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Hexen II VS BioShock

Compare Hexen II VS BioShock and see what are their differences

Hexen II logo Hexen II

The Hammer of Thyrion project is a cross-platform source port effort of Raven Software's Hexen.

BioShock logo BioShock

Get the latest information on BioShock, BioShock 2, and BioShock Infinite
Not present
  • BioShock Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-01-05

Hexen II features and specs

  • Nostalgic Value
    Hexen II, built on the Quake engine, offers a nostalgic experience for players who enjoy retro first-person shooters from the late 1990s.
  • Open Source
    Being open-source, Hexen II allows for community contributions and modifications, fostering a dedicated fanbase that can improve and expand upon the original game.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Thanks to its open-source nature and contemporary ports like uHexen2, the game can be played on modern operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • Unique Gameplay
    Combining elements of first-person shooters with action RPG features, Hexen II offers a distinctive gameplay experience that stands out from other titles of its era.

Possible disadvantages of Hexen II

  • Outdated Graphics
    As a game originally released in 1997, Hexen II's graphics may not meet modern standards, which can be a drawback for players accustomed to contemporary visuals.
  • Complex Setup
    Running Hexen II on modern systems can require additional steps, such as finding compatible versions or patches, which may be challenging for less tech-savvy users.
  • Limited Appeal
    The game's appeal might be limited to enthusiasts of retro games, as newer players might find its mechanics and graphics less engaging compared to modern standards.
  • Sparse Updates
    As an older game, Hexen II may not receive frequent updates or improvements, which can affect its longevity and responsiveness to community feedback.

BioShock features and specs

  • Engaging Storyline
    BioShock features a compelling narrative set in the atmospheric world of Rapture, a city under the sea. The story explores themes like objectivism, freedom, and societal collapse, keeping players intrigued and emotionally invested.
  • Unique Setting
    The underwater city of Rapture is an iconic setting. Its art deco style combined with the mysterious, dystopian atmosphere provides an immersive environment that is both visually and conceptually unique.
  • Innovative Gameplay Mechanics
    The game combines first-person shooter elements with role-playing aspects, offering diverse combat options through firearms and genetic modifications known as plasmids, allowing for varied player strategies.
  • Atmospheric Sound Design
    BioShock's sound design contributes significantly to its immersive quality, using unsettling music and sound effects to enhance the tension and mood of the game.

Possible disadvantages of BioShock

  • Complex Plot
    While the story is engaging, some players might find the philosophical and narrative aspects overly complex, potentially leading to confusion about the game's deeper meanings and motivations.
  • Limited Replayability
    Despite its strong narrative, once the story is experienced, there is limited incentive for replaying the game, as the surprises and plot twists are already known.
  • Linear Progression
    The game's level design can feel linear, restricting players to a set path, which may limit the sense of exploration and freedom desired in open-world games.
  • Graphics Aging
    Though visually striking at release, the graphical quality of BioShock may appear outdated to players accustomed to modern gaming visuals, affecting the overall aesthetic appeal.

Hexen II videos

Retro Review - Hexen II PC Game Review

More videos:

  • Review - CGR Undertow - HEXEN II review for PC

BioShock videos

BioShock Video Review

More videos:

  • Review - BioShock: The Collection - Before You Buy
  • Review - BioShock: The Collection Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Hexen II and BioShock)
Games
39 39%
61% 61
Data Dashboard
29 29%
71% 71
Action
28 28%
72% 72
Marketing Platform
39 39%
61% 61

User comments

Share your experience with using Hexen II and BioShock. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Hexen II should be more popular than BioShock. It has been mentiond 4 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Hexen II mentions (4)

  • Direct3D 8 to Vulkan translator D8VK 'production-ready' 1.0 is out now
    People on protondb claim to have success running that using Luxtorpeda. Also id software released the source code for the game so you could just run a native Linux build with OpenGL support: https://uhexen2.sourceforge.net/. Source: about 2 years ago
  • vsync in hammer of thyrion
    I also wanted to throw in the link for the command line thing I mentioned https://uhexen2.sourceforge.net/ it's in section 1.3 but I'm genuinely not sure how to use it or what a command line even is lol I've also tried console commands but with no luck. I hope this helps! Source: over 2 years ago
  • hexen 2 online co-op not working?
    My best friend and I have been meaning to experience this game for a while now but we can't seem to connect to each other. We are installing from http://uhexen2.sourceforge.net/ windows 64bit version. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How to properly run Portal of Praevus on Steam version of Hexen 2 on Win7?
    I wouldn't bother running it on the original executable, just use Hammer of Thyrion. It's an updated source port. Source: about 3 years ago

BioShock mentions (2)

  • Decent shooter games without a large majority of toxic men?
    I don't play shooters, but I do frequently visit some of my favorite streamers who play shooters. One game that I really enjoyed watching was the Bioshock series. The story was really good, and I highly recommend it, given it's 80% off for the entire series on Steam, definitely check it out. Source: over 3 years ago
  • beginner fps for someone who've never played a shooter in their life
    Although I don't play shooters, I've watched a streamer play the entire Bioshock series in the past and the story was amazing. You play as Jack, the protagonist of the game where he got into a plane crash while flying over the Atlantic Ocean. Being the only survivor, he discovers an underwater city, and then asked to help stop the leader of the city. I definitely recommend for a single player. Source: over 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Hexen II and BioShock, you can also consider the following products

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Borderlands - Borderlands is a science fiction first-person shooter with RPG elements made with cel-shaded...