STAR WARS: Dark Forces Remaster

Prepare to immerse yourself in the heart of the Galactic Empire's clandestine operations in Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster. Nightdive Studios brings this iconic 1995 first-person shooter to modern gaming devices, revitalizing the classic with their proprietary KEX engine. Your mission, as part of the Rebel Alliance's covert operations division, is to infiltrate the Empire and thwart their plans for a devastating doomsday army.

Gameplay

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster resurrects the groundbreaking FPS gameplay of the original. As Kyle Katarn, a defector turned Rebel mercenary, players navigate the Star Wars universe through fourteen meticulously remastered levels. The remaster preserves the significant degree of movement and interactivity that set the original apart, offering players the ability to jump, duck, and crawl to solve puzzles and outmanoeuvre enemies.

Engaging first-person ground combat, a diverse arsenal of weapons, and encounters with twenty types of enemies make for an immersive and action-packed experience. This game shares a few similaririties to that of the classic FPS games like Doom and Duke Nukem, but with a Star Wars shader put on it. I really can’t knock it as a huge Star Wars fan, I am desperate for that sweet, sweet representation.

Visuals

Nightdive Studios' KEX engine propels Dark Forces into the modern era with visuals that shine at up to 4K resolution and 120FPS. The remaster introduces high-resolution textures, enhanced lighting, and rendering, breathing new life into Star Wars worlds and capital ships. The advanced 3D rendering not only updates lighting and atmospheric effects but also ensures a seamless blend of nostalgia and contemporary graphics. Whether you're a returning player or new to the galaxy, the visuals are a treat for fans of the original and modern gamers alike.

Story

In the inaugural Star Wars FPS, players step into the boots of Kyle Katarn, a pivotal figure in the Rebel Alliance's covert operations. Tasked with infiltrating the Galactic Empire, Katarn discovers the clandestine Dark Trooper Project, a looming threat to the galaxy's freedom. The narrative unfolds through immersive environmental puzzles and mazes, with your Personal Digital Assistant providing vital information for map navigation, inventory management, and mission briefings. The remaster ensures that the engaging storyline of the original is seamlessly blended with upgraded visuals, enriching the overall narrative experience. If you’ve ever played Star Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy, it gives a pretty similar narrative experience especially with the recurring character of Katarn.

Conclusion

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster successfully marries the cherished elements of the original with the technological advancements of the present.

Pros

• Remastered levels with updated visuals
• Retains the significant degree of movement and interactivity from the original
• Immersive first-person ground combat with diverse enemies
• Advanced 3D rendering and modern gamepad support

Cons

• Potential learning curve for players new to the 1995 FPS mechanics