The legendary (at least memorable) fantasy FPS Gemini works Heretic and Hexen, developed by Raven Software, were remade by retro gaming expert Nightdive Studios and are now available on Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC platforms.
For those who are too young and unimpressed, The Pagan was originally released in 1994, and its sequel, Hexen: Beyond Heretic, was released a year later.Both works were created by Raven Software, a studio that is now well known for its Call of Duty series, when they were developed with a modified Doom engine.Although these two games have a lot in common with id Software's classic shooting games, they bring fresh elements to this infancy genre: the medieval fantasy background replaced heavy guns and legions of demons, instead adding swords, casting systems, character professions, as well as monsters such as giant spiders, puppets, gargoyles and undead creatures.
Over the years, the two games have accumulated a large number of fans and inspired such excellent retro shooter Amid Evil, launched by Indefatigable in 2018.Now, thanks to Nightdive Studio's efforts, the original game will gain new vitality.
Nightdive Studios has released numerous well-received remakes, including recent upgrades to System Shock 2 and Star Wars: Dark Powers.Before this year's QuakeCon exhibition, the studio announced a new release plan for Heretic + Hexen.Both games were re-released for modern devices and packaged a range of extras for affordable prices.
Specifically, the Pagan + The Witch of Destruction contains Pagan: Shadow of the Snake Rider (integrating the original 1994 game and its extension), The Witch of Destruction: Beyond the Pagan, and the expansion of the Witch of Destruction, the Deathkings of the Dark Citadel.In addition, the collection also includes two new chapters: Heretic: Faith Renewed and Hexen: Vestiges of Grandeur.
"Pagan + Witch of Destruction" remake promotional video:
Multiplayer enthusiasts also have a variety of options.All platforms support split-screen local multiplayer mode with up to 4 players (the Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms can increase to 8), as well as cross-platform online collaboration and deathmatch mode—of which deathmatch can accommodate up to 16 players.In addition, the game also supports community modules, switch between the original MIDI/FM tracks and the new version of the tracks produced by composer Andrew Hulshult, adds barrier-free features, and includes "Treasure House" content (including a collection of behind-the-scenes development materials).
The Switch platform supports 720p/60 frames in handheld mode, and 1080p/60 frames in docked mode (unfortunately, native Switch 2 is not supported); PS4 and Xbox One platforms support 1080p/60 frames; PS4 Pro and Xbox One X can be improved to native 4K/60 frames; PS5 and Xbox Series X/S support native 4K/120 frames.The resolution and frame rate of the PC platform obviously depends on the hardware configuration.
"Pagan + Witcher of Destruction" is now available on Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms (through Steam, GOG and Windows stores). The Steam version is priced at 81.5 yuan, and it also adds the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription service.Players interested in purchasing can view the included FAQ, and some players with earlier versions are eligible for free upgrades.
