Nightdive Studios is a leader in the crucial effort to preserve classic, often overlooked, or previously inaccessible first-person shooters. Many older games struggle with proper preservation due to various challenges, including complex licensing disputes, the loss of original assets, outdated technological limitations, and simply falling into obscurity. However, studios like Nightdive are actively proving that no game is beyond revival. In recent years, Nightdive has successfully restored and re-released modern versions of beloved titles such as System Shock 2, Star Wars: Dark Forces, and Turok, making them available to contemporary audiences. Even more impressive is the studio`s deep commitment to incorporating a wide array of accessibility options, ensuring these games are more playable and welcoming than ever before.
Nightdive`s latest re-releases, Heretic and Hexen, exemplify this approach. Originally launched in 1994 and developed by Raven Software, Heretic was among the many “Doom clones” of its time. Instead of a space marine battling the hordes of Hell, players embodied a spellcaster named Corvus, navigating a dark fantasy world laid to ruin by the Serpent Riders. Heretic stood out for its more interactive environments compared to Doom and notably allowed players to look up and down – a rare feature in shooters of that era. A year later, Raven Software released Hexen: Beyond Heretic, a spiritual successor that allowed players to choose one of three protagonists as they set out to defeat the second of the Serpent Riders. Like its predecessor, Hexen was distinctive for its unique features, such as a darker fantasy setting and a central hub that connected all the game`s levels.
While these games garnered devoted followings, neither achieved the widespread popularity of titles like Doom and Quake, eventually fading into obscurity. For a long time, it seemed these games would never receive their proper due. That all changed dramatically at a recent QuakeCon, where Microsoft and Nightdive announced a remastered collection featuring both games – complete with numerous accessibility options and enhancements – was now available. According to Nightdive founder and CEO Stephen Kick, the focus on accessibility in Heretic and Hexen is not merely a passive effect of remaking the games, but an intentional choice reflecting the studio`s broader priorities.
`Accessibility is a `key part` of our mission at Nightdive. When we remaster a classic game, we’re not just making it look better–we’re making sure it can be played and enjoyed by as many people as possible, regardless of their hardware, preferences, or physical limitations,” Kick said.
One of the main new features of Nightdive’s Heretic and Hexen remaster is the inclusion of a comprehensive map and waypoint system. The original releases were famously labyrinthine in design, and the lack of navigational tools often turned exploration into a frustrating slog. As such, Nightdive`s Director of Business Development, Larry Kuperman, confirmed that a map was “the feature most requested by fans,” and it was the most praised addition at QuakeCon.
“We knew that Hexen and Heretic could be frustrating to new players not accustomed to this style of gameplay so we implemented a pseudo-waypoint system that marked important objectives on the map,” Kick added. “It doesn’t show you how to get there, but it does give you an idea of where you need to explore which is an extremely helpful feature.”
In addition to the new waypoint feature, Nightdive also included its signature visual and controller options, such as customizable controller and keyboard bindings, various visual filters, and anti-aliasing. These features allow players to tailor the entire experience to their liking. It can be played as a hardcore challenge, mirroring the original release, or made more accessible – the freedom of choice is entirely in the player’s hands.
“We have always treated the games that we work on with respect and aim to respect the original developers. We know that they did all they could given the software and hardware limitations of the times,” Kupperman added. “We see ourselves as helping to fulfill the original vision using today’s tools.”
The Heretic and Hexen collection stands as a prime example of Nightdive successfully achieving its goals. While the games are significantly more playable due to the gameplay and visual enhancements, their original intent is still vividly present. At its core, the remaster is undeniably Heretic and Hexen, simply reimagined and made available to a modern gaming audience. The intricate level layouts remain faithful, the frantic gameplay is as exhilarating as ever, and the distinct atmosphere lives on in Nightdive’s meticulous retooling.
Nightdive promises to maintain its focus on accessibility for future titles as well, though the team candidly admits there are areas where they can still improve. “One area I think we could do better is to include options for colorblind players,” Kick acknowledged.
According to Kick, the studio’s ongoing commitment is to strive for greater accessibility, driven by the desire to bring cherished and forgotten titles to the widest possible audience on modern hardware. A compelling example of this, alongside Heretic and Hexen, is the studio’s recent System Shock remake and System Shock 2 remaster. While the former is a complete, ground-up remake and the latter is an update for current modern hardware, both feature a wealth of options to fine-tune the player experience, from puzzle difficulty to combat assists. These games, once deemed inaccessible (System Shock in particular was often described as playing an operating system), are now available for anyone to enjoy without the frustrations of the past.
While video game preservation will always remain an important and critical topic in gaming, constantly needing more support, Nightdive is truly leading the charge. They are not only helping games escape obscurity but also making them genuinely more enjoyable to play. In an era where more and more games are at risk of vanishing due to inadequate preservation, the Heretic and Hexen remasters shine as a glimmer of hope for the future of our industry.