Heretic + Hexen similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both are violent Combat involves melee and ranged attacks against fantasy enemies, with satisfying destruction and gore effects.
• Both are about exploring The game features large, interconnected hub worlds with many secrets and hidden puzzles, encouraging extensive exploration.
• Both lean into fantasy The game is set in a dark fantasy world with mythical creatures, magic, and apocalyptic themes, fully embracing imaginative fiction.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central, with over-the-top gibs and explosive weapons.
• Both are seen as worth the money Includes extensive content, expansions, and features providing strong value for time and money.
• Both lean into fantasy The game features imaginative fiction elements like powerups turning players into dogs and magical weapons.
• Same kind of look Screenshots of both games share a very close visual identity (palette, framing, level of detail).

Why it matches

• Both are violent Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central; game features graphic violence, gore, and explosive action.
• Both reward mastery The game is challenging with a high skill ceiling, requiring mastery of weapons, enemy weaknesses, and level navigation; players receive clear feedback on performance.
• Both are about exploring Levels are intricate with many secrets and multiple routes; exploration is a key part of gameplay and player enjoyment.
• Same kind of look Screenshots of both games share a very close visual identity (palette, framing, level of detail).

Why it matches

• Both are violent Core gameplay involves combat, destruction, and graphic violence with over-the-top action.
• Both are about exploring Game encourages discovering secrets, hidden areas, and new maps, including large and detailed levels.
• Both lean into fantasy Strongly imaginative setting with over-the-top characters, sci-fi aliens, and humorous action hero fantasy.

Why it matches

• Both are violent High emphasis on combat, gore, and violent weapon effects.
• Both are about exploring Large, maze-like levels with secrets and backtracking strongly emphasize discovery.
• Both lean into fantasy Set in a fictional prehistoric sci-fi world with dinosaurs, aliens, and fantastical weapons.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Core gameplay involves violent combat, gore, and destruction of demonic enemies.
• Both are seen as worth the money Extensive content, mods, and replayability provide excellent value for price.
• Both are about exploring Levels contain many secrets and hidden areas; exploration is a core gameplay element.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Core gameplay involves combat, destruction, and gore against alien enemies.
• Both are about exploring Nonlinear, interconnected levels with secrets encourage discovery and curiosity-driven play.
• Both are seen as worth the money Remaster and free expansions provide excellent return on investment and replay value.

Why it matches

• Both are violent Enjoyment of combat and destruction is central, with brutal melee and ranged combat against demons and cultists.
• Both are about exploring Core gameplay involves discovering secrets, navigating complex, sprawling maps, and uncovering lore.
• Both are seen as worth the money Players report high value for time and money with extensive content, free sequel update, and replayability.
• Same kind of look Screenshots of both games share a very close visual identity (palette, framing, level of detail).

Why it matches

• Both build a real sense of fellowship Strong community presence with shared interests, collaborative modding, and multiplayer social interaction.
• Both are seen as worth the money Free to play with extensive content and continuous updates, offering excellent return on time investment.
• Both are about exploring Levels are designed for open-ended exploration with multiple routes and hidden exits.