Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster for Nintendo Switch

A revival of an iconic game

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is an action RPG that not only aims to revive the nostalgia of Star Wars games but also catapult it into the modern era with a host of exciting upgrades. Developed by Nightdive Studios, this first-person shooter was originally launched for MS-DOS in 1995. 

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is centered around the hero, Kyle Katarn, who was once loyal to the Galactic Empire but now works as a mercenary. Katarn aligns himself with the covert operations sector of the Rebel Alliance, executing secret missions, where he uncovers the cloak-and-dagger Dark Trooper Project.

Nostalgic classic reborn

Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster treats players to a stunning 4k resolution rendered in Kex Engine, allowing for a level of detail and immersion unimaginable in the original version. It also boasts a higher frame rate of 120 frames per second, which not only enhances fluidity in the gameplay but also provides a significant advantage in fast-paced combat situations throughout the game. The artwork gets a modern overhaul, but you can still switch to the original when you’re feeling nostalgic. 

In addition to the visual and performance upgrades, the game introduces improved lighting and rendering techniques. From the flickering of lightsaber blades to the glow of blaster fire, every aspect of the game's visuals has been meticulously enhanced. The controls have been fine-tuned to feel more responsive and intuitive, allowing you to effortlessly navigate the game's intricate environments and engage in thrilling combat sequences.

More than a facelift

Fans of the Star Wars franchise agree that Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is a long time coming, considering how the first release of the Star Wars: Jedi Knight series has set the stage for the development of modern FPS. With Nightdive Studios at the helm, longtime players and newcomers can expect a high-caliber upgrade in the vein of Quake II and Turok 3: Shadow of Oblivion Remastered.

While the core mechanics remain largely unchanged, subtle tweaks and refinements have been made, such as the addition of 10 new weapons, 20 types of enemies, and more complex puzzles into the gameplay. Nevertheless, the gameplay loop where you run around shooting Stormtroopers can be a bit tedious and restricting. Moreover, this remastered version now offers compatibility with a range of gaming platforms, enabling seamless cross-play.

Nostalgia meets technological triumphs

In conclusion, Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster is a testament to the power of technological advancements. It appeals not only to the nostalgia of longtime fans but also to a new generation of players. With its upgraded graphics quality, enriched gameplay mechanics, and support for various gaming platforms, this remastered iteration manages to revitalize the classic FPS game despite some flaws in the gameplay.