Description

"Hexen" is a dark fantasy first-person shooter video game that was originally developed by Raven Software and published by id Software in 1995, later ported to various systems including the Sega Saturn in 1997. Set in a grim world overrun by chaos and dark magic, "Hexen" expands upon the formula established by its predecessor, "Heretic", by introducing multiple character classes and a hub-based level structure that adds depth and complexity to its exploration and puzzle-solving elements. Players choose from three different characters – a warrior, a mage, or a cleric, each with unique abilities and weaponry – to battle through hordes of grotesque creatures and uncover the secrets of the world's corruption and the ominous force behind it.

The gameplay in "Hexen" for the Sega Saturn retains the atmospheric and moody visuals for which the series is known, despite some limitations in rendering performance compared to the PC version. Each character's unique play style allows for different combat strategies, enhancing replayability. Notably, "Hexen" introduced a hub system where multiple levels are connected to a central hub area, allowing players to travel back and forth between previously visited stages to solve expansive, intricate puzzles that affect areas across the game world. This innovative approach, combined with a robust multiplayer mode, set "Hexen" apart from other shooters of its time and helped to solidify its place as a distinctive and influential game in the genre during the mid-90s.