xHexen2Pop (Hexen 2 source port with Portal of Praevus)

Ported by A600
Code cleanup by XtecuterX73

1. History:

The people from the original Xbox community have not been sure if xHexen2 supports Hexen 2's mission pack or not. Everyone has been busy or not interested in testing/coding the thing. So I decided to give it a try. Of course I could modify the source code, but why should I? It is not my project after all, so I did it in a dirty way and I am nice enough to share. It is really dirty, it is even stupid, but if something is stupid and works, then it is good.

2. Features:

The levels, the scripts, new enemies, new CD-Audio music work. Usual character class select and skill select don't work, but there is a workaround below. The fifth character class, the Demoness, doesn't work - I am sorry.

3. Usage:

Run the xbe file and let it load all the stuff. If you hear the music and if you notice the background change, then press the Start button on the controller. Do not start the new game as you would normally do! There is an autoexec.cfg inside the data1 directory. Modify it to your liking, but please keep in mind that it contains three crucial options and these are:

_cl_playerclass 1 (set it to other numbers to play as different characters; values: 1 - Paladin, 2 - Crusader, 3 - Necromancer, 4 - Assassin and 5 - Demoness, which doesn't work)

skill 0 (set it to other numbers; 0 - easy, 1 - medium, 2 - hard, 3 - very hard)

map keep1 (just keep the keep1 value if you want to play Portal of Praevus!)

4. Known bugs:

The overall gameplay is error free. However the encounter with the final boss pose a few problems on the Xbox, just like the final fight from the original Hexen 2. It is a matter of console's technical limitations, lack of smart programming or probably both. Don't worry though - you can beat the final boss, but just don't create too much visual mayhem or the game will freeze! Just forget about using the Tomes of Power. I beat the Praevus easily by using a few Stones of Summoning and then teleporting back to the start of the level. Meanwhile the summoned demons softened the Praevus, so I could finish him off. Piece of cake.

5. Advice:

You can change the name of the default.xbe in your dash to avoid duplicate names (if you also use the standard xHexen2 release). Or you better code the PoP support into the xHexen2 with two separate music directories to save HDD space :P





Enjoy!

S******* LAW L**********