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Difference between revisions of "Heretic II"

From PCGamingWiki, the wiki about fixing PC games
 
(21 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 36: Line 36:
  
 
{{Introduction
 
{{Introduction
−
|introduction      =  
+
|introduction      = '''''Heretic II''''' is a {{Glossary:Singleplayer}} and {{Glossary:Multiplayer}} {{Glossary:Action}} {{Glossary:Shooter}} game developed by [[Company:Raven Software|Raven Software]] using [[Company:id Software|id Software]]'s [[Engine:id Tech 2|id Tech 2]] engine and published by [[Company:Activision|Activision]]. Unlike all other games in the ''[[Series:Heretic|Heretic]]'' series, which were shooters in the {{Glossary:First-person}} perspective, it is a {{Glossary:third-person}} shooter with slightly more of a focus on platforming elements through granting the player new acrobatic moves. As its name implies, it is a direct sequel to the original ''[[Heretic]]'' (though it takes place in the same universe as the other games, ''[[Hexen: Beyond Heretic]]'', the entry that followed ''Heretic'', is an ''indirect'' sequel).
  
−
|release history  =  
+
|release history  = The game was first released for Windows on November 24, 1998. A Linux version followed on December 6, 1999, then an Amiga version in 2000 and a Mac OS Classic version on November 22, 2002.
  
−
|current state    =
+
|current state    = Because of rights issues between id Software, who published all prior ''Heretic'' games (with the exception of ''[[Hexen II]]'''s mission pack, ''Portal of Praevus'', which was also Activision-published), and Raven Software, ''Heretic II'' is unavailable for digital purchase. However, it has received [[#Patches|patches]], both official and unofficial. Raven's Enhancement Packs, culminating with Enhancement Pack v1.06 in May 1999, would add a new defensive spell, a female player model, and various other improvements. On December 29, 2012, community member WhiteMagicRaven would release the unofficial Enhancement Pack v1.07 which, among other additions, allows for widescreen resolution support.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Availability==
 
==Availability==
 
{{Availability|
 
{{Availability|
−
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc check | |  |  Windows, Mac OS, Linux }}
+
{{Availability/row| Retail | | disc check | To install on 64-bit systems, go in the {{file|setup|folder}} folder and run {{file|setup.exe}}. |  |  Windows, Mac OS, Linux }}
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{--}} The game is not available digitally.
 
 
{{ii}} A [https://archive.org/details/h2_demo_us demo] is available, but the single-player portion cannot initially be played due to a date delimiter that does not allow it to run after November 1, 1998;<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/heretic-ii-surviving-the-demo/1100-2465297/|title=Heretic II: Surviving the Demo - GameSpot|date=May 2023}}</ref> there is a [https://web.archive.org/web/20010726055700/http://www2.ravensoft.com/users/heretic2/H2_Demo_US_Unlock.exe patch] that fixes this.
 
{{ii}} A [https://archive.org/details/h2_demo_us demo] is available, but the single-player portion cannot initially be played due to a date delimiter that does not allow it to run after November 1, 1998;<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/heretic-ii-surviving-the-demo/1100-2465297/|title=Heretic II: Surviving the Demo - GameSpot|date=May 2023}}</ref> there is a [https://web.archive.org/web/20010726055700/http://www2.ravensoft.com/users/heretic2/H2_Demo_US_Unlock.exe patch] that fixes this.
−
{{ii}} Owners of the Loki Software Linux port of the game should consider using the installer from [https://www.liflg.org LIfLG], if you wish to run the game on a newer system. It is currently in beta.
+
{{ii}} Owners of the Loki Software Linux port of the game should consider using the installer from [https://www.liflg.org LIfLG], in case the game is run on a newer system. It is currently in beta.
−
{{ii}} An Amiga version is also confirmed to exist, released in 2000.
 
  
 
==Essential improvements==
 
==Essential improvements==
Line 59: Line 57:
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
===Skip intro videos===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename Bumper.smk|ref=<ref name="sonicwind">{{Refcheck|user=SonicWind149|date=2019-10-19|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Delete/rename Bumper.smk|ref=<ref name="sonicwind">{{Refcheck|user=SonicWind149|date=2019-10-19|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Go to {{file|{{p|game}}\base\VIDEO|folder}}.
+
# Go to {{folder|{{p|game}}\base\VIDEO\}}.
 
# Delete or rename {{file|Bumper.smk}}.
 
# Delete or rename {{file|Bumper.smk}}.
 
}}
 
}}
Line 88: Line 86:
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|4k ultra hd wsgf award    = incomplete
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
 
|widescreen resolution      = hackable
−
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]. FMVs, HUD and menus are stretched out when playing in widescreen.
+
|widescreen resolution notes= See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
−
|multimonitor              = unknown
+
|multimonitor              = hackable
−
|multimonitor notes        =  
+
|multimonitor notes        = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen            = hackable
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
 
|ultrawidescreen notes      = See [[#Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]].
Line 105: Line 103:
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing              = false
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
 
|antialiasing notes        =  
−
|upscaling                  = unknown
+
|upscaling                  = false
 
|upscaling tech            =  
 
|upscaling tech            =  
 
|upscaling notes            =  
 
|upscaling notes            =  
Line 118: Line 116:
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind                = false
 
|color blind notes          =  
 
|color blind notes          =  
−
}}
 
−
 
−
===[[Glossary:Frame_rate_(FPS)|Frame rate]]===
 
−
{{Fixbox|description=Unlock higher framerates|ref=|fix=
 
−
{{ii}}Engine is hard-capped at 1000 FPS, it will lose sync with its own listen server above 500 FPS. The game is intended to be played at 30 FPS with minimal changes occurring at 60 FPS.
 
−
{{ii}} There are aspects of gameplay that will be negatively affected by increasing the framerate limit, such as:
 
−
{{--}} Directly scaling with framerate possibility of getting stuck at 90 degree edges like some stairs or steep (unwalkable) slopes, resulting in player either getting stuck or receiving random fall damage.
 
−
{{--}} Player melee damage seems to somewhat increase along with framerate(unconfirmed).
 
−
{{--}} Swim up/down speed scales directly with framerate.
 
−
{{--}} Damage received from environmental hazards like fire/steam scales directly with framerate up to being nearly instantaneous death.
 
−
{{--}} Some moving elements of the levels won't move correctly (with little to no risk of soft-locking).
 
−
# Install [[#Patches|Enhancement Pack v1.07]] into {{file|{{p|game}}|file}}.
 
−
# Launch the game.
 
−
# Open the console with {{key|`}} and type in <code>set cl_maxfps X</code>, replacing X with desired framerate limit value.
 
−
# Type in <code>set cl_predict 0</code>, this disables multiplayer prediction/smoothing code that breaks at high framerate values(resulting with increasingly broken movement/animations). This has adverse effect in online play as everything will be updated only along 10Hz server tickrate with no smoothing.
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Widescreen resolution|Widescreen resolution]]===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use H2Resolution.exe|ref=<ref name="sonicwind"/>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Use H2Resolution.exe|ref=<ref name="sonicwind"/>|fix=
−
# Install [[#Patches|Enhancement Pack v1.07]] into {{file|{{p|game}}|file}}.
+
# Install [[#Patches|Enhancement Pack v1.07]] into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
 
# Open {{file|H2Resolution.exe}}.
 
# Open {{file|H2Resolution.exe}}.
−
# Enter your resolution into the Width and Height fields and press OK.
+
# Enter the desired resolution into the '''Width''' and '''Height''' fields and press OK.
 +
# On the ''Heretic2.exe'', set DPI scaling to application (right-click -> Properties -> Compatibility -> dpi settings -> Override high DPI scaling).
 
# Launch the game.
 
# Launch the game.
−
# Either open the console with {{key|`}} and in <code>set vid_mode 3</code>, or select the 640 x 480 resolution in the Video Settings menu.
+
# Either open the console with {{key|`}} and in <code>set vid_mode 3</code>, or select the 640 x 480 resolution in the '''Video Settings''' menu.
  
 
'''Notes'''
 
'''Notes'''
 
{{--}} Lower vertical FOV at wider aspect ratios (Vert-). Increase FOV to compensate, see [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 
{{--}} Lower vertical FOV at wider aspect ratios (Vert-). Increase FOV to compensate, see [[#Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]].
 +
{{--}} HUD, FMVs and menus are stretched at aspect ratios wider than 4:3 by default. Use the Enhancement Pack to fix the stretched HUD.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
===[[Glossary:Field of view (FOV)|Field of view (FOV)]]===
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change FOV manually|ref=<ref name="sonicwind"/>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Change FOV manually|ref=<ref name="sonicwind"/>|fix=
−
# Install [[#Patches|Enhancement Pack v1.07]] into {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}}.
+
# Install [[#Patches|Enhancement Pack v1.07]] into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
 
# Launch the game.
 
# Launch the game.
 
# Open the console with {{key|`}}.
 
# Open the console with {{key|`}}.
Line 158: Line 143:
 
# Find <code>set fov</code> and enter the chosen FOV.
 
# Find <code>set fov</code> and enter the chosen FOV.
  
 +
'''Notes'''
 
{{ii}} To maintain identical vertical FOV to the 4:3 FOV at 16:9 resolutions, use {{code|106}}. At 21:9 resolutions, use {{code|121}}, for 32:9 use {{code|139}}, and for 48:9 use {{code|152}}).
 
{{ii}} To maintain identical vertical FOV to the 4:3 FOV at 16:9 resolutions, use {{code|106}}. At 21:9 resolutions, use {{code|121}}, for 32:9 use {{code|139}}, and for 48:9 use {{code|152}}).
 +
}}
 +
 +
===[[Glossary:Frame_rate_(FPS)|Frame rate]]===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Unlock higher framerates|ref=|fix=
 +
# Install [[#Patches|Enhancement Pack v1.07]] into {{folder|{{p|game}}}}.
 +
# Launch the game.
 +
# Open the console with {{key|`}} and type in <code>set cl_maxfps X</code>, replacing X with the desired framerate limit value.
 +
# Type in <code>set cl_predict 0</code>, this disables multiplayer prediction/smoothing code that breaks at high framerate values (resulting with increasingly broken movement/animations). This has adverse effect in online play, as everything will be updated only along the 10 Hz server tickrate with no smoothing.
 +
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{ii}} Engine is hard-capped at 1000 FPS, it will lose sync with its own listen server above 500 FPS. The game is intended to be played at 30 FPS with minimal changes occurring at 60 FPS.
 +
{{--}} There are aspects of gameplay that will be negatively affected by increasing the framerate limit, such as:<br><ul><li>Directly scaling with framerate possibility of getting stuck at 90 degree edges like some stairs or steep (unwalkable) slopes, resulting in player either getting stuck or receiving random fall damage.</li><li>Player melee damage seems to somewhat increase along with framerate (unconfirmed).</li><li>Swim up/down speed scales directly with framerate.</li><li>Damage received from environmental hazards like fire/steam scales directly with framerate up to being nearly instantaneous death.</li><li>Some moving elements of the levels won't move correctly (with little to no risk of soft-locking).</li>
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 285: Line 283:
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
|asynchronous notes  =  
 
}}{{Network/Connections
 
}}{{Network/Connections
−
|matchmaking        = unknown
+
|matchmaking        = false
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
 
|matchmaking notes  =  
−
|p2p                = unknown
+
|p2p                = false
 
|p2p notes          =  
 
|p2p notes          =  
−
|dedicated          = unknown
+
|dedicated          = false
 
|dedicated notes    =  
 
|dedicated notes    =  
−
|self-hosting      = unknown
+
|self-hosting      = true
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|self-hosting notes =  
 
|direct ip          = true
 
|direct ip          = true
Line 349: Line 347:
 
====Erroneous visibility blockers at widescreen aspect ratios====
 
====Erroneous visibility blockers at widescreen aspect ratios====
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable precalculated vis leafs|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Disable precalculated vis leafs|fix=
−
{{--}}This will negatively affect performance (to a negligible degree on modern hardware).
 
−
{{--}}On some levels where level geometry continues above skybox of prior parts(such as Katlit'k Canyon) this will result with further parts of the map being visible above in the sky.
 
 
# Launch the game.
 
# Launch the game.
 
# Open the console with {{key|`}}.
 
# Open the console with {{key|`}}.
−
# type <code>set r_novis 1</code> to disable precalculated level visibility areas.
+
# Type <code>set r_novis 1</code> to disable precalculated level visibility areas.
 +
 
 +
'''Notes'''
 +
{{--}} This will negatively affect performance (to a negligible degree on modern hardware).
 +
{{--}} On some levels where level geometry continues above skybox of prior parts (such as Katlit'k Canyon), this will result with further parts of the map being visible above in the sky.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 367: Line 367:
 
====Nothing happens after "DemoShield" splash screen or Enhancement Pack won't install====
 
====Nothing happens after "DemoShield" splash screen or Enhancement Pack won't install====
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install from Safe Mode|ref={{cn|date=November 2022}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Install from Safe Mode|ref={{cn|date=November 2022}}|fix=
−
# Open Windows Settings
+
# Open Windows Settings.
−
# Click "Update & Security" > "Recovery"
+
# Click "Update & Security" > "Recovery".
−
# Under "Advanced start-up", click "Restart now"
+
# Under "Advanced start-up", click "Restart now".
−
# Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Settings"
+
# Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Settings".
−
# Click "Restart"
+
# Click "Restart".
−
# Press {{key|4}} on the keyboard
+
# Press {{key|4}} on the keyboard.
−
# Run the installer again
+
# Run the installer again.
−
# Restart the computer
+
# Restart the computer.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=Close non-Windows processes|ref={{cn|date=November 2022}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Close non-Windows processes|ref={{cn|date=November 2022}}|fix=
−
# Open the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc)
+
# Open the Task Manager ({{key|Ctrl+Shift+Esc}}).
−
# Click "More Details"
+
# Click "More Details".
−
# Click the "Name" heading to sort processes by name
+
# Click the "Name" heading to sort processes by name.
−
# Right click any non-Windows processes and select "End Task"
+
# Right click any non-Windows processes and select "End Task".
−
# Run the installer again
+
# Run the installer again.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
====Game crashes starting the campaign====
 
====Game crashes starting the campaign====
 
{{Fixbox|description=Tutorial bypass|ref=<ref name="2022-11-24">{{Refcheck|user=Nessy|date=2022-11-24|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Tutorial bypass|ref=<ref name="2022-11-24">{{Refcheck|user=Nessy|date=2022-11-24|comment=}}</ref>|fix=
−
# Run the game
+
# Run the game.
−
# Start the tutorial
+
# Start the tutorial.
−
# Then run the campaign from there
+
# Then run the campaign from there.
−
# The campaign should start without crashing
+
# The campaign should start without crashing.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Game crashes on loading a save====
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Tutorial bypass|fix=
 +
# Start the tutorial.
 +
# Then load your save from there.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
====Game crashes when launched====
 
====Game crashes when launched====
 
{{Fixbox|description=Reset config.cfg|ref={{cn|date=November 2022}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=Reset config.cfg|ref={{cn|date=November 2022}}|fix=
−
#Delete config.cfg in {{file|{{p|game}}\user|folder}} folder.
+
# Delete {{file|config.cfg}} in {{folder|{{p|game}}\user\}}.
−
#Start the game, and then quit immediately.  
+
# Start the game, and then quit immediately.
−
#The {{file|config.cfg}} will be remade.
+
# {{file|config.cfg}} will be remade.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 404: Line 410:
 
# Install [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/107-patched-_inmmdll/ _inmm.dll.]
 
# Install [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/107-patched-_inmmdll/ _inmm.dll.]
 
# Rip the music from the Heretic II CD as MP3 files.
 
# Rip the music from the Heretic II CD as MP3 files.
−
# Drag {{file|quake2.dll}} from {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}} onto {{file|_inmmcnf.exe}} in {{file| _inmm.dll}}'s install folder to patch it.
+
# Drag {{file|quake2.dll}} from {{folder|{{p|game}}}} onto {{file|_inmmcnf.exe}} in {{file| _inmm.dll}}'s install folder to patch it.
 
# Run {{file|_inmmcnf.exe}}.
 
# Run {{file|_inmmcnf.exe}}.
 
# Set Default to DirectShow on the Method tab.
 
# Set Default to DirectShow on the Method tab.
 
# Go to the {{file|_inmm.ini}} tab and add the BGM tracks.
 
# Go to the {{file|_inmm.ini}} tab and add the BGM tracks.
−
# Save the {{file|_inmm.ini}} file to {{file|{{p|game}}|folder}} and click <code>Apply</code>.
+
# Save the {{file|_inmm.ini}} file to {{folder|{{p|game}}}} and click <code>Apply</code>.
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Mouse stuttering/skipping===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Download [https://fearless-assassins.com/files/file/1656-rinput/ RInput]|ref=|fix=
 +
# Create a shortcut to {{file|RInput.exe}}.
 +
# Right-click the newly created shortcut, go to Properties, then add a space followed by "{{code|Heretic2.exe}}" without the quotation marks in the Target box (e.g. {{code| "...\RInput 1.44\RInput.exe" Heretic2.exe}}).
 +
# Run Rinput through the shortcut before or during the game (Note that the executable name is case-sensitive).
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Small HUD at high resolutions===
 +
{{Fixbox|description=Set resolution with DxWnd|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=AlphaYellow|date=2023-06-24|}}</ref>|fix=
 +
# Download and extract the '''latest version''' of DxWnd to {{folder|{{p|game}}}} or wherever works best.
 +
# Run DxWnd. Right-click in the middle of DxWnd's window and select "Add".
 +
# Name the profile/game, and browse to {{folder|{{p|game}}}} and select the {{file|Heretic2.exe}}. Click "OK".
 +
# Right-click the profile that was just created and select "Modify". Go to the "Main" tab and untick "Run in a window".
 +
# Go to the "OpenGL" tab and tick the <code>Hook OpenGL</code> and <code>Force Hook</code> boxes.
 +
# Go to the "Video" tab and tick the <code>Custom resolution:</code> and <code>Initial resolution:</code> boxes.
 +
# Write the desired resolution in front of the ticked box.
 +
# Select the <code>HD (16:9)</code> radiobox.
 +
# Click OK to save the profile settings.
 +
# Run the game and select a low resolution ingame that has the same aspect ratio of the chosen resolution in the game's DxWnd profile.
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 417: Line 444:
 
{{Fixbox|description=General|ref={{cn|date=August 2017}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=General|ref={{cn|date=August 2017}}|fix=
 
{{ii}} The software is not updated frequently.
 
{{ii}} The software is not updated frequently.
−
Install the '''osspd''' package (Some distros like ArchLinux refers the package as '''ossp''') and enable/start the <code>osspd</code>/<code>osspd.service</code> service.
+
* Install the '''osspd''' package (Some distros like ArchLinux refers the package as '''ossp''') and enable/start the <code>osspd</code>/<code>osspd.service</code> service.
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=If using PulseAudio|ref={{cn|date=August 2017}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=If using PulseAudio|ref={{cn|date=August 2017}}|fix=
−
Run the game with <code>padsp</code> command (It is included with main PulseAudio package, if not, look for pulseaudio-utils)
+
* Run the game with <code>padsp</code> command (It is included with main PulseAudio package, if not, look for pulseaudio-utils).
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{Fixbox|description=If using ALSA|ref={{cn|date=August 2017}}|fix=
 
{{Fixbox|description=If using ALSA|ref={{cn|date=August 2017}}|fix=
−
# Install '''alsa-oss''' package
+
# Install '''alsa-oss''' package.
 
# Load the following kernel modules as root with <code>modprobe</code> command:
 
# Load the following kernel modules as root with <code>modprobe</code> command:
 
* snd-seq-oss
 
* snd-seq-oss
 
* snd-pcm-oss
 
* snd-pcm-oss
 
* snd-mixer-oss
 
* snd-mixer-oss
−
 
+
# Run the game with <code>aoss -32</code> (on a 32-bit system, just use <code>aoss</code>).
−
Run the game with <code>aoss -32</code> (on a 32-bit system, just use <code>aoss</code>)
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 459: Line 485:
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 32-bit exe    = true
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
 
|windows 64-bit exe    = false
−
|windows arm app        = unknown
+
|windows arm app        =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|windows exe notes      =  
 
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
 
|mac os x powerpc app  = unknown
Line 482: Line 508:
 
|physics notes    =  
 
|physics notes    =  
 
|audio            = OSS
 
|audio            = OSS
−
|audio notes      = OSS is Linux only
+
|audio notes      = OSS is Linux only.
 
|interface        = SDL
 
|interface        = SDL
−
|interface notes  = SDL is Linux only
+
|interface notes  = SDL is Linux only.
 
|input            =  
 
|input            =  
 
|input notes      =  
 
|input notes      =  
−
|cutscenes        = Smacker
+
|cutscenes        = Smacker Video Technology
−
|cutscenes notes  =  
+
|cutscenes notes  = Version 3.2f.
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 
|multiplayer      = GameSpy
 
|multiplayer notes=  
 
|multiplayer notes=  
Line 497: Line 523:
 
|OSfamily = Windows
 
|OSfamily = Windows
  
−
|minOS    = 95
+
|minOS    = NT 4.0 SP3, 95, 98
−
|recOS    = 95, 98
 
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 166 MHz with 3D hardware accelerator
 
|minCPU  = Intel Pentium 166 MHz with 3D hardware accelerator
 +
|minRAM  = 32 MB
 +
|minHD    = 360 MB
 +
|minVRAM  = 2 MB
 +
|minGPU  = SVGA DirectX-compatible video card
 +
|minother = 4X CD-ROM
 +
 
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 233 MHz
 
|recCPU  = Intel Pentium 233 MHz
−
|minRAM  = 32 MB
 
 
|recmen  = 64 MB
 
|recmen  = 64 MB
−
|minHD    = 250 MB
+
|recHD    = 465 MB
−
|recHD    = 350 MB
+
|recGPU   = Open GL compatible
−
|minGPU   = SVGA DirectX-compatible video card
 
−
|minVRAM  = 2 MB
 
  
 
}}
 
}}

Latest revision as of 23:46, 8 April 2024

Heretic II
Heretic II cover
Developers
Raven Software
Linux Loki Software
Mac OS (Classic) MacPlay
Publishers
Activision
Engines
id Tech 2
Release dates
Windows November 24, 1998
Linux December 6, 1999
Mac OS (Classic) November 22, 2002
Taxonomy
Monetization One-time game purchase
Microtransactions None
Modes Singleplayer, Multiplayer
Pacing Real-time
Perspectives Third-person
Controls Direct control
Genres Action, TPS
Themes Fantasy
Series Heretic
Heretic II on HowLongToBeat
Heretic II on IGDB
Icon overlay.png
Heretic II on MobyGames
Heretic II on Wikipedia
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Heretic
Heretic 1994
Hexen: Beyond Heretic 1995
Hexen II 1997
Heretic II 1998

Warnings

GameSpy online services have been shut down (see Network for solutions).

Heretic II is a singleplayer and multiplayer action shooter game developed by Raven Software using id Software's id Tech 2 engine and published by Activision. Unlike all other games in the Heretic series, which were shooters in the first-person perspective, it is a third-person shooter with slightly more of a focus on platforming elements through granting the player new acrobatic moves. As its name implies, it is a direct sequel to the original Heretic (though it takes place in the same universe as the other games, Hexen: Beyond Heretic, the entry that followed Heretic, is an indirect sequel).

The game was first released for Windows on November 24, 1998. A Linux version followed on December 6, 1999, then an Amiga version in 2000 and a Mac OS Classic version on November 22, 2002.

Because of rights issues between id Software, who published all prior Heretic games (with the exception of Hexen II's mission pack, Portal of Praevus, which was also Activision-published), and Raven Software, Heretic II is unavailable for digital purchase. However, it has received patches, both official and unofficial. Raven's Enhancement Packs, culminating with Enhancement Pack v1.06 in May 1999, would add a new defensive spell, a female player model, and various other improvements. On December 29, 2012, community member WhiteMagicRaven would release the unofficial Enhancement Pack v1.07 which, among other additions, allows for widescreen resolution support.

Availability

Source DRM Notes Keys OS
Retail
Disc check (requires the CD/DVD in the drive to play)
 To install on 64-bit systems, go in the setup folder and run setup.exe.
Windows
Mac OS
Linux
A demo is available, but the single-player portion cannot initially be played due to a date delimiter that does not allow it to run after November 1, 1998;[1] there is a patch that fixes this.
Owners of the Loki Software Linux port of the game should consider using the installer from LIfLG, in case the game is run on a newer system. It is currently in beta.

Essential improvements

Patches

Enhancement Pack v1.06 is the latest official patch of the game, with changes to gameplay and several fixes. However, the framerate is capped at 30 FPS with this patch.
Enhancement Pack v1.07 is a community patch that includes Enhancement Pack v1.06, restores the framerate to 60 FPS, includes support for widescreen resolutions and other changes.

Skip intro videos

Delete/rename Bumper.smk[2]
  1. Go to <path-to-game>\base\VIDEO\.
  2. Delete or rename Bumper.smk.

Game data

Configuration file(s) location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\user\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux $HOME/.loki\heretic2
This game does not follow the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.

Save game data location

System Location
Windows <path-to-game>\user\save\[Note 1]
Mac OS (Classic)
Linux $HOME/.loki\heretic2\save\

Video

Video settings.
Video settings.

Graphics feature State WSGF Notes
Widescreen resolution
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Multi-monitor
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Ultra-widescreen
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
4K Ultra HD
 
 See Widescreen resolution.
Field of view (FOV)
See Field of view (FOV).
Windowed
Borderless fullscreen windowed
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Anisotropic filtering (AF)
Apply Enhancement Pack v1.07.
Anti-aliasing (AA)
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
High-fidelity upscaling
See the glossary page for potential workarounds.
Vertical sync (Vsync)
Use the command set gl_swapinterval 0 in the console to disable Vsync.
60 FPS
v1.00 of the game runs at 60 FPS, but Enhancement Pack v1.06 caps the framerate to 30 FPS; apply Enhancement Pack v1.07 instead.
120+ FPS
Requires Enhancement Pack v1.07. See Frame rate.
High dynamic range display (HDR)
See the glossary page for potential alternatives.

Widescreen resolution

Use H2Resolution.exe[2]
  1. Install Enhancement Pack v1.07 into <path-to-game>.
  2. Open H2Resolution.exe.
  3. Enter the desired resolution into the Width and Height fields and press OK.
  4. On the Heretic2.exe, set DPI scaling to application (right-click -> Properties -> Compatibility -> dpi settings -> Override high DPI scaling).
  5. Launch the game.
  6. Either open the console with ~ and in set vid_mode 3, or select the 640 x 480 resolution in the Video Settings menu.

Notes

Lower vertical FOV at wider aspect ratios (Vert-). Increase FOV to compensate, see Field of view (FOV).
HUD, FMVs and menus are stretched at aspect ratios wider than 4:3 by default. Use the Enhancement Pack to fix the stretched HUD.

Field of view (FOV)

Change FOV manually[2]
  1. Install Enhancement Pack v1.07 into <path-to-game>.
  2. Launch the game.
  3. Open the console with ~.
  4. Type in fov X and enter, with X being the desired FOV.

Alternatively, with Enhancement Pack v1.07 still installed:

  1. Go to the configuration file(s) location.
  2. Open config.cfg with a text editor.
  3. Find set fov and enter the chosen FOV.

Notes

To maintain identical vertical FOV to the 4:3 FOV at 16:9 resolutions, use 106. At 21:9 resolutions, use 121, for 32:9 use 139, and for 48:9 use 152).

Frame rate

Unlock higher framerates
  1. Install Enhancement Pack v1.07 into <path-to-game>.
  2. Launch the game.
  3. Open the console with ~ and type in set cl_maxfps X, replacing X with the desired framerate limit value.
  4. Type in set cl_predict 0, this disables multiplayer prediction/smoothing code that breaks at high framerate values (resulting with increasingly broken movement/animations). This has adverse effect in online play, as everything will be updated only along the 10 Hz server tickrate with no smoothing.

Notes

Engine is hard-capped at 1000 FPS, it will lose sync with its own listen server above 500 FPS. The game is intended to be played at 30 FPS with minimal changes occurring at 60 FPS.
There are aspects of gameplay that will be negatively affected by increasing the framerate limit, such as:
  • Directly scaling with framerate possibility of getting stuck at 90 degree edges like some stairs or steep (unwalkable) slopes, resulting in player either getting stuck or receiving random fall damage.
  • Player melee damage seems to somewhat increase along with framerate (unconfirmed).
  • Swim up/down speed scales directly with framerate.
  • Damage received from environmental hazards like fire/steam scales directly with framerate up to being nearly instantaneous death.
  • Some moving elements of the levels won't move correctly (with little to no risk of soft-locking).

Input

General settings, including categorised inputs.
General settings, including categorised inputs.

Keyboard and mouse State Notes
Remapping
Mouse acceleration
Mouse sensitivity
Mouse input in menus
Mouse Y-axis inversion
Controller
Controller support
Full controller support
Controller remapping
Controller sensitivity
Controller Y-axis inversion
Controller types
XInput-compatible controllers
PlayStation controllers
Generic/other controllers
Additional information
Controller hotplugging
Haptic feedback
Digital movement supported
Simultaneous controller+KB/M

Audio

Audio settings.
Audio settings.

Audio feature State Notes
Separate volume controls
Only a sound slider and a music toggle option.
Surround sound
Subtitles
Under setting "Captioning" in Options > More Options; only toggles in-game cutscene captions.
Closed captions
Mute on focus lost
EAX support
A3D 2.0,[3] EAX 1.0 (patch 1.04 or higher is required. Possible to enable with Creative Alchemy and OpenAL Soft, however reverbs won't be applied).
Royalty free audio
Red Book CD audio
No volume controls.

Localizations

Language UI Audio Sub Notes
English
Italian
Missing audio for NPCs

Network

Multiplayer types

Type Native Players Notes
LAN play
8 Co-op, Versus
Online play
8 Co-op, Versus
GameSpy services have been shut down;[4] see GameSpy for workarounds.

Connection types

Type Native Notes
Matchmaking
Peer-to-peer
Dedicated
Self-hosting
Direct IP

VR support

3D modes State Notes
vorpX
G3D
User created game profile, see vorpx forum profile introduction.

Issues fixed

Erroneous visibility blockers at widescreen aspect ratios

Disable precalculated vis leafs
  1. Launch the game.
  2. Open the console with ~.
  3. Type set r_novis 1 to disable precalculated level visibility areas.

Notes

This will negatively affect performance (to a negligible degree on modern hardware).
On some levels where level geometry continues above skybox of prior parts (such as Katlit'k Canyon), this will result with further parts of the map being visible above in the sky.

Windows

Can not install from CD

Drag and drop install file[2]
  1. Insert the Heretic II CD.
  2. Go to the bin folder on the CD.
  3. Drag H2_Setup.dbd onto demo32.EXE.
  4. Install as normal.

Nothing happens after "DemoShield" splash screen or Enhancement Pack won't install

Install from Safe Mode[citation needed]
  1. Open Windows Settings.
  2. Click "Update & Security" > "Recovery".
  3. Under "Advanced start-up", click "Restart now".
  4. Click "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Startup Settings".
  5. Click "Restart".
  6. Press 4 on the keyboard.
  7. Run the installer again.
  8. Restart the computer.
Close non-Windows processes[citation needed]
  1. Open the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
  2. Click "More Details".
  3. Click the "Name" heading to sort processes by name.
  4. Right click any non-Windows processes and select "End Task".
  5. Run the installer again.

Game crashes starting the campaign

Tutorial bypass[5]
  1. Run the game.
  2. Start the tutorial.
  3. Then run the campaign from there.
  4. The campaign should start without crashing.

Game crashes on loading a save

Tutorial bypass
  1. Start the tutorial.
  2. Then load your save from there.

Game crashes when launched

Reset config.cfg[citation needed]
  1. Delete config.cfg in <path-to-game>\user\.
  2. Start the game, and then quit immediately.
  3. config.cfg will be remade.

Music does not loop

Use _inmm.dll[6]
  1. Install _inmm.dll.
  2. Rip the music from the Heretic II CD as MP3 files.
  3. Drag quake2.dll from <path-to-game> onto _inmmcnf.exe in _inmm.dll's install folder to patch it.
  4. Run _inmmcnf.exe.
  5. Set Default to DirectShow on the Method tab.
  6. Go to the _inmm.ini tab and add the BGM tracks.
  7. Save the _inmm.ini file to <path-to-game> and click Apply.

Mouse stuttering/skipping

Download RInput
  1. Create a shortcut to RInput.exe.
  2. Right-click the newly created shortcut, go to Properties, then add a space followed by "Heretic2.exe" without the quotation marks in the Target box (e.g. "...\RInput 1.44\RInput.exe" Heretic2.exe).
  3. Run Rinput through the shortcut before or during the game (Note that the executable name is case-sensitive).

Small HUD at high resolutions

Set resolution with DxWnd[7]
  1. Download and extract the latest version of DxWnd to <path-to-game> or wherever works best.
  2. Run DxWnd. Right-click in the middle of DxWnd's window and select "Add".
  3. Name the profile/game, and browse to <path-to-game> and select the Heretic2.exe. Click "OK".
  4. Right-click the profile that was just created and select "Modify". Go to the "Main" tab and untick "Run in a window".
  5. Go to the "OpenGL" tab and tick the Hook OpenGL and Force Hook boxes.
  6. Go to the "Video" tab and tick the Custom resolution: and Initial resolution: boxes.
  7. Write the desired resolution in front of the ticked box.
  8. Select the HD (16:9) radiobox.
  9. Click OK to save the profile settings.
  10. Run the game and select a low resolution ingame that has the same aspect ratio of the chosen resolution in the game's DxWnd profile.

Linux

No sound

This happens due to the fact the game uses OSS for sound output only.
General[citation needed]
The software is not updated frequently.
  • Install the osspd package (Some distros like ArchLinux refers the package as ossp) and enable/start the osspd/osspd.service service.
If using PulseAudio[citation needed]
  • Run the game with padsp command (It is included with main PulseAudio package, if not, look for pulseaudio-utils).
If using ALSA[citation needed]
  1. Install alsa-oss package.
  2. Load the following kernel modules as root with modprobe command:
  • snd-seq-oss
  • snd-pcm-oss
  • snd-mixer-oss
  1. Run the game with aoss -32 (on a 32-bit system, just use aoss).

Other information

API

Technical specs Supported Notes
OpenGL
Glide 2.53
Software renderer
ExecutablePPC16-bit 32-bit 64-bit Notes
Windows
Linux
Mac OS (Classic)

Middleware

Middleware Notes
Audio OSS OSS is Linux only.
Interface SDL SDL is Linux only.
Cutscenes Smacker Video Technology Version 3.2f.
Multiplayer GameSpy

System requirements

Windows
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) NT 4.0 SP3, 95, 98
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 166 MHz with 3D hardware accelerator Intel Pentium 233 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 360 MB 465 MB
Video card (GPU) SVGA DirectX-compatible video card
2 MB of VRAM 		Open GL compatible
Other 4X CD-ROM
Mac OS
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 8.6 9.2.2
Processor (CPU) PowerPC 7xx 233 MHz
PowerPC G3 233 MHz
System memory (RAM) 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD)
Linux
Minimum Recommended
Operating system (OS) 2.2.x Linux kernel
Processor (CPU) Intel Pentium 233 MHz Intel Pentium 166 MHz
System memory (RAM) 32 MB 64 MB
Hard disk drive (HDD) 260 MB
Video card (GPU) 3dfx Compatible
Other OSS compatible sound and glibc-2.1


Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below %PROGRAMFILES%, %PROGRAMDATA%, or %WINDIR% might be redirected to %LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore on Windows Vista and later (more details).

References

  1. ↑ Heretic II: Surviving the Demo - GameSpot - last accessed on May 2023
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Verified by User:SonicWind149 on 2019-10-19
  3. ↑ Tech Help: Heretic II - Vortex of Sound (retrieved) - last accessed on May 2023
  4. ↑ Pricing | GameSpy Technology
  5. ↑ Verified by User:Nessy on 2022-11-24
  6. ↑ Fix CD audio looping in Windows 7 with certain games. - The Next Level - last accessed on May 2023
  7. ↑ Verified by User:AlphaYellow on 2023-06-24