Heretic + Hexen announced - briefly
(hx) 03:16 PM CEST - Aug,08 2025
- Post a comment / read (1) Publisher Bethesda Softworks and developers id Software and Nightdive Studios have announced Heretic + Hexen for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam, Microsoft Storem GOG). It is available now for $14.99. It is also available via Game Pass. Physical editions will be available via Limited Run Games. Heretic + Hexen includes the original episodes, two new episodes, online cooperative and multiplayer support, a behind the scenes vault, community mods, accessibility options, and more.
Step into the definitive re-release of two dark spell-casting shooters
that shaped the genre.
Forged by Raven Software on a modified DOOM engine, Heretic and Hexen
were released in 1994 and 1995, pushing first person shooters into bold
new territory. These innovative cult classics introduced groundbreaking
features like inventory systems, vertical aiming, and distinct
character classes, reshaping first person action games for generations
to come. This enhanced restoration makes Heretic + Hexen available to
new audiences and long-time fans with expanded accessibility across
more platforms and languages than ever before. Whether you’re returning
to these shadowy realms or discovering them for the first time, an epic
legacy awaits.
Owners Receive
Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders*
Hexen: Beyond Heretic*
Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel*
Two all-new episodes created in collaboration
between individuals at id Software + Nightdive Studios:
Heretic: Faith Renewed
Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur
There are a total of 117 campaign maps and 120 deathmatch maps in
Heretic + Hexen.
New Enhancements
Online cross-platform deathmatch and co-op for up to
16 players**.
Local split-screen deathmatch and co-op for up to
eight players.
Toggleable, enhanced Tome of Power soundtrack by
Andrew Hulshult.
Community-published mod support with an in-game mod
browser**/***.
Improved performance with multithreaded rendering
supporting up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second****.
A Vault section containing concept art and unused
sprites from the development of the original games.
Accessibility options, such as updated user
interface, improved legibility, contrast and screen FX adjustments, and
text-to-speech features.
Modern controller support.
Weapon carousel for faster weapon switching.
Game balance toggle (original / enhanced).
Quick Save / Load support.
Widescreen support.
Many engine fixes for bugs present in original
versions.
Translated into 12 new languages: French, Italian,
German, Spanish, LATAM Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian,
Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese.
*Original DOS versions of Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders, Hexen:
Beyond Heretic and Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel are included
in the Steam version.
**Account required.
***Mods need to be installed separately; installation requires
additional system storage.
****Compatible display required.
About the Included Games
Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders – Three
brothers, known as the Serpent Riders, used their powerful magic to
possess and corrupt the seven kings of the realm, plunging it into war
and chaos. But a race of elves known as the Sidhe resisted and were
branded heretics. On the brink of losing the war, the Sidhe elders
sacrificed themselves and the elven capital city to destroy the seven
kings and their armies. As one of the few surviving elves, you embark
on a quest for vengeance against those who slaughtered your friends,
family, and entire race.
Heretic: Faith Renewed (New) – Years after the
planes were cleansed of D’Sparil’s wretched influence, a wandering
warrior in search of home arrives at a foreign land to discover the
blighted stains of that old time religion seeping through the cracks of
society once more. In the fortified city, zealous acolytes stand high
atop a decadent cathedral and listen to the lamentations echoing from
the streets as non-believers are dragged away for ‘correction.’ The
shadow of D’Sparil lingers after death, his absence attributed to
apotheosis. Once revered, now worshipped, deserving of neither. An
all-too-familiar scene, and one you simply cannot stomach. Taking up
the mantle of Heretic once more, you stride into the city, staff in
hand, to silence the echoes of your arch-nemesis.
Hexen: Beyond Heretic – While the Sidhe elf Corvus
battled the evil forces of D’Sparil, the remaining two Serpent Riders
were busy sowing the seeds of destruction in other dimensions. As a
Warrior, Mage, or Cleric, you must fight the undead and brave elemental
dungeons and decaying wilderness to defend your realm of Cronos from
Korax, the second Serpent Rider.
Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel – After
defeating the evil Korax, the second Serpent Rider, and discovering the
Chaos Sphere, you have been transported to the Realm of the Dead. Now
your only way home is blocked by hordes of undead and the Dark Citadel.
Where Hexen ends, the true nightmare begins.
Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur (New) – Korax lingers
between life and death, his shredded corpse left behind with no
semblance of life while he clings to a fresh, if fragile, rebirth. His
grip on Cronos is once more released, yet the cycle continues, proving
another force is at work: an invisible hand puppeteering both Korax and
you, weaving a star-crossed destiny that will never die. And if that
hand tugs the threads of fate again, what surprises are yet in store
for you?
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