Play Heretic Online

Heretic is a first-person shooter released in 1994 for MS-DOS. Developed by Raven Software and published by id Software, the game adapts the core technology of Doom into a dark fantasy setting. It is the initial entry in what would become the Heretic and Hexen series.

The player controls one of the last Sidhe elves, tasked with confronting the Serpent Rider D'Sparil. The game is structured into three episodes, which can be played in any order, with each episode containing nine levels including a secret one. Progression involves navigating labyrinthine environments, locating colored keys to unlock doors, and defeating all hostile creatures to find the exit. The player encounters a variety of enemies such as gargoyles, golems, undead knights, and sorcerers, which often appear in multiple forms with different attack methods.

Combat utilizes a diverse arsenal of magical weapons. Starting with a simple staff, the player can find more powerful arms like the Ethereal Crossbow, the rapid-firing Dragon's Claw, and the explosive Phoenix Rod. The game expands on its technical foundation with added mechanics, including the ability to look and aim vertically, and environmental effects like wind currents that affect movement. An inventory system allows the collection and strategic use of items such as health flasks, temporary invincibility, and the Morph Ovum, which turns enemies into harmless chickens. Certain artifacts, like the Tome of Power, provide temporary upgrades to all weapons, altering their projectile behavior and damage output.