Computer Artworks’ 2002 adaptation of the 1982 movie The Thing offered players a ghoulish and gripping third-person shooter experience with some unique mechanics that added depth to the gameplay. One of the standout features was the ability to enlist surviving soldiers as squadmates, but the catch was, could they be trusted or were they actually alien entities waiting to betray you? The game introduced a limited supply of blood tests that players could use to determine the true nature of the people they rescue – adding an element of paranoia and suspense to the gameplay. The fear and trust systems further enhanced the immersive experience, as players had to make tough decisions about who to trust and who to suspect of being an imposter.
While the paranoia-inducing mechanics of the game were innovative for its time, they were not without their flaws. Players found ways to exploit the system, such as deducing that contact with enemies increased the odds of infection and adopting a policy of shooting anyone who had been in their squad for too long. This undermined the effectiveness of the fear and trust systems, as players could game the mechanics to their advantage. However, the potential for a more sophisticated and intelligent remake to capitalize on these concepts was evident.
Nightdive Studios has recently announced a remaster of The Thing, set to be released later this year. The remaster promises a faithful restoration of the cult-classic 2002 survival horror shooter, inspired by the 1982 film directed by John Carpenter. The game has been upgraded using Nightdive’s proprietary KEX Engine, allowing for gameplay on current-generation gaming devices at up to 4K resolution and 120FPS. Visual enhancements, improved character models, textures, and animations, as well as updated lighting and atmospheric effects, promise to bring a new level of detail and suspense to the game. While the remaster retains the essence of the original game, it also introduces modern improvements to ensure a thrilling experience for both new and returning players.
Nightdive Studios has a history of successfully reviving and remastering classic games using their Kex Engine technology. Titles like Dark Forces, Doom 64, Quake II, and the enhanced edition of System Shock have all received the Nightdive treatment, breathing new life into these iconic games for modern audiences. Despite the announcement of a remaster for The Thing rather than a full remake, fans of the original game are still eager to revisit the chilling atmosphere and intense gameplay that made it a cult classic. The remaster offers an opportunity to introduce a new generation of gamers to the thrill of facing off against shape-shifting alien monsters in a frozen wasteland.
The Thing: Remastered promises to deliver a horrifying and immersive survival horror experience that pays homage to the original while introducing modern improvements. With Nightdive Studios at the helm, players can expect a visually stunning and suspenseful journey into the heart of John Carpenter’s iconic horror world. Get ready to uncover the truth behind the chilling mystery of The Thing in this remastered version that is sure to leave players on the edge of their seats.
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