorado Springs, CO, U.S. - Customer Support Center/Plant/Branch/Servicenter It's been unreachable for eons. Has the address changed? John Gillings, Sydney CSC
202.7		BASLG1::BADMANJ	Standardisation breeds mediocrity	`Fri Dec 08 1995 07:49`	1
	28.166
202.8	I copied it to ripper	SSDEVO::ASTOR	Subsystems Engineering Support	`Fri Dec 08 1995 11:41`	8
	Hi John, I copied it to gidday:: for you. Could you have a look at note 183.10 for me? regards, Kurt Astor
202.9	Thanks MSGAXP, got it	HLISC1::RTD037::PC712229	Another one bites the dust	`Mon Dec 11 1995 07:09`	3
	Great I've copied it over. I'm going to try it out tonight. Peter
202.10	Uhhh, sorry	HLISC1::RTD037::PC712229	Another one bites the dust	`Mon Dec 11 1995 07:38`	7
	I meant, thanks Mike, but I did not see your name. I had a look at the Realm game, but I found this platform game less interresting then something like Hexen. My favourite game is the trilogy of the Magic Carpet. Peter