Nightdive Studios consistently leads the charge in revitalizing classic, often overlooked, shooters. In an industry where many older titles face the risk of being lost to time due to licensing issues, lost assets, or technological obsolescence, Nightdive actively demonstrates that virtually no game is beyond rescue. Their recent work on titles like System Shock 2, Star Wars: Dark Forces, and Turok has successfully introduced these beloved classics to a new generation. What truly sets them apart is their dedication to incorporating extensive accessibility options, making these games more playable and inclusive than ever before.
A New Lease on Life for Cult Classics
The studio`s latest endeavors, the remasters of *Heretic* and *Hexen*, perfectly illustrate this commitment. Originally released in 1994 by Raven Software, *Heretic* emerged during an era dominated by “Doom Clones.” Diverging from the typical space marine vs. demons narrative, players assumed the role of Corvus, a spellcaster navigating a dark fantasy realm ravaged by the Serpent Riders. *Heretic* distinguished itself with more interactive environments and the then-rare ability to look up and down. The following year, Raven Software launched *Hexen: Beyond Heretic*, a narrative sequel where players chose from three protagonists to confront the second Serpent Rider. *Hexen* further innovated with its darker fantasy aesthetic and a unique central hub connecting its diverse levels.
Despite their dedicated fan bases, neither *Heretic* nor *Hexen* achieved the widespread fame of contemporaries like *Doom* or *Quake*, gradually fading into obscurity. For many years, it seemed these pioneering titles might never receive the recognition they deserved. However, this changed dramatically at a recent QuakeCon, where Microsoft and Nightdive unveiled a remastered collection of both games, complete with numerous accessibility features and enhancements. Stephen Kick, Nightdive`s founder and CEO, emphasized that the focus on accessibility in the *Heretic* and *Hexen* remasters isn`t a byproduct but a deliberate choice, reflecting the studio`s core mission.
“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 stated.
Enhancing Playability: Maps, Waypoints, and Customization
A significant new addition to the *Heretic* and *Hexen* remasters is a comprehensive map and waypoint system. The original games were known for their labyrinthine level designs, and the absence of effective navigation tools often made progression frustrating. Larry Kuperman, Nightdive`s director of business development, confirmed that a map was “the feature most requested by fans” and garnered the most praise 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 explained. “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.”
Beyond navigation, Nightdive integrated its signature visual and controller customization options. These include remappable controller and keyboard bindings, various visual filters, and anti-aliasing, empowering players to tailor their experience. Whether they prefer the unforgiving challenge of the originals or a more approachable playthrough, the choice rests with the player.
Kupperman further elaborated on their philosophy: “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. We see ourselves as helping to fulfill the original vision using today’s tool[s].”
A Glimmer of Hope for Game Preservation
The *Heretic* and *Hexen* remasters stand as compelling evidence of Nightdive`s success in achieving its goals. While the games are significantly more playable thanks to gameplay and visual updates, their original essence remains intact. At their core, these are still *Heretic* and *Hexen*, meticulously re-engineered for a modern gaming audience. The level designs persist, the gameplay remains as intense as ever, and Nightdive`s retooling expertly preserves the distinctive atmosphere.
Nightdive pledges to continue prioritizing accessibility in its future projects, though the team acknowledges room for improvement. “One area I think we could do better is to include options for colorblind players,” Kick admitted.
According to Kick, the studio will relentlessly pursue greater accessibility to ensure beloved, forgotten titles reach the broadest possible audience on contemporary hardware. Beyond *Heretic* and *Hexen*, the studio’s recent System Shock remake and System Shock 2 remaster are prime examples. While the former is a complete overhaul and the latter an update for modern systems, both offer extensive options to fine-tune the player experience, from puzzle difficulty to combat assists. Games once deemed notoriously inaccessible (especially System Shock, often compared to operating system management) are now enjoyable for anyone, free from past frustrations.
While video game preservation remains a critical and perpetually under-supported issue, Nightdive Studios is at the forefront. They not only rescue games from obscurity but also enhance their playability. In an era where a growing number of games risk being lost due to inadequate preservation, the *Heretic* and *Hexen* remasters offer a beacon of hope for the future of the gaming industry.