1994’s Heretic: Shadow of the Serpent Riders and its 1995 sequel, Hexen: Past Heretic cast new frontiers in first-person shooter video games. Expertise these pivotal video games right now with Heretic + Hexen, a collaboration between id Software program and Nightdive Studios bringing an enhanced re-release of Raven Software program’s legendary video games to a brand new era of gamers.
From demonic sci-fi to darkish fantasy
“As one of many authentic builders again within the ’90s, it’s actually sort of surreal to see Heretic and Hexen coming again like this,” says Brian Raffel, studio co-founder and co-head of Raven Software program. “We constructed these video games on a closely modified Doom (1993) engine and tried to push the boundaries wherever we may, including issues like character courses, stock methods, vertical aiming…stuff that was fairly wild for the time.
“We had been additionally fortunate to be working with our pals at id Software program, particularly John Romero and John Carmack. Their help and engine tech gave us the possibility to construct one thing totally different. There’s one thing cool about realizing these worlds nonetheless imply one thing to folks in any case these years.”
Gamers embark on a journey by monster-filled halls, trap-laden arenas and arcane realms in a singular mix of basic FPS fight with dungeon delving impressed by fantasy tabletop role-playing video games.
“Each Heretic and Hexen hail from the sort of fantasy that was frequent in 80s and 90s PC gaming however had but to be explored a lot in a first-person shooter,” shares Mike Rubits, Senior Programmer at id Software program. “There have been loads of shooters with warfare, sci-fi, and aliens, however not loads of maces and wands.”
“It was really Romero’s concept so as to add character courses in Hexen—a transfer that actually took the franchise to the following stage,” says Raffel. “On the time, that sort of RPG ingredient in an FPS was virtually extraordinary. Every class had its personal weapons, stats, and playstyle – that mix of shooter mechanics with fantasy roleplaying was dangerous, nevertheless it labored. It helped set Hexen other than all the things else on the market and made the world really feel richer and extra private. I feel that’s a giant a part of why folks nonetheless keep in mind it so fondly.”
Heretic + Hexen options embody native split-screen and cross-platform on-line multiplayer modes, the choice to toggle the improved “Tome of Energy” soundtrack from Andrew Hulshult, all-new accessibility choices and quality-of-life enhancements, behind-the-scenes supplies within the Raven Vault and extra. That’s not all: along with beforehand launched growth packs for the unique launch, Heretic + Hexen additionally options brand-new content material!
New content material for Heretic + Hexen
“The 2 new episodes in Heretic + Hexen cowl each video games – ‘Religion Renewed’ is a brand new Heretic episode whereas ‘Vestiges of Grandeur’ was created in Hexen,” Rubits explains. “They adopted within the spirit of the brand new episodes in our earlier re-releases: an entire new expertise that makes use of the unique know-how, however isn’t sure by having to run on 30-year-old computer systems with a really small quantity of reminiscence.”
“In the course of the planning phases, we figured we’d solely have time to do one or the opposite,” says Xaser Acheron, Senior Developer at Nightdive Studios, “and it dawned on me that these are a number of the quickest mappers within the West.”
“I already knew there was going to be extra content material for Heretic + Hexen, so I began making maps in my free time for enjoyable,” provides Samuel “Kaiser” Villarreal, Degree Designer at Nightdive Studios. “By the point the entire thing was greenlit, I had almost an entire episode’s price of maps finished already.”
“Certain sufficient, every mapper produced almost a complete episode’s price of content material on their very own, with neighborhood legend Not Jabba contributing a few gigantic maps to spherical out the set. I additionally received to sneak in one in every of my very own,” says Xaser. “The gambit paid off, however in hindsight it’s actually not that a lot of a shock since these people are absolute powerhouses.”
Delve into the fantasy FPS classics right now
Whether or not you’re returning to the magical realm of Cronos or setting foot in its shadowy halls for the primary time, the mixed groups at Raven Software program, id Software program and Nightdive Studios invite you to expertise Heretic + Hexen and the legacy that helped outline a style.
“To the followers—those that had been there within the early days and people discovering these video games for the primary time now—thanks,” says Raffel. “Your enthusiasm, modding, reminiscences and help have saved these worlds alive far longer than we ever imagined. Seeing the neighborhood nonetheless care about this work in any case these years means greater than I can say.”
Heretic + Hexen releases right now for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.
