Heretic + Hexen: The Ultimate Serpent Rider Saga
Heretic and Hexen are two seminal first-person shooters that defined the fantasy subgenre of the mid-90s, built on an enhanced version of the legendary DOOM engine. Players take on the role of heroes fighting the malevolent Serpent Riders across dark, imaginative realms, blending fast-paced shooting with magical inventory management.
Category
Action, First-person shooter, Role-playing, Adventure, Fantasy
About
Heretic and Hexen are two seminal first-person shooters that defined the fantasy subgenre of the mid-90s, built on an enhanced version of the legendary DOOM engine. Players take on the role of heroes fighting the malevolent Serpent Riders across dark, imaginative realms, blending fast-paced shooting with magical inventory management.
In Heretic (1994), you embody Corvus, the last of the Sidhe elves, seeking vengeance against D'Sparil, the first of the Serpent Riders, who has ravaged the world of Parthoris. Hexen: Beyond Heretic (1995) introduces a groundbreaking class-based system, allowing you to choose between the swift Warrior, the versatile Cleric, or the powerful Mage to combat the second Serpent Rider, Korax. Hexen is particularly noted for its complex, interconnected hub-world levels—a major advancement over the linear design of contemporary shooters. Both titles offer a unique magical arsenal, destructive artifacts like the Tome of Power, and a deep, dark fantasy atmosphere.
Features
- Includes two revolutionary classic FPS titles developed by Raven Software: Heretic and Hexen.
- Engaging dark fantasy setting where magic and artifacts replace traditional weaponry.
- Hexen features three distinct playable classes (Warrior, Cleric, Mage), each with unique weapons, spells, and playstyles.
- Innovative non-linear hub system in Hexen, requiring players to solve environmental puzzles to progress.
- Enhanced id Tech 1 engine providing features like full screen panning, vertical look, and an interactive inventory system (holding up to 8 magical artifacts).
- Includes all original expansions and content: Shadow of the Serpent Riders (Heretic) and Deathkings of the Dark Citadel (Hexen).
Ratings
User Reviews
- A true classic! Hexen's hub levels still hold up as some of the best map design in FPS history. Essential 90s gaming.
- Heretic is the perfect dark fantasy counterpart to Doom. The combat is fast and the artifacts are incredibly fun to use, especially the Tome of Power.
- Playing as the Cleric in Hexen always felt the most balanced, bridging melee power with devastating magical attacks. Timeless action.
- The atmosphere in both games is impeccable. Raven Software truly mastered the dark fantasy tone and integrated it seamlessly into the shooter mechanics.
- If you missed these titles the first time, this bundle is the best way to experience classic, challenging FPS gameplay with deep lore.