Hexplore is a late-1990s action RPG that has found renewed life on Steam through its modern re-release by Ziggurat, preserving the original work of I Motion and Heliovisions Productions while making it accessible to contemporary audiences. Set in a dark medieval fantasy world, the game follows the looming threat of the sorcerer Garkham, who seeks to obtain the mysterious Book of Hexplore, an artifact said to reveal the path to the legendary Garden of Eden. From this classic fantasy premise unfolds a lengthy quest that blends real-time combat, party management, and large-scale exploration across an expansive world composed of hundreds of interconnected maps. While its foundations are rooted firmly in its era, the game remains a fascinating example of early 3D action-RPG design.
At its heart, Hexplore emphasizes party-based gameplay. You begin with a single protagonist, MacBride, but quickly gain the ability to recruit additional companions, forming a team of up to four adventurers. Each character belongs to a distinct class archetype such as warrior, archer, or magician, and their differing strengths encourage tactical coordination rather than brute-force progression. Combat unfolds in real time, requiring players to position their party carefully, manage attacks and spells, and adapt to enemy behavior. The simplicity of the control scheme—largely driven by point-and-click inputs—makes the game accessible, but effective use of class abilities becomes increasingly important as enemies grow more numerous and dangerous. Success depends less on flashy mechanics and more on thoughtful party composition and battlefield awareness.
Exploration is one of the game’s defining features. The world of Hexplore is vast, spanning forests, frozen landscapes, cavern systems, villages, and desolate plains. With over 200 maps to traverse, the sense of scale is impressive, especially considering the technological limitations of its original release period. The voxel-based 3D engine, viewed from an isometric perspective with full camera rotation, was ambitious for its time. While modern players may find the visuals dated, there is a certain charm in the blocky environments and clearly defined spaces. The rotating camera adds a layer of spatial strategy, allowing players to adjust their view to better navigate complex layouts or gain advantage during combat encounters.
The game’s progression system revolves around experience gains, loot collection, and incremental character growth. Enemies drop items and gold, encouraging exploration of side paths and hidden corners. While equipment customization is not as intricate as in modern RPGs, there is still a satisfying rhythm to upgrading weapons and improving party survivability. The adventure unfolds steadily, with story beats delivered through dialogue and encounters rather than cinematic cutscenes. The narrative adheres to traditional fantasy themes—dark magic, ancient tomes, and a looming villain—but it serves effectively as a framework for the journey rather than the primary draw.
What makes Hexplore particularly interesting today is how it captures a transitional moment in RPG design. It bridges the gap between earlier sprite-based dungeon crawlers and the more polished 3D action RPGs that would dominate the following decade. The combat lacks the fluidity and depth of modern titles, and pathfinding can occasionally feel clunky, yet these elements are reflective of its time rather than flaws in concept. The challenge lies not in mechanical complexity but in endurance and methodical progression, rewarding players who embrace its slower pacing and old-school sensibilities.
The re-release ensures compatibility with modern systems, preserving the original experience rather than reinventing it. This approach means that Hexplore retains both its strengths and its dated quirks. For players seeking a nostalgic return to late-90s PC RPG design, it offers an authentic window into that era. For newcomers, it may require patience and a willingness to adjust expectations shaped by more contemporary titles. However, beneath the aging visuals and straightforward mechanics lies a surprisingly expansive adventure filled with exploration, tactical encounters, and a persistent sense of forward momentum.
Ultimately, Hexplore stands as a testament to early ambition in 3D role-playing games. Its sprawling maps, party-based combat, and traditional fantasy narrative combine to create a lengthy and immersive quest that rewards steady progression and strategic thinking. While it may not match the refinement of modern RPGs, it succeeds as a historical piece that still offers genuine entertainment for players who appreciate methodical exploration and classic design philosophy. For those willing to engage with its retro framework, Hexplore delivers a substantial and memorable journey through a dark fantasy world shaped by both ambition and the limitations of its time.
Rating: 7/10
