Hericonic vs Hexen: Beyond Heretic
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
In a war-torn realm, the Sidhe elves confront the Serpent Riders who have corrupted the seven kings of Parthoris. An elf embarks on a quest for vengeance, traversing the ruined City of the Damned, Hell's Maw, and the Dome of D'Sparil to confront the weakest rider, D'Sparil. This classic 1994 first‑person fantasy shooter blends magic, melee, and intense combat across haunting environments. Developed by Raven Software and published by id Software, Hericonic offers both single‑player and cooperative multiplayer modes, delivering fast‑paced action with a rich lore backdrop. Available on PC and Mac, it remains a beloved title for fans of fantasy shooters and retro gaming.
After the defeat of D'Sparil in Heretic, Hexen transports players to the decaying world of Cronos, where the Serpent Rider Korax threatens to plunge the realm into chaos. Three heroes—a warrior, a mage, and a cleric—must navigate elemental dungeons, wilderness, and a necropolis to stop his evil regime. The game blends first‑person shooting, spellcasting, and puzzle solving, offering both single‑player and split‑screen multiplayer experiences. Players can run, walk, fly, and explore a richly detailed fantasy‑horror environment while hunting powerful artifacts and mastering unique class abilities.
- Deep fantasy storyline
- Co‑op multiplayer adds replay value
- Distinct magic‑combat system
- Atmospheric level design
- Deep class variety with distinct playstyles
- Rich atmospheric level design
- Multiplayer options including split‑screen and modem
- Challenging puzzles integrated with combat
- Dated graphics by modern standards
- Limited enemy AI variety
- No official modern controller support
- Outdated graphics and controls by modern standards
- Limited save system can be unforgiving
- Sparse documentation for multiplayer setup
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Hericonic
View all →
Isometric hack‑and‑slash adventure with classic heroes and new allies.
Choose a warrior, mage, or cleric and battle the Serpent Rider Korax in a dark fantasy realm.
Alternatives to Hexen: Beyond Heretic
View all →
Explore dark realms in the classic Hexen II expansion
Lead a four‑hero party to free trapped gods in a real‑time first‑person RPG adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataHexen: Beyond Heretic offers richer class variety and more robust multiplayer options at a higher price, while Hericonic is a cheaper, simpler classic shooter.
Key differences
- •Hexen provides three distinct classes (warrior, mage, cleric) versus no class system mentioned for Hericonic.
- •Hexen supports split‑screen and modem multiplayer for up to four players; Hericonic only mentions cooperative multiplayer.
- •Hericonic costs $19.99, half the price of Hexen's $39.99.
- •Hexen includes five themed zones and integrated puzzles; Hericonic lists atmospheric levels but no puzzle detail.
- •Both have dated graphics, but only Hexen lists a critic score (37/100).
Gameplay & fun factor
Hexen's three unique classes and puzzle‑integrated combat give more varied gameplay than Hericonic's single‑style combat.
Platform availability
Both are PC titles; Hericonic also mentions Mac support, but no platform details for Hexen beyond PC.
Price & value
Hericonic is $19.99 versus Hexen's $39.99, offering lower upfront cost.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Hexen offers split‑screen for up to four and modem network play; Hericonic only notes cooperative play.
Content & replayability
Hexen features five zones, class switching, and puzzles; Hericonic lists level variety but no comparable depth.
Difficulty & accessibility
Both have outdated controls and graphics; no specific difficulty metrics provided for either.
Graphics & performance
Both are described as dated by modern standards; no further distinction given.
Choose Hericonic if…
Buy Hericonic if you prefer a cheaper classic shooter and don’t need split‑screen or multiple classes.
Choose Hexen: Beyond Heretic if…
Buy Hexen if you want class depth, extensive multiplayer, and more content and can afford the higher price.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Hericonic costs $19.99; Hexen costs $39.99.
Do both games support multiplayer?
Yes. Hexen offers split‑screen and modem play for up to four; Hericonic offers cooperative multiplayer.
Is there class variety?
Hexen provides three distinct classes (warrior, mage, cleric); Hericonic does not specify any class system.