Retro gaming enthusiasts have something to celebrate! The iconic fantasy first-person shooters, Heretic and Hexen, have been revived and are now available in remastered form on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC, thanks to the efforts of Nightdive Studios, known for their work on retro titles.

Originally released in 1994, Heretic was followed by its sequel, Hexen: Beyond Heretic, the next year. Both games were developed by Raven Software, a studio that has since gained fame for its contributions to the Call of Duty franchise, utilizing a modified version of the Doom Engine. While these titles share similarities with id Software’s influential shooter, they introduced fresh elements into the emerging genre with their medieval fantasy themes. Players could engage in combat not only with powerful firearms but also with swords and spells against monstrous foes like spiders, golems, and undead creatures.

Over the years, both games have cultivated a dedicated fanbase and inspired other titles such as Indefatigable’s excellent throwback shooter, Amid Evil, released in 2018. Now, Nightdive Studios is breathing new life into these classic games with a remastered compilation.

Unveiled ahead of this year’s QuakeCon, the Heretic + Hexen bundle has been meticulously updated for contemporary systems and includes a host of bonus features. This collection comprises Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders (which includes the original 1994 game and its expansion), Hexen: Beyond Heretic, and the Deathkings of the Dark Citadel expansion. Additionally, it introduces two new episodes titled Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur.

The remastered version also caters to multiplayer gamers. Players can enjoy local split-screen gameplay for up to four participants on all platforms, which can be expanded to eight on Xbox Series X/S and PC. The online mode supports cross-platform co-op and deathmatch options, accommodating up to 16 players. Furthermore, there is community mod support, the choice between the original midi/FM soundtracks and a new score by composer Andrew Hulshult, accessibility features, and a “vault” that houses behind-the-scenes development materials.

On the Nintendo Switch, the remaster supports up to 720p at 60 frames per second in handheld mode and 1080p at 60 fps when docked (though it does not support the anticipated Switch 2). The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions can run at 1080p/60fps, while the PS4 Pro and Xbox One X versions can reach 4K at 60fps. Players on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S can expect impressive native resolutions of 4K at 120fps, with PC performance varying based on hardware specifications.

Heretic + Hexen is currently available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC through platforms like Steam, GOG, and the Windows Store. The game is priced at £13.49/$14.99 and is included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Players contemplating a purchase should review the accompanying FAQ, as those who own certain older versions might qualify for a free upgrade.