Heretic + Hexen

Released

Release Date: August 7, 2025

Action, FPP, Fantasy, FPS, Package, For 2 Players, Co-op, Shooters, Splitscreen, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Multiplayer, Singleplayer, Internet, PC Game Pass

Heretic + Hexen is a compilation from Nightdive Studios, including re-editions of both classic games from the 1990s. There are also brand new episodes, as well as various fixes and improvements. This includes the options to play both games in 4K and in 120fps. The new versions also support controllers and cross-platform multiplayer.

8.5

OpenCritic

9.5

Steam

Rate It!

Ratings

 Videos: 1 

Images: 9 

Contents of the package
New features, fixes and improvements
Gameplay
Coop and other game modes

Heretic and Hexen: Beyond Heretic are among the games that laid the foundations for the shooter genre. Although they have given way to other brands over the years, the memory of them has survived in the memories of players. The effect of this is that the companies id Software and Nightdive Studios decided to prepare the Heretic + Hexen project, which is a compilation containing their re-editions enriched with new content and various improvements.

Contents of the package

The Heretic + Hexen package includes the following items:

Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders (an expanded version of the game Heretic, containing two additional episodes);
Hexen: Beyond Heretic;
Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel (an add-on containing 20 bonus scenarios).

Additionally, the developers prepared two completely new episodes, namely Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur.

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New features, fixes and improvements

In addition to new content, the creators of Heretic + Hexen have developed a number of improvements. The main ones are:

better performance and multi-threaded rendering supporting widescreen displays, 4K resolution and 120 fps gameplay;
cross-platform multiplayer mode (deathmatch and coop) for up to 16 players;
local multiplayer mode using split-screen (deathmatch and coop) for up to 8 players;
support for mods and their built-in browser;
the Tome of Power soundtrack, created by Andrew Hulshult;
treasury containing concept graphics;
accessibility options, such as an updated interface, improved readability, contrast and graphic effects, as well as a text-to-speech function;
quick saving and loading of the game;
game balance switch (original, enhanced);
support for gamepads (with a weapon selection wheel at the forefront).

The finishing touch to all of this are game engine fixes, dealing with errors that plagued the original versions of individual games.

Gameplay

Heretic and Hexen are first-person shooters where we enter a dark fantasy universe. In the first part of the series, we play as a hero whose task is to deal with the sinister D'Sparil, who belongs to the dark serpent riders. Faith Renewed, on the other hand, allows us to confront his fanatics.

Hexen: Beyond Heretic is about going against Korax, the second serpent rider. Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel takes us to the Kingdom of the Dead. Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur is an opportunity to put an end to Korax's activities once and for all.

The gameplay itself at first glance does not deviate too much from what most productions of the time have accustomed us to - we explore locations resembling labyrinths and face hordes of enemies. Nonetheless, Heretic enriched the gameplay scheme with features like the ability to collect items or look up and down.

Coop and other game modes

We can play Heretic + Hexen alone or in multiplayer mode (cooperating or competing with other players). The compilation allows for multiplayer gameplay locally or over the Internet.

Platforms:

PC Windows

PlayStation 4

Xbox One

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation 5

Xbox Series X/S

Developer: Nightdive Studios / id Software (PC) / id Software (PS4) / id Software (XONE) / id Software (Switch) / id Software (PS5) / id Software (XSX)

Publisher: Bethesda Softworks

Similar Games:

Heretic

Blood

Amid Evil

Game Series

6GAMES

Heretic Game Series

Features

System Requirements

System Requirements for Heretic + Hexen Video Game:

PC / Windows

Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-3570 3.4 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 1400 3.5 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 650 Ti / 1 GB Radeon HD 7750, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5 GHz / AMD Ryzen 5 1600 3.2 GHz, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 8 GB GeForce GTX 1070 Ti / Radeon RX Vega 56, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit.

Ratings

Game Ratings for Heretic + Hexen Video Game.

8.5

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 93% of Critics. There are 27 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

NintendoWorldReport: 8.5 / 10 by John Rairdin

Even a CRT filter would do wonders for translating the visuals at a higher definition. But given that the previous best way to play this on a home console was to dig out a Nintendo 64 or put up with compromised versions on Playstation or Saturn, this is still certainly an improvement overall. Hopefully down the road we can get the rest of the Heretic/Hexen series as well.

Full Review

MKAU Gaming: 8 / 10 by Dylan Kocins

In conclusion, Heretic + Hexen are games I missed the first time around. However, three decades later, thanks to Nightdive Studios thoughtful quality-of-life improvements and impressive new expansions, I can still enjoy titles that have held up remarkably well. With dark fantasy charm, fast-paced combat, and seriously excellent level design, this collection is a must-play.

Full Review

GameSpew: 8 / 10 by Richard Seagrave

Enhanced for modern consoles and PC, Heretic + Hexen bundles together two first-person shooters that still manage to feel somewhat unique three decades after their original release. These truly are the definitive versions of these games, with Nightdive Studios even taking steps to alleviate Hexen's hub level woes.

Full Review

95%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Overwhelmingly Positive (1,566)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Nostalgia Factor: Many players appreciate the remaster for bringing back fond memories of playing these classic games in the 90s.
Enhanced Graphics and Sound: The remaster includes significant graphical improvements, such as support for 4K resolution, improved textures, and a remastered soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, which many users praised.
Multiplayer Features: The addition of online multiplayer (up to 16 players) and crossplay functionality has been well-received, allowing for both cooperative and competitive gameplay.
New Content: The inclusion of new episodes and expansions, such as "Faith Renewed" for Heretic and "Vestiges of Grandeur" for Hexen, adds fresh experiences for returning players.
Quality of Life Improvements: Features like map markers for objectives, customizable gameplay settings, and improved controls have made the games more accessible and enjoyable.
Free Upgrade for Existing Owners: Players who previously owned the original games received the remaster for free, which was a nice gesture from the developers.

The main cons of the game

Level Design Issues: Many players criticized the level design, particularly in Hexen, describing it as overly complex, confusing, and sometimes frustrating. Some levels require extensive backtracking and can lead to players getting lost.
Bugs and Technical Issues: Users reported various bugs, including crashes and issues with enemy respawns, indicating that the game still needs some polishing.
Weapon Changes: Some players expressed dissatisfaction with changes to weapon mechanics, particularly the crossbow and gauntlets, which they felt were negatively impacted in the remaster.
Difficulty and Accessibility: Hexen, in particular, was noted to be excessively difficult and labyrinthine, which could deter new players.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Independent Save Systems: Players noted the lack of independent save/load systems for each game, which could be inconvenient.
More Aggressive Auto-Saves: Some users desired more frequent auto-saves or checkpoints to ease the difficulty of progression.
Manuals or Guides: There was a suggestion for including digital manuals or guides, which could help new players navigate the complex gameplay.
Multiplayer Progress Saving: Users expressed a wish for multiplayer campaign saves, as the current system requires starting over upon disconnecting, which can be frustrating during longer sessions.
Legacy Options: Some players wanted the option to revert certain gameplay changes to maintain the original experience, particularly regarding weapon mechanics and level design.

Summary

Overall, the remaster of Heretic + Hexen has been well-received, especially for its nostalgic value and enhancements, but it also has notable drawbacks that could impact the experience for new players and veterans alike.

Summary generated on: October 9, 2025

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