Reviving a Classic: The Thing Remastered Returns from the Antarctic Depths
The chilling winds of the Antarctic sweep across the gaming landscape once more as Nightdive Studios exhumes a forgotten gem from the icy depths of gaming history: The Thing, a 2002 survival horror shooter based on the iconic 1982 film. Resurrected as The Thing Remastered, this enhanced version promises a modern revival for the sixth-generation classic, boasting improved visuals, a blistering framerate, and quality-of-life updates designed to appeal to both nostalgic veterans and a new generation of players. The remaster emerges on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Steam, PlayStation, Xbox, and GOG, inviting players to brave the frozen horrors for a price of $29.99.
A Blast from the Past, Polished for the Present
The Thing Remastered takes the core gameplay of its predecessor and infuses it with modern enhancements. The most striking improvement is the dramatic increase in framerate, targeting a smooth 120 FPS. While the visuals retain the unmistakable aesthetic of a game from the early 2000s, the updated lighting, shadows, environments, and textures provide a welcome facelift. This blend of classic design and contemporary polish creates a unique experience, offering a taste of nostalgia without sacrificing modern playability. The enhanced performance and visuals allow the game’s unsettling atmosphere and grotesque creature designs to truly shine.
Navigating the Antarctic Nightmare: Gameplay and Design
At its core, The Thing Remastered is a squad-based survival horror shooter set in the desolate Antarctic landscape. Players manage a team, providing them with weapons, ammunition, health, and the occasional adrenaline shot to stave off the creeping madness induced by the grotesque horrors they encounter. The gameplay loop involves navigating a series of claustrophobic environments, punctuated by open areas that can sometimes feel disorienting due to the game’s dated level design. While objective markers and glowing blue lights offer some guidance, the game can often feel obtuse, reminding players of the strides made in modern game design over the past two decades.
Squad Dynamics and Narrative Shortcomings
Managing your squad is a crucial element of The Thing Remastered. However, teammates aren’t particularly helpful in combat or healing, serving more as vulnerable dependents requiring constant attention. This can sometimes feel more like a management simulator than a true squad-based experience. The narrative, unfortunately, doesn’t fare much better. The story feels disjointed and difficult to follow, leaving players wondering if it’s a consequence of not having seen the movie or simply a result of weak writing. The voice acting, reminiscent of poor Duke Nukem impersonations, further detracts from the narrative experience.
Technical Hiccups in a Frozen Wasteland
While the nostalgic jank of the original game adds a certain charm, The Thing Remastered suffers from some technical issues that mar the experience. These include instances of getting stuck while crouching, disappearing textures in the weapon and item wheels, and a particularly frustrating bug that caused all lighting in a level to vanish, forcing a console reboot. Such glitches detract from the immersion and highlight the challenges of remastering older titles. While Nightdive’s efforts are commendable, these bugs underscore the need for further polishing to ensure a smoother gameplay experience.
A Retro Throwback with Modern Sensibilities: Is It Worth the Plunge?
Despite its flaws, The Thing Remastered offers a unique and entertaining experience for those seeking a taste of retro survival horror. Its dated design and technical issues aside, the game provides a refreshing alternative to the bloated AAA experiences that dominate the modern gaming landscape. The fast-paced action, unsettling atmosphere, and grotesque creature designs create a thrilling and often disturbing experience. Coupled with the enhanced performance and visuals, The Thing Remastered provides a compelling argument for revisiting this forgotten classic. While not without its faults, the game’s blend of retro charm and modern enhancements makes it a worthwhile addition to the library of any horror aficionado or fan of classic gaming. The inclusion of bonus content, such as artwork and concept sketches, adds value for those interested in the game’s development history, although more in-depth behind-the-scenes material would have been a welcome addition. Overall, The Thing Remastered is a flawed but ultimately enjoyable experience that offers a glimpse into the past while embracing the possibilities of the present.
