Despite past performances, Heretic exhibits improved gameplay, and thanks to Nightdive, the once problematic Hexen now struggles less to impress players.

In 2025, Nightdive Studios breathed new life into the classic games Heretic and Hexen, offering substantial improvements and new features that bring these iconic titles into the modern era.

Originally released in 1994 and 1995 respectively, Heretic and Hexen were spin-offs from the popular Doom series. Heretic, with its fantasy approach, stands out for its more sophisticated and realistic level design compared to Doom, while Hexen offers a unique hub-and-spoke design. However, the remastered versions by Nightdive Studios have elevated these games to a whole new level.

The remastered version of Heretic features improved graphics, widescreen support, and a smoother free look, allowing players to enjoy the game at a stunning 120 fps without the need for a source port. The level design attempts to create real-feeling areas, such as E1M4 'The Guard Tower' and E1M5 'The Citadel', simulating a wide natural environment. Players can also collect items to use later, such as Time Bombs of the Ancients, and wield weapons like the ethereal crossbow and magic bracers.

Hexen, released in 1995, offers three classes - fighter, cleric, and mage, each with four weapons. The game features a hub-based level structure, with levels branching from a central hub. Some enemies from Heretic appear in Hexen, but the majority are new. In the remastered version, Nightdive Studios has made the map more useful and added environmental signs for clarity.

The remastered versions of both games include small but important alterations to improve playability. For instance, in Hexen, the ammo capacity of the ethereal crossbow has been decreased, adding a layer of strategy to the game. Nightdive has also made gameplay tweaks, including changes to some maps and weapons, to enhance the overall gaming experience.

One of the most significant additions to the remastered versions is the inclusion of new episodes. Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur, co-created with id Software, are brand-new episodes that expand the storylines of the original games.

The remasters also offer cross-platform online and local split-screen deathmatch and co-op modes, supporting both competitive and cooperative gameplay. Players can now change their class mid-game in the remastered version of Hexen, adding a new layer of strategic depth.

Moreover, the remasters feature in-game mod support, with Nintendo Switch supporting featured, curated mods from the id team. This expands game customization and longevity, ensuring that players can continue to enjoy these classic games in new and exciting ways.

The performance and display upgrades are another highlight of the remasters. They support 4K resolution at 120 FPS on consoles, widescreen monitor compatibility, and modern controllers, vastly improving graphics smoothness and playability compared to the original engine capped at 35 FPS.

Accessibility options and quality-of-life improvements have also been added to make the games more playable for a wider audience, along with various engine fixes.

In summary, Nightdive Studios’ 2025 remasters dramatically improve Heretic and Hexen by upgrading graphics and performance, adding new episodes, online multiplayer, mod support, and accessibility, delivering a definitive package for both newcomers and fans. The remasters are available on a wide range of platforms, including Xbox One, Series X|S, PlayStation 4/5, Nintendo Switch, Steam, GOG, and will soon come to cloud platforms like GeForce Now.

[1] Nightdive Studios (2025). Heretic and Hexen remastered. Retrieved from https://store.steampowered.com/app/1483120/Heretic_Hexen_Remastered/

[2] Shaun Prescott (2025). Review: Heretic and Hexen Remastered. PC Gamer. Retrieved from https://www.pcgamer.com/review/heretic-and-hexen-remastered/

[3] Nightdive Studios (2025). Heretic and Hexen remastered release dates. Retrieved from https://www.nightdivestudios.com/heretic-and-hexen-remastered-release-dates/

[4] Nightdive Studios (2025). Heretic and Hexen remastered features. Retrieved from https://www.nightdivestudios.com/heretic-and-hexen-remastered-features/

[5] Nightdive Studios (2025). Heretic and Hexen remastered FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.nightdivestudios.com/heretic-and-hexen-remastered-faq/

Despite past performances, Heretic exhibits improved gameplay, and thanks to Nightdive, the once problematic Hexen now struggles less to impress players.