Hey guys (and gals :-)...)
Must apologize for the repeated delays with the Mercenary DLC, as it also seems to delay everything else. However, things are not as simple there, and it's about time i brought you all up to speed.
First of all, Mercenary uses Legend:Farewell Edition version 8.33 - which fixes several final touches, that i missed in 8.32 - such as the missing sound for Corvus' elvenwand missiles, an overlooked texture position (only one) in Castle of Grief, several minor design extras and aesthetic improvements....and a more hardcore balance, to a good degree.
That means two things: ONE: i've got to update both Legend itself to version 8.33 - so that it can be used as such, and not be just a feature for the Mercenary DLC. TWO - i also need to update the same edits in the Marine Mod 2. I am talking about map updates here, and that's some work. Let's not forget that there is also the Cleric Mod, which i didn't touch yet - but if it uses it's own custom balance settings - then it will have to be thus updated as well.
Then, Mercenary test-plays... And that is a trick in its own right. The kicker is that this character is unlike any other Hexen:Legend (or Hexen-Hexen) character for that matter. Not only he is stronger, and way more tactical than anyone else - but his first weapon is quite an arsenal. Not only it is extremely addictive to use, - and is very powerful; it also is more than well suited for just about every battle situation in Hexen, with one exception: direct assault. This is one and only scenario where this weapon loses it's luster. So i have to balance the gameplay in such a way, that it won't make things too easy - cause as long as the Mercenary lays hands on just enough mana - and if i didn't calculate projectile strength right - then the game immediately becomes too easy and boring. Let alone the fact that he can get through a lot of areas in the game without touching any mana at all...
My previous calculations turned out to be wrong....for the second time, alas. This is the main reason for the delays. But after several reassessments, i have (at least i think i have) found the key to a balanced and a much more tense play settings. This lies in powering down his 3rd weapon (the Hellfire) significantly - and a more stern limitation of mana and health packs, requiring the utilization of all the tools of battle - which the Mercenary has more than enough..
Being able to charge his triple-switch attack spell (first weapon, the Dark Gift) both through enemies AND through certain objects, using cover (angled and direct), the hyper-explosive Flame Flechettes, taking advantage by displacing enemies with repulsion discs and the old Hexen staple - the Minotaur and Porkalator spells - there are just too many ways to kill your opposition for the Mercenary - without even touching mana.
So, if my latest calculations are correct - then in about a month - last week of January 2019 - the saga of Hexen:Legend will be finally complete. I will post both the Mercenary DLC, Legend:FW 8.33, Marine Mod 2.1 (updated for Legend 8.33) - and will finally move to Heretic, Wrath of Magic:Farewell Edition.
Sorry for the repeated delays, i am doing the best i can.
Stay tuned,
~Hexen Star
The extended and re-designed courtyard in the Refectory level exists only in Legend:FW version 8.33
This little area with the sacrifice cages and an altar in the Winnowing hall - exists only in Legend:FW version 8.33
Part of the Shadow Wood has been modified to guard Mercenary's 3rd weapon: the rocket-powered demonic cannon: The Hellfire. You think getting it will be easy?! Guess again!
The Mercenary had just located the Staff segment for his ultimate weapon: Glacial Fury...
Getting ready to meet your sinister benefactor at the Monastery...
