Chakan 3D for Hexen

Chakan 3D for Hexen is a tribute remake of the classic Chakan: The Forever Man. The project reimagines the original, recreating it in full 3D on the GZDoom engine using Hexen as the foundation for a total conversion. The remake's goal is to introduce new players to the cult classic while simultaneously offering a more comfortable experience for longtime fans.

Chakan's journey is built around the Death's Door hub location, from which access opens to four Terrestrial worlds. They can be completed in any order. After clearing the Terrestrial worlds, the Elemental planes open up, marking the second, far more brutal half of the game. On lower difficulty levels, all key items and weapons are found within a single world, allowing it to be completed in one visit. On higher difficulties, equipment and quest items are distributed across worlds, forcing the player to return and carefully plan their route.

Each world represents a separate dark universe: from the fiery Temple of Elkenrod inhabited by demonic cultists, and the Hive of the Spider Queen with hordes of spider creatures, to exotic and terrifying Elemental worlds like the living Planet Remora or hellish Cthugha's Inferno. Visually and thematically, the locations are diverse and significantly expand upon the ideas of the original game.

Chakan's arsenal generally follows the source material: swords, sickle, axe, and hammer are retained but reworked for Hexen's gameplay. Each weapon type has a primary and alternate attack that consumes mana and serves a tactical role. Instead of the grappling hook, a ranged weapon called Vampire Slayer was added — a powerful crossbow with piercing attacks that significantly simplifies combat compared to the original. The inventory is filled with potions, talismans, and temporary enhancements, but without the complex alchemy system from the source material—for the sake of dynamics and convenience.

Gameplay has become more responsive and user-friendly, yet the project hasn't lost its harshness. In the second half of the game, Chakan loses his weapons when transitioning to the Elemental worlds, forcing him to fight for survival anew. Enemies become more aggressive, locations more dangerous, and mistakes more punishing. The finale is a unique battle with Death itself, directly referencing the comic book lore and granting Chakan his long-awaited rest.

Chakan 3D for Hexen is a respectful and thoughtful remake that smooths out the rough edges of the original while preserving its atmosphere, dark aesthetic, and sense of a doomed path. The project is suitable both for Chakan fans and those who wanted to experience the legendary game without the pain of the original controls, but with its character intact.