Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered review

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As a passionate gamer, I’ve always been captivated by the unique and eccentric creations of Suda 51. Unlike other big-name game directors who excite us with their upcoming projects, Suda stands out for his offbeat and imaginative games. From the No More Heroes series to Killer7, under Grasshopper Interactive’s wing, Suda has crafted a diverse collection of oddball games that are hard to categorize.

In this intense, fiery battle, our protagonist is Garcia Hotspur – a Mexican demon tracker known for his over-the-top tough guy persona. When his cherished girlfriend gets abducted by a demon, he embarks on a relentless pursuit to the underworld in an attempt to rescue her. However, the path is fraught with vicious monsters, making this quest far from effortless. Fortunately for him, his friend and trusted companion, Gun Johnson, accompanies him to provide firepower against adversaries and deliver some humorous, phallic-themed quips – because what’s an action game without a dash of humor?

Returning to a game such as Shadows of the Damned can be quite striking due to its undeniably 2011 essence. It’s a third-person linear action game that lasts roughly 10 to 12 hours, offering enjoyable sequences and abruptly ending at an unexpected moment when you crave more gameplay. The experience feels strangely out of time, more foreign than it should be, but it certainly provides an entertaining ride (intentionally punny, Suda would approve).

In essence, Shadows of the Damned functions as a third-person shooter game, featuring three unique weapons inspired by bones. One of these is the Bone Pistol, which discharges bones, followed by The Teether, a machine gun that expels teeth, and lastly, the Monocussioner, a shotgun that launches a colossal skull. Engaging with enemies using these weapons adds an engaging twist to gameplay. Since you’re only provided with three of them and have limited ammunition for each, it pushes players to develop a deeper understanding of their capabilities.

Progressing through the underworld, you’ll encounter unique demon gems which can enhance your firearms. These gems boost various attributes of your weapons, making them more effective in combat. The upgrade system isn’t overly complicated, but it does encourage thorough exploration as it provides noticeable improvements when battling foes or colossal bosses. In simpler terms, you get stronger by finding these gems and using them to improve your guns.

A key aspect in the gameplay of Shadows of the Damned Hella Remastered revolves around darkness and light. Initially, you’re given a power to shock enemies with light. However, as the game progresses, you’ll encounter areas shrouded in perpetual darkness that slowly harms you. To neutralize this harmful environment, you need to locate a goat head and illuminate it with light. In some instances, this task may appear simple, but in practice, it can prove more challenging than expected.

Although blasting monsters and discovering animal skulls that baa might offer initial excitement, it could grow repetitive over time. Fortunately, Shadows of the Damned ensures this isn’t an issue, as it thrives on diversity. You can always expect a unique and often delightful surprise when turning a corner, with some set pieces being straightforward yet engaging, while others are downright outrageous. My primary recollection of Shadows of the Damned prior to revisiting it for this review was using an oversized weapon against colossal foes as Garcia exclaims “taste my big boner”. Despite the passage of time and maturing, it remains just as entertaining.

Regrettably, Shadows of the Damned Hella Remastered doesn’t stand out as one of the best remasters we’ve come across lately. While it does boast an enhanced appearance compared to its 2011 version (and includes a new game plus mode), there are some areas that could have used more refinement, such as the somewhat blurry textures and questionable character models that suggest the game is starting to show its age. Additionally, some of the game’s crude elements may seem a bit outdated in today’s context, like the recurring appearance of your damsel in distress in less clothing. The overall experience can feel like a peculiar adolescent boy’s fantasy, which, oddly enough, has an appeal that occasionally leaves one feeling in need of a good cleaning.

Modern gaming landscape rarely offers titles reminiscent of Shadows of the Damned: Hella Remastered; thus, playing it feels surprisingly unique. While some may balk at its reliance on crude humor and scantily dressed characters, as an action-packed shooter, it’s incredibly enjoyable with a wide range of gameplay.

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2024-11-14 12:47