Absolutely — the release of Heretic + Hexen: The Definitive Collection is a massive win for fans of classic first-person shooters and retro gaming enthusiasts alike. Here’s a quick breakdown of why this announcement is such a big deal:
🎮 Heretic + Hexen: The Definitive Collection – What’s New?
- Platforms: Available now on PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
- Developer Collaboration: id Software partnered with Nightdive Studios — the legendary remastering team behind Wolfenstein 3D: The New Order, Soulcalibur: Rebirth, and other cult classics.
- Modernized for Today’s Gamers:
- Improved performance and stability across all platforms.
- Enhanced soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, known for his work on Doom and Quake remasters — bringing a fresh yet nostalgic sonic experience.
- Online cross-platform multiplayer — yes, you can now play Heretic or Hexen with friends on different consoles.
- Local split-screen co-op and deathmatch — perfect for couch campaigns and nostalgic head-to-head battles.
- In-game mod support — unlock the full creative potential of these legendary games, just like the original fans did in the ‘90s.
📦 What’s Included?
- Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders (1994)
- Hexen: Beyond Heretic (1995)
- Hexen: Deathkings of the Dark Citadel (1997) – a long-awaited expansion, now officially included
- Two brand-new episodes, created in collaboration with id Software and Nightdive:
- Heretic: Faith Renewed
- Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur
These new chapters are not just DLC — they’re thoughtfully crafted to honor the original spirit of the games while leveraging modern tools, offering new story arcs, level design, and gameplay that feel both familiar and fresh.
🔥 Doom: The Dark Ages – Update 2 Live!
And if that wasn’t enough, QuakeCon 2024 delivered a major update for Doom: The Dark Ages:
- New endless arena mode: The Ripatorium — a brutal, wave-based combat challenge with customizable difficulty, time-limited modes, and a fresh way to test your skills against hordes of demons.
- Free rewards for players who jump in before September 2:
- Two free skins (exact designs not yet revealed — expect iconic doom-themed looks).
- Unlock the Perfection Doom Slayer skin by completing all three new Ripatorium arenas.
- Numerous bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements — evidence that the team is committed to long-term support.
🏆 Why It Matters
- Heretic & Hexen were not just influential — they helped define the Souls-like and dark fantasy shooter genres long before they were named.
- The inclusion of new episodes by id Software and Nightdive proves that the legacy of these titles is still alive and being actively shaped by the creators who made them.
- Doom: The Dark Ages already saw 3 million players in its first week — a strong testament to the enduring hunger for more Doom content, even in a darker, slower, heavier, and more methodical style.
💬 Final Thoughts
Whether you're reliving childhood memories, discovering these games for the first time, or diving into Doom: The Dark Ages for a new kind of Hell-fueled action — this is a golden era for retro FPS revival.
“The past isn’t dead — it’s just getting a 4K upgrade.”
Grab Heretic + Hexen: The Definitive Collection today, and step into the worlds that helped build the legend of the FPS.
🔥 And if you’re into grim, grinding, cinematic combat — don’t miss The Ripatorium.