The seminal first-person shooters that blended fast-paced combat with dark fantasy and role-playing elements are back. Originally developed by Raven Software and produced by id Software, Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders (1994) and its sequel, Hexen: Beyond Heretic (1995), have been rereleased on modern platforms as a single title: Heretic + Hexen. This definitive re-release brings these cult classics to a new generation of players, complete with a host of new features and improvements. game.
Modern Enhancements for a Classic Experience
The definitive re-release of Heretic + Hexen is more than just a simple port; it’s a comprehensive upgrade designed to enhance the classic experience. One of the most significant additions is the inclusion of online cross-platform multiplayer for up to 16 players, and local split-screen support for up to four players on all platforms. On Xbox Series X|S and PC, local split-screen supports up to eight players. Cross-platform play is available on all platforms, allowing players to join lobbies with a simple room code.
The developers have also paid close attention to the audio, with a new toggleable “Tome of Power” soundtrack by composer Andrew Hulshult that offers a modern, enhanced mix alongside the original classic MIDI and FM Synth soundtracks. This allows players to choose between the nostalgic feel of the original music or a new mix for modern audiences.
For players who love to tinker, the game now supports community-published mods. This feature allows players to explore and play mods published by others or upload their own for the community to enjoy. Other quality-of-life enhancements include a new Raven Vault with behind-the-scenes materials from the original games, and a comprehensive set of accessibility features, such as difficulty sliders and the ability to customise controls.
The re-release also brings the games up to modern technical standards, with support for modern hardware, including up to 4K at 120 FPS on consoles, modern controllers, and widescreen monitors. The developers have also added twelve new language translations, including French, Italian, German, Japanese, and Korean, among others.
Pricing & Availability
Heretic + Hexen is available now on a wide range of platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, as well as on PC platforms like Steam and Good Old Games. It is also available on Xbox Game Pass and xCloud for cloud streaming. It retails for USD$14.99.
Existing owners of the digital versions of Heretic, Hexen, and Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel on platforms like Steam, the Windows Store, and GOG will receive a free upgrade to the new combined
