Heretic + Hexen Collection Launched with New Content and Modern Features
Bethesda Softworks, id Software, and Nightdive Studios have unexpectedly released an updated edition of Heretic + Hexen, bringing the iconic dark fantasy first-person shooters to a new generation of players. This comprehensive collection is now available across PC and consoles for $14.99. For collectors, physical copies will be available at a later date through Limited Run Games.
This definitive re-release goes beyond a simple port, bundling not only the original Heretic and Hexen games, but also two entirely new episodes crafted with the input of Nightdive and id. Players can look forward to a massive amount of content, including 117 levels, 120 deathmatch maps, support for community-published mods, cooperative play, an updated musical score, modern graphical enhancements, and expanded accessibility options.
What's Included in Heretic + Hexen
- Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders: Immerse yourself in the story of the Serpent Riders, three powerful mages who corrupted seven kings and plunged their lands into chaos. As one of the few surviving elves, dubbed heretics for their resistance, you embark on a quest for vengeance against ancient evil.
- Hexen: Beyond Heretic: While the elf Corvus battled D'Sparil, the second Serpent Rider, Korax, began destroying other worlds. Choose from three distinct classes—Warrior, Mage, or Cleric—and fight through hordes of undead, perilous dungeons, and dying landscapes to protect your home world of Cronos from this new threat.
- Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel: This expansion continues the adventure after Korax's defeat. The protagonist finds the Sphere of Chaos, transporting them to the Realm of the Dead. Trapped by legions of undead and the darkness lurking within the Dark Citadel, a true nightmare begins.
- Heretic: Faith Renewed (NEW EPISODE): A wandering warrior returns to a world seemingly purified of D'Sparil's influence, only to discover a dark cult rising again. Fanatics rule from a magnificent cathedral in a fortified city, while the cries of 'unbelievers' echo through the streets. Though D'Sparil is gone, his cult lives on, and the hero, unable to tolerate this, once again becomes the Heretic to stop the resurgence of evil.
- Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur (NEW EPISODE): Korax is caught between life and death, his shattered body clinging to a fragile resurrection. Control over Cronos slips from his grasp, but the cycle continues, orchestrated by an unseen force that manipulates both Korax and you, weaving a destiny bound for eternal conflict. What trials await if this force intervenes once more?
Key New Features and Modern Enhancements
The Heretic + Hexen collection brings a host of modern improvements while preserving the classic gameplay that made these titles legends:
- Cross-platform online multiplayer for up to 16 players, and local split-screen for up to 8 players.
- A re-imagined soundtrack by acclaimed composer Andrew Hulshult.
- Seamless support for user-created mods through an integrated browser.
- Visual fidelity up to 4K resolution and smooth 120 frames per second.
- An in-game 'archive' featuring concept art and previously cut sprites.
- An updated, scalable user interface and various other accessibility options.
- The ability to switch between the original and an enhanced game balance.
- Modern quality-of-life features such as quick save and load, plus widescreen display support.
These games are celebrated for their pioneering contributions to the FPS genre, introducing innovations like vertical aiming, distinct character classes, and inventory systems—features that profoundly influenced first-person shooters for years to come.
Availability
The Heretic + Hexen collection is now available on PC via Steam, Microsoft Store, and GOG, as well as on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. It is also included with Xbox Game Pass. In a thoughtful gesture for long-time fans, owners of the original games on Steam have received this new collection for free. Furthermore, the developers have included Russian language localization, making these beloved classics accessible to an even wider international audience.
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