GamerTake
AI Powered Steam Review Summaries
Heretic + Hexen
Action
Adventure
RPG
Single-player
Multi-player
PvP
Online PvP
LAN PvP
Shared/Split Screen PvP
Co-op
Online Co-op
LAN Co-op
Shared/Split Screen Co-op
Shared/Split Screen
Cross-Platform Multiplayer
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Camera Comfort
Color Alternatives
Adjustable Difficulty
Keyboard Only Option
Playable without Timed Input
Save Anytime
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Steam Cloud
Remote Play Together
Family Sharing

Step into the definitive re-release of two dark spell-casting shooters that shaped the genre. This enhanced restoration makes Heretic™ + Hexen™ available to new audiences and long-time fans with expanded accessibility across more platforms and languages than ever before.

Developers: id Software Nightdive Studios
Publishers: Bethesda Softworks
Release Date: Aug 7, 2025
Price (USD): $14.99
Current Players: 483

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(95%)
free upgrade
new expansions
multiplayer support
remixed soundtrack
quality of life improvements
optional tweaks
rebalanced enemies
remixed soundtrack
new level markers
weapon changes
geometry warping
no save multiplayer
level transition bugs
motion sickness
texture stretching
Overall, the sentiment is largely positive among the reviews, with players expressing enthusiasm for how the remaster retains the soul of the original while improving it for modern systems. The free upgrade for existing owners and the additional content were highly praised. Some technical issues like geometry warping and absence of save functionality in multiplayer drew criticism. Despite this, the nostalgia and enhanced experience bring delight to both old fans and new players alike. A few purists, however, had mixed feelings about new changes such as the updated level markers.

Positive Points

  • The remaster was provided free to those who already owned the original games, which was appreciated by many players.
  • The game includes enhanced graphics, remastered soundtracks, and numerous quality of life improvements making it smoother to play on modern hardware.
  • Additional content, such as new expansions and updated maps, provides more entertainment value and replayability.
  • Nightdive Studios received praise for the respectful preservation and improvement of classic games, capturing the nostalgic essence while modernizing gameplay.
  • Multiplayer and co-op modes are included and are functional, significantly enhancing the experience for players who enjoy these modes.

    • Negative Points

  • Some players encountered issues with level transition portals and bugs that affect gameplay, especially in multiplayer.
  • Geometry warping and texture stretching when looking up and down caused motion sickness for some players, and the lack of an option to remove this was criticized.
  • Critics noted that some improvements, like the updated level marker system, changed the original game's puzzle-solving aspect.
  • In multiplayer, there is no save ability, which is considered a major drawback given Hexen's long hubs.

    • Mixed Points

  • The optional tweaks and rebalancing of enemies and weapons received mixed feedback, with some appreciating the changes for making the game less 'bullet-spongey' and others preferring the original challenge.
  • The remixed soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult was praised by some for adding modern flair but criticized by others for lacking the atmospheric simplicity of the original.

    • Common Themes

  • Nostalgia is a strong element, as many players remember playing Heretic and Hexen during their childhood.
  • The remaster's handling of classic 'boomer shooter' elements and fantasy themes was widely appreciated.
  • Gamers expressed excitement over the accessibility improvements that allow modern controller use and support for different platforms.
  • Despite some issues, there is a general consensus that the remaster is a valuable addition to the library of fans of classic FPS titles.
    • Updated 8/10/2025, 12:01:23 AM UTC
    Leave feedback for this summary