Heretic and Hexen Receive Definitive Nightdive Studios Remaster Treatment, Available Now

The legacy of Raven Software’s groundbreaking first-person shooters, Heretic and Hexen, has been reborn with a spectacular remaster collection, meticulously crafted by Nightdive Studios. This comprehensive package, a triumphant return for two titans of 90s PC gaming, is available now across a wide array of platforms, including PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and PC. For those subscribed to the Xbox ecosystem, this monumental release is also a significant addition to Game Pass, offering unparalleled access to these fantastical realms.

Announced and launched concurrently with the opening festivities of QuakeCon, this remaster underscores the enduring appeal and critical importance of these titles within the annals of gaming history. Originally unleashed upon the world in 1994 (Heretic) and 1995 (Hexen), these games represented a bold departure from the established norms of the era, particularly from their sibling title, Doom. Developed by the talented minds at Raven Software, both titles ingeniously utilized a heavily modified version of the Doom engine, a testament to the adaptability and power of id Software’s foundational technology.

What truly set Heretic and Hexen apart was their ambitious embrace of RPG elements. This was not merely about shooting demons in corridors; these games introduced complex mechanics such as inventory systems that allowed for strategic item management, vertical aiming that added a new dimension to combat, and the revolutionary introduction of character classes in Hexen, each possessing unique abilities and playstyles. This fusion of fast-paced action and role-playing depth carved a unique niche for the franchise and laid important groundwork for future genre advancements.

While Nightdive Studios themselves might shy away from the term “remaster” in the strictest technical sense, preferring to highlight their proprietary KEX Engine as the sophisticated framework enabling these enhancements, the result for players is undeniably a definitive collection. The KEX Engine, renowned for its prowess in breathing new life into classic titles, has been expertly employed to elevate Heretic and Hexen to modern standards, ensuring their intricate level design, compelling atmosphere, and challenging gameplay are preserved and amplified.

This isn’t merely a coat of paint; it’s an all-encompassing and expanded collection that meticulously curates the entirety of the Heretic and Hexen experience. Included within this definitive package are:

But the offerings extend far beyond the original releases. In a truly remarkable move that speaks to the collaborative spirit of game development and a deep respect for the source material, this collection features two all-new episodes. These fresh campaigns were created in close collaboration between individuals at id Software and Nightdive Studios, demonstrating a unified vision for the future of these beloved franchises. These new chapters include:

The enhancements brought forth by Nightdive Studios are extensive and cater to the demands of contemporary gaming. The collection boasts support for up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second (FPS) on supported consoles, ensuring that the visually rich environments and frenetic action are rendered with breathtaking clarity and fluidity. Widescreen support has been implemented, allowing players to experience the games as intended on modern displays without the black bars that hampered earlier PC ports.

Further bridging the gap between past and present, the collection features modern controller support, providing a more intuitive and comfortable gameplay experience. For the modding community, a cornerstone of PC gaming longevity, in-game mod support has been integrated, opening up a world of user-generated content and further extending the replayability of these already classic titles. Connectivity is also paramount, with online cross-platform play facilitating shared experiences across different hardware. For those who prefer to game with friends locally, local split-screen multiplayer returns, allowing for classic couch co-op sessions.

The auditory experience has also received a significant upgrade. The collection features an enhanced soundtrack composed by the acclaimed Andrew Hulshult. Known for his exceptional work on games like Dusk and Amid Evil, Hulshult’s compositions bring a fresh, modern interpretation to the iconic soundscapes of Heretic and Hexen. However, in a nod to purists and those who cherish the original audio, the option to stick with the original soundtracks remains, allowing players to choose their preferred sonic journey.

In a move that will undoubtedly be celebrated by long-time fans and newcomers alike, existing owners of any of the Heretic or Hexen games will receive a free upgrade to this new, combined game. This generous policy ensures that those who have supported these titles throughout their history are rewarded, granting them access to the enhanced versions without additional cost. Furthermore, existing owners will still have access to their previously owned versions of the games, preserving their digital libraries and offering a direct comparison between the classic and the revitalized experience. This commitment to player loyalty is a hallmark of Nightdive Studios’ approach to retro game preservation and enhancement.

The impact of Heretic and Hexen on the first-person shooter genre cannot be overstated. While Doom popularized the genre with its demonic hordes and visceral combat, Heretic and Hexen expanded its horizons by weaving in elements of fantasy, magic, and deeper gameplay systems. The ability to aim vertically was a significant evolution, allowing for more strategic targeting of enemies and environmental objects. The introduction of character classes in Hexen, with distinct abilities such as mages, clerics, and warriors, injected a level of strategic depth and replayability that was rarely seen in FPS titles of that era. Each class offered a unique way to approach the game’s challenges, encouraging experimentation and diverse team compositions in multiplayer.

The world-building in both games was also remarkably detailed for their time. Heretic presented a dark, medieval fantasy setting, complete with arcane weaponry, grotesque monsters, and a palpable sense of despair as players controlled Corvus, a lone elf seeking to defeat the Serpent Riders who had enslaved his people. The game’s atmosphere was heavily influenced by its fantasy setting, moving away from the sci-fi horror of Doom into a more magical and mystical realm.

Hexen, building upon the foundation of Heretic, offered a more expansive and interconnected world. The game featured hub worlds, allowing players to navigate between different areas and levels in a more non-linear fashion. This design choice, coupled with the character class system, meant that players could revisit areas with different characters and find new solutions to puzzles and combat encounters. The lore of Hexen delved deeper into the machinations of the evil sorcerer Mortanis and his servants, the Serpent Riders, presenting a more intricate narrative tapestry. The expansion, Deathkings of the Dark Citadel, further enriched this lore, introducing a new environment and a more formidable antagonist.

The decision to integrate in-game mod support is a critical factor in the longevity and continued relevance of these titles. PC gaming has long thrived on the creativity of its modding community, and by providing a robust platform for mods, Nightdive Studios is ensuring that Heretic and Hexen can continue to evolve and surprise players for years to come. This could range from new weapon packs and enemy types to entirely new gameplay mechanics and even total conversions.

The inclusion of cross-platform multiplayer is another forward-thinking aspect of this release. In an era where gaming communities are increasingly interconnected, enabling players on different platforms to compete and cooperate together is essential. This broadens the player base significantly and fosters a more vibrant and active online community around Heretic and Hexen.

The enhanced soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult deserves special mention. His ability to capture the spirit of the original games while infusing them with modern production values and musical sensibilities is a testament to his talent. The original soundtracks were iconic in their own right, setting the mood for the dark and dangerous worlds players inhabited. Hulshult’s new compositions likely capture that same energy but with a richer, more dynamic sound that benefits from today’s audio technology. Whether it’s the driving intensity of combat themes or the atmospheric ambiance of exploration, the soundtrack plays a crucial role in immersing players in the worlds of Heretic and Hexen.

The commitment to providing new episodes is perhaps the most exciting aspect for long-time fans. Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur represent a genuine expansion of the original games’ content, offering new challenges and narrative threads. The fact that these were developed in collaboration with id Software personnel suggests a level of authenticity and care that will resonate deeply with players who have cherished these games for decades. These new episodes not only provide fresh content but also serve as a potential springboard for future iterations or expansions of these classic franchises.

The visual upgrades are equally impressive. The jump to 4K resolution and 120 FPS makes a palpable difference in how these games are experienced. The intricate level designs, the detailed sprite work, and the atmospheric lighting are all rendered with a clarity and smoothness that simply wasn’t possible on the hardware of the 1990s. Widescreen support ensures that the artistic vision of the original developers is presented without distortion on modern displays, allowing players to appreciate the full scope of the environments.

Nightdive Studios has established itself as the foremost authority in the preservation and enhancement of classic video games. Their work on titles like Doom 64, Turok, and Powerslave Exhumed has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of what makes these games special, coupled with the technical expertise to bring them into the modern era. This Heretic + Hexen collection is a prime example of their dedication to this mission. By leveraging their proprietary KEX Engine, they are able to implement a suite of modern features without compromising the integrity of the original gameplay.

The inclusion of the original games alongside the enhanced versions, and the free upgrade for existing owners, further solidifies Nightdive Studios’ reputation as a company that values its community. This approach fosters goodwill and encourages a new generation of players to discover these seminal titles, while also satisfying the demands of long-time enthusiasts.

In summary, the Heretic + Hexen remaster collection is more than just a re-release; it is a comprehensive celebration of two foundational titles in the first-person shooter genre. With extensive visual and technical upgrades, new content, enhanced audio, and a commitment to player access, Nightdive Studios has delivered a package that is sure to satisfy both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. The availability on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, and PC, coupled with its presence on Game Pass, ensures that these legendary games are more accessible than ever before. This is a monumental achievement in retro gaming, setting a new benchmark for what a remaster can and should be. The Heretic and Hexen saga has been masterfully revitalized, inviting players to once again delve into their richly detailed worlds, master their unique combat mechanics, and experience the magic of classic FPS gaming, now in stunning modern fidelity.

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