### The 90s Called, They Want Their Graphics Back: Heretic + Hexen on Nintendo Switch
Ah, the 90s—a time of boy bands, questionable fashion choices, and the birth of first-person shooters that looked like they were rendered on a microwave. Enter *Heretic* and *Hexen*, two classics from the golden era of gaming, now resurrected on the Nintendo Switch. But hold on to your nostalgia hats because this “revival” may not be as glorious as you remember.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to squint at your screen while battling pixelated demons that look like they were drawn by a caffeinated toddler, this is the game for you. But hey, it’s not all bad. Let’s dive into this “epic” re-release with the enthusiasm of someone who just found out their favorite band is now doing reunion tours at county fairs.
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### What Are Heretic and Hexen? A Quick Refresher
For those who didn’t spend their formative years glued to a CRT monitor, *Heretic* and *Hexen* were groundbreaking first-person shooters developed by Raven Software in the mid-90s. These games were essentially Doom’s goth cousins, trading space marines and chainsaws for wizards, magical staffs, and some truly questionable level design.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
– **Heretic**: You play as Corvus, a dude with a magical staff and a serious grudge against some demons.
– **Hexen**: A spiritual sequel to *Heretic*, this game lets you choose between three classes: Fighter, Cleric, or Mage. Spoiler alert: none of them can make these levels less confusing.
Both games were lauded for their atmospheric visuals and innovative gameplay back in the day. But does that innovation hold up in 2023? Spoiler: Not really.
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### Gameplay: Nostalgia Overload or Frustration Simulator?
Let’s talk gameplay. The core mechanics of *Heretic* and *Hexen* remain intact. You’ll run, shoot, collect keys, and get lost in labyrinthine maps that make IKEA look like a straight line. While this might sound like a blast of retro fun, the reality is more complicated.
#### What Works:
– **Atmosphere**: The dark, gothic vibes are still intact, and the music will transport you straight back to 1994.
– **Combat**: Simple, fast-paced, and satisfying—if you can ignore the fact that enemies look like they were ripped from a bad 90s cartoon.
#### What Doesn’t:
– **Graphics**: Calling them “dated” is like calling the Titanic “a boating mishap.” Sure, it’s retro, but there’s a fine line between charmingly old-school and just plain ugly.
– **Level Design**: Good luck finding your way through these convoluted mazes without a walkthrough. And by “good luck,” I mean you’ll probably quit in frustration.
Pro tip: Keep Google handy because you’ll be searching for “Heretic Hexen level 3 walkthrough” within 20 minutes.
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### The Nintendo Switch Experience: Portable Pain
One of the big selling points of this re-release is the ability to play *Heretic* and *Hexen* on the go. Because nothing says “fun” like getting motion sickness on a crowded subway while trying to decipher pixelated hieroglyphics.
#### Pros:
– **Portability**: Play anywhere! (But why would you?)
– **Controls**: The Joy-Cons handle surprisingly well, proving that even bad games can be playable with good hardware.
#### Cons:
– **Graphics on the Switch Screen**: If you thought these games looked rough on a 1990s PC, wait until you see them on a modern HD screen. It’s like blowing up a Polaroid picture and calling it “art.”
– **Price**: At $10 a pop, it’s hard not to feel like this is less of a tribute to classic gaming and more of a cash grab. For reference, you can grab actual classics like *DOOM* or *Quake* for similar prices, and those come with modern enhancements.
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### Pros & Cons
**Pros:**
– Nostalgic vibes for hardcore fans.
– Fast-paced, straightforward combat.
– Portable gameplay on the Switch.
**Cons:**
– Outdated graphics that don’t translate well to modern screens.
– Frustrating level design that feels more like a chore than a challenge.
– Pricey for what you’re getting.
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### Should You Buy It? The Final Verdict
If you’re a die-hard fan of *Heretic* and *Hexen*, this re-release might be a fun trip down memory lane—assuming you can look past its flaws. For everyone else, this feels less like a lovingly crafted remaster and more like a quick cash-in on nostalgia.
Instead, consider checking out modernized retro shooters like *Dusk* or *Ion Fury*. They capture the spirit of the 90s while actually being fun to play in 2023.
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### Where to Go From Here
Curious about other retro games that actually hold up? Check out our review of Quake for Nintendo Switch. Or, if you’re ready to move on from 90s shooters altogether, take a look at our guide to the best modern indie games.
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### Call to Action
What’s your favorite retro game? Let us know in the comments below! And if you’re feeling brave, pick up *Heretic + Hexen* on the Nintendo Switch and tell us if you survived the pixelated chaos. Don’t forget to share this article with your fellow gamers who need a laugh—or a warning.
