Hella Remastered revives a cult classic

Original The shadow of the damned is a true cult classic. It combines Suda51’s eccentric style with Shinji Mikami’s tight, horror-centric game design. Released in 2011, the game mixes humor, horror, and a bizarre, grindhouse-inspired aesthetic. With Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered I was worried the game would age, but after watching it again, I think it will be more special than ever in 2024.

Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered follows demon hunter Garcia Hotspur as he journeys into the underworld to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend from the clutches of Fleming, the lord of demons. At his side is his witty, shapeshifting companion Johnson, a talking skull that serves as his weapon of choice. The game’s irreverent tone, surreal atmosphere, and intense action quickly won over a niche but dedicated audience, myself included.

When it first launched, the vision of Suda51’s unique storytelling combined with Mikami’s mastery of third-person shooting was astonishing. It’s an exciting combination of two creative powerhouses that leaves a lasting impression on those who experience it. But over time, the game has slowly fallen out of public consciousness, becoming one of those hidden gems that gamers will mention when talking about underrated classics.

Technically, my tempered expectations of what to expect from Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered was met. The remaster looks and runs well, at least on PC, where I encountered no major performance issues. The frame rate remains steady at 60 FPS throughout, ensuring smooth gameplay. It really adds to a game like this. Even if you can’t notice smoother frames, you’ll still feel it when shooting.

However, there is one strange thing regarding the PC port. That is, there are no graphics options to adjust. You can’t even change the resolution manually, which is very strange in this day and age. The game seems to automatically match the screen resolution and it works great on my 1440p monitor. However, for players with unique setups like ultra-wide monitors, the lack of customization can become an issue.

Visually, the character models have been upgraded, although they weren’t exactly advanced even in the original version. However, the game’s dark, surreal art direction tends to add a certain opacity to the visuals. This stylistic choice creates a moody, dreamy atmosphere but it can sometimes go against the sharper textures of the remaster. Despite this, the atmosphere remains intact, the game still retains its gritty and surreal appeal. Plus, the addition of new outfits is a nice touch, adding a bit of flair for returning players.

One of the most welcomed aspects of this remaster is its price. Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered priced lower than most new games. This makes it easier to recommend for newcomers as well as longtime fans. It’s a good approach that respects the fact that at its core, this is an update to a hit game rather than an official remake.

But the question remains, how good The shadow of the damned keep below updated visuals and smoother performance? The game definitely feels closer to the original Demons hide 4. Over-the-shoulder combat mechanics involve precise targeting and strategic use of Johnson’s various weapon forms. It’s still a solid experience, but certain aspects—like the controls and camera—might be a bit clunky in 2024. Those familiar with modern third-person shooters may find movement is a bit stiff. However, it is much more useful, especially if you remember the games of this era.

There is a certain charm in the simplicity of Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered stands out, especially in this day and age of vast worlds and complex systems. The game’s environments are compact and tight, creating a more focused and direct experience. The upgrade system is simple, providing just enough customization without overwhelming the player.

While you won’t find complex puzzles like in some of Shinji Mikami’s other projects, the emphasis here is on action with a few clever twists. This streamlined approach fits Suda 51’s unusual style, allowing the bizarre world and story to take center stage. It’s a refreshing reminder of an era when games weren’t always about maximalism. Instead there is a more concise and focused vision.

Not yet, The shadow of the damnedIts real strengths lie in its story, dialogue, and aesthetics. The offbeat humor and imaginative overworld setting are as entertaining as ever, giving the game a unique personality that stands out even today. Garcia Hotspur and Johnson are a duo that brings a lot of personality to the table Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered. The story isn’t particularly deep or layered, but it embraces its absurdity, delivering a wild, over-the-top adventure filled with humor and innuendo.

Johnson’s versatility as both guide and weapon, coupled with Garcia’s brash, unapologetic attitude, create a dynamic that’s both interesting and unusual. If you’re familiar with Suda 51’s work, you’ll immediately recognize the blend of irreverent dialogue and surreal charm that makes up their interactions. This is a game that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a wild ride that embraces its strangeness. Delivering a combination of thrilling horror and dark comedy rarely seen in games. If this remake gives new audiences the chance to experience Garcia Hotspur’s journey in 2024, then it has more than accomplished its mission. Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered is a welcome return for a cult classic that deserves another moment in the spotlight.

Shadow of the Damned: Hella Remastered will release on October 31, 2024, for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Nintendo Switch.