Developer id Software has re-released two of its classic shooters on modern platforms, as Doom: The Dark Ages gets a new mode.
The original Doom might be considered the defining pioneer of the first person shooter genre, but some of its imitators also helped evolve the classic formula.
One of the most significant was 1994’s Heretic, published by Doom creators id Software and developed by Raven Software – who now work on the multiplayer modes for Call Of Duty. The shooter took all the elements of 1993’s Doom and added a fantasy setting, interactive environments, online multiplayer, and the ability to look up and down.
It was followed by sequel Hexen: Beyond Heretic in 1995, which threw in character classes and larger hub levels. If you fancy an interactive history lesson in these two classic shooters, with some new perks, id Software and Nightdive Studios have partnered up on a new remaster. Although for some reason it doesn’t include the 1997 sequel Hexen 2.
As announced at Quakecon, Heretic + Hexen is an updated collection featuring both spellcasting shooters. Each game has been revamped for modern platforms, with an enhanced soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult, online cross-platform multiplayer across deathmatch and co-op, in-game mod support, and new accessibility options.
The package includes Hexen’s expansion, Deathkings Of The Dark Citadel, and two new ‘episodes’ created by id Software and Nightdive Studios, entitled Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges Of Grandeur.
If you never played the original games you might recognise Hexen as one of the retro T-shirts Xbox boss Phil Spencer has worn in the past, which many fans took to be a clue about a new entry. Spencer has mentioned the series a few times but it’s very unlikely he was ever hinting at this remaster, since that was back in 2023 – before Microsoft laid of thousands of developers.
Expert, exclusive gaming analysis
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning.
Anyone who already owns Heretic or Hexen will receive a free upgrade to the collection, which is a nice reward for long-time fans. You’ll also still be able to access the old versions even if you upgrade, if you prefer to fully immerse yourself in the 1994 vibe.
Heretic + Hexen is available across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC for £13.49. It is also available on Xbox Game Pass.
Elsewhere at Quakecon, id Software announced a new update for Doom: The Dark Ages. Beyond quality-of-life improvements and bug fixes, the update adds a new mode called the Ripatorium, where you can customise a chaotic encounter with enemies in an arena.
You can pick the stage, music, the type of enemies you’ll face, the number of waves, a time limit, and the difficulty level, among other options, with more additions promised in future updates.
Two new Doom Slayer skins are also available for a limited time. A Quakecon skin can be redeemed by playing Doom: The Dark Ages between August 7 and September 1, while if you complete three arenas available in the Riptorium, you’ll unlock the Perfection skin.
If you haven’t yet picked up the sequel to Doom Eternal, Doom: The Dark Ages is currently 25% off across all platforms until Wednesday, August 13.
Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter.
To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here.
For more stories like this, check our Gaming page.
