Heretic + Hexen brings together two foundational first-person action games originally developed by Raven Software using a modified Doom engine. Released in 1994 and 1995, these titles blend shooter mechanics with fantasy elements, inventory management, and vertical aiming in ways that influenced later genre entries. The current package includes the full original campaigns plus expansions, along with two newly created episodes and extensive technical updates for modern hardware and controls.
Gameplay
Core play revolves around navigating interconnected levels filled with enemies, secrets, and progression gates typical of mid-1990s first-person shooters. Players collect weapons, ammunition, and power-ups while managing limited inventory slots. Vertical aiming allows targeting enemies above or below the player, and the engine supports more open vertical spaces than many contemporaries.
In Heretic, combat centers on a single elven protagonist wielding magical staffs and wands that fire projectiles or area effects. Resource management includes health vials and mana-like items, with occasional power-ups that temporarily boost capabilities. Hexen shifts the focus to class selection at the start of a campaign. The Fighter emphasizes close-range durability and melee options, the Mage relies on long-range spells with lower health, and the Cleric balances both with mid-range tools. Each class alters movement speed, damage output, and survival tactics across the same maps.
Both games feature puzzle-like progression through keys, switches, and environmental interactions. The re-release adds options for original or adjusted balance, quick saves, and controller-friendly weapon selection via a carousel system. Performance supports up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second on compatible displays, with multithreaded rendering improvements.
Game Modes
Single-player campaigns form the primary experience, encompassing the base games, expansions, and the two new episodes. Heretic: Faith Renewed continues the story years after the original events, while Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur picks up directly after the conclusion of Deathkings of the Dark Citadel. In total, the collection contains 117 campaign maps.
Multiplayer options include deathmatch and cooperative play. Online cross-platform sessions support up to 16 participants, while local split-screen accommodates up to 8 players on PC. These modes reuse the core combat systems but emphasize direct competition or shared progression through the levels. A selection of 120 dedicated deathmatch maps provides variety beyond the campaign layouts.
Mod support allows community content through an in-game browser, though installation requires separate downloads and additional storage. A toggleable enhanced soundtrack option features new arrangements of the original tracks.
Story and Setting
Heretic places players in the role of a surviving Sidhe elf seeking vengeance against the Serpent Riders who corrupted the realm and destroyed the elven capital. The narrative unfolds through level design and briefings rather than extensive cutscenes.
Hexen expands the universe across multiple dimensions, tasking players with defending the world of Cronos from the remaining Serpent Rider, Korax. Class choice influences how the story is experienced through dialogue and ability descriptions, though the central conflict remains consistent. The new episodes extend these threads with fresh locations and threats while maintaining the established tone of dark fantasy and occult conflict.
Is It Worth Playing?
The package delivers substantial content through its combined campaigns, expansions, and new episodes, appealing to players interested in classic first-person action with fantasy themes and class-based mechanics. Overwhelmingly positive user feedback highlights the faithful restoration alongside quality-of-life improvements such as accessibility features, widescreen support, and modern controller integration.
Those who enjoy deliberate pacing, exploration, and replaying levels with different approaches will find the class system in Hexen particularly engaging. The multiplayer components add longevity for groups seeking cooperative runs or competitive matches. Recent updates have addressed performance and modding stability across platforms.
Overall, the collection suits fans of retro shooters seeking an updated way to experience these titles or newcomers drawn to their influential design. Availability on PC with cross-platform multiplayer broadens access for varied play styles.
