Originally released in 2011, Shadows of the Damned made a name for itself as a personality-heavy, action-packed adventure set against the backdrop of a hellish underworld. With a unique mix of crude humor, creative gameplay mechanics, and contributions from renowned developers like Goichi Suda and Shinji Mikami, the game quickly became a cult favorite. Now, Netease is bringing it back in Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered – a chance for both newcomers and those who can played the original to experience its wild ride all over again, with plenty of polish for modern audiences. We took a closer look during Gamescom.
What We Know
At its core, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered is an action-packed third-person shooter that sees players step back into the shoes of Garcia Hotspur, a demon hunter on a quest to rescue his girlfriend Paula from the clutches of Fleming, the Lord of the Underworld. With the help of his sidekick Johnson, a wisecracking skull who can transform into various weapons, Garcia must navigate a twisted version of hell while using the power of light to defeat demons who thrive in darkness.
The remaster brings the original’s cult status back to life, boasting updated graphics with high-resolution textures and new lighting effects. In addition, the remaster introduces four new costumes, a new game plus mode, and various visual enhancements to the environments. As such, players will get to experience all the wild, over-the-top action that made the game a cult hit, but with a modern layer of polish. The game is slated for release on PC and major console platforms, breathing new life into a decade-old title without losing its original charm.
What We Saw
We met with Netease during Gamescom, where we got hands-on time with an advanced PC build of the game. During our playthrough of an early section, we were able to see just how much visual polish has been added. The remaster’s improved textures and lighting make the game’s underworld feel more detailed and atmospheric than ever before, while still staying true to the original’s distinct art style.
What We Thought
Right off the bat, the remastered visuals of Shadows of the Damned stood out as a clear upgrade. From the twisted landscapes to the grotesque demons Garcia encounters, the enhanced textures and lighting give the game a fresh, modern feel. What’s also stands out is that despite the visual improvements, the game doesn’t lose its unique style. The dark humor, offbeat narrative, and eccentric characters still feel as fresh as they did over a decade ago, proving that the attitude and personality of Shadows of the Damned are timeless.
Gameplay-wise, the core mechanics remain mostly unchanged, which is a good thing for fans of the original. Using light and darkness to manipulate your enemies is still as satisfying as ever, and Johnson’s ability to transform into different weapons keeps combat engaging and varied. That being said, the control scheme does feel slightly dated at times, especially when compared to more recent third-person shooters. However, this is a minor complaint in an otherwise smooth experience. The addition of new costumes and a new game plus mode adds a nice touch for replayability, giving players an incentive to revisit Garcia’s journey with fresh flair. And while there isn’t a wealth of new content, the quality-of-life improvements and visual enhancements make up for it, especially for those who haven’t experienced the original.
One of the standout features of Shadows of the Damned has always been its distinctive blend of humor, horror, and action, and this remaster doesn’t lose any of that charm. Garcia Hotspur’s irreverent personality and the witty banter with Johnson still make for a memorable duo, and their dynamic adds a layer of fun to the otherwise dark and gory setting. It’s also worth mentioning that the audio design, from the eerie soundtrack to the impactful weapon sounds, holds up remarkably well. The remastered visuals might be the star of the show, but the game’s attitude remains its beating heart.
In conclusion, Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered manages to stay true to its cult-classic roots while offering a visually impressive update for modern platforms. It’s looking to be a must-play for fans of the original and an enticing opportunity for newcomers to dive into one of the quirkiest action games out there. The blend of twisted humor, inventive gameplay, and stylish visuals ensures that this remaster is one to look forward to.
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