However, there are some serious thorns on the Hexen 64 rose. Firstly, the game loads. Not badly, but around 10 seconds every time you change level. Secondly, the music just plain sucks. Software Creations have attempted to reproduce the PC Redbook audio tunes on the N64 with absolutely no success whatsoever. Thirdly, the game comes with only two pre-set button configurations: one for the analog stick and one for the d-pad. The d-pad set up isn't bad, but the analog set-up is truly horrible! The Z trigger is 'strafe on' (you can't turn and strafe at the same time) making it impossible to circle an enemy!
Despite this somewhat irritating set-back, the strength of Raven's original game design still shines through. Hexen (and now Hexen 64) combines all the action and violence of Doom with cunning puzzles, a non-linear level structure and your choice of one of three different character classes, each with their own weapons and physical attributes. Once you get used to the D-pad, control is actually pretty good, and the fantasy setting is extremely effective (at points the level design borders on the genius) Plus, Hexen is one of the few corridor games that works equally well as both a single player quest AND a multiplayer deathmatch extravaganza.
Deathmatch? That's right, Hexen fans, Hexen 64 is the first home corridor game EVER to feature four player simultaneous split screen deathmatch! You can fight on any level you want, with or without monsters. Unfortunately, with four players the game takes a drop in detail and things get a lot darker (your field of vision is reduced) in order to keep up the speed. On a big TV it's good fun, but it's nothing like playing on a PC network.
If you like corridor games and have never played through a version of Hexen before, I highly recommend you give Hexen 64 a try. If, on the other hand, you're not a fan of the genre (or more specifically, you didn't like Doom 64) then this isn't exactly going to light your fire.
Final Score: 7.5
